title: Localization of actin in mammalian spermatozoa: a comparison of eight species.
abstract: The distribution of monomeric and polymeric actin in spermatozoa from the bull, boar, rabbit, human, rat, mouse, golden hamster, and guinea pig has been examined by using a monoclonal antiactin antibody and NBD-phallacidin. Actin was present in sperm from each species. When the monoclonal antibody was used, there was a species-specific distribution and intensity of fluorescence, but no generalized pattern. Specific fluorescence was noted in the neck and principal piece of human sperm; in the postacrosomal region, neck, and midpiece of bull and boar sperm; in the postacrosomal region, neck, and principal/equatorial segment border of rabbit sperm; in the neck region of hamster sperm; and in the neck, midpiece, and principal piece of rat, mouse, and guinea pig sperm. Sperm from all eight species displayed no specific fluorescence with NBD-phallacidin, indicating that actin was present in a nonfilamentous form. SDS extracts of sperm were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting; in sperm from each species, a 42-kD protein with specific affinity for the monoclonal antibody was present.
mesh_terms: D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D006224:Cricetinae; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008322:Mammals / Q000378:metabolism*; D008647:Mesocricetus; D051379:Mice; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D013045:Species Specificity; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D000199:Actins