Expression and localization of acrosin inhibitor in boar reproductive tract
Language English Country Germany Media print-electronic
Document type Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- MeSH
- Acrosome metabolism MeSH
- Bulbourethral Glands metabolism MeSH
- Epididymis metabolism MeSH
- Epithelium metabolism MeSH
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique MeSH
- Trypsin Inhibitor, Kazal Pancreatic biosynthesis MeSH
- Protease Inhibitors metabolism MeSH
- Swine MeSH
- Prostate metabolism MeSH
- Reproduction MeSH
- Seminal Vesicle Secretory Proteins biosynthesis MeSH
- Seminal Vesicles metabolism MeSH
- Semen metabolism MeSH
- Zona Pellucida metabolism MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Male MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Names of Substances
- acrosin inhibitor, porcine MeSH Browser
- Trypsin Inhibitor, Kazal Pancreatic MeSH
- Protease Inhibitors MeSH
- Seminal Vesicle Secretory Proteins MeSH
Proteinases and proteinase inhibitors play key roles in almost all physiological processes. Proteinase inhibitors are present in all tissues and body fluids. They interfere with the activity of proteinases and thus maintain homeostasis. The main role of proteinase inhibitors in the reproductive tract is the inactivation of prematurely released hydrolytic enzymes from damaged spermatozoa and the protection of reproductive tracts and spermatozoa against proteolytic degradation. In the boar reproductive system, acrosin inhibitors are found in seminal plasma and on spermatozoa. The amino acid sequence of seminal plasma and sperm-associated acrosin inhibitors is 90% identical, and their biochemical properties have been completely resolved. However, their origin and localization have not been fully elucidated. Using rabbit polyclonal antibody, we have studied the expression and localization of the seminal plasma acrosin inhibitor in the boar reproductive tract. The antibody recognizes a 12-kDa band in extracts from the cauda epididymidis, seminal vesicles, prostate, and Cowper's glands, and immunofluorescence has revealed the acrosin inhibitor in the epithelium and lumen of these organs. Gene expression of the acrosin inhibitor has been studied by reverse transcription together with the polymerase chain reaction. Acrosin inhibitor mRNA transcript is detectable in the epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, and Cowper's glands. The antibody has localized the acrosin inhibitor on the surface of epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa in the acrosomal region. In extracts from epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa, the specific antibody recognizes acrosin inhibitor at 8 kDa and 12 kDa. The presence of acrosin inhibitor on the sperm surface as a protective molecule for receptors mediating the sperm-zona pellucida binding suggests that it is crucial for the reproductive process.
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