title: Immunohistochemical localization of spermadhesin AWN in the porcine male genital tract.
abstract: Boar spermadhesin (AWN) is a 14-kDa multifunctional protein, attached to the surface of the spermatozoa and involved in sperm capacitation and zona pellucida binding. The cellular origin of AWN was previously unknown. Moreover, the region of the male genital tract in which AWN becomes attached to the surface of spermatozoa was also uncertain. By using monospecific polyclonal antibodies against AWN, the immunohistochemical distribution pattern of AWN epitopes has been investigated in tissue sections of the porcine male genital tract. Our study has revealed that AWN is synthesized in the rete testis and in the epithelium of the seminal vesicles. The latter are also the major contributors of seminal plasma AWN. In addition, immunoblotting analysis has shown that AWN is present on epididymal spermatozoa. Our results indicate that the cellular origin of spermadhesins is species-specific. The attachment of AWN to epididymal spermatozoa is probably important in developing the capacity for fertilization.
authors.affiliation: Lehrstuhl für Tieranatomie II, Universität München, Veterinärstrasse 13, D-80539 München, Germany.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sinowatz
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Amselgruber
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Töpfer-Petersen
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Calvete
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sanz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Plendl
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000737:chemistry*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D029589:Seminal Plasma Proteins; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D002352:Carrier Proteins; D029589:Seminal Plasma Proteins; C425042:spermadhesin