Localization of seminal plasma transforming growth factor-beta1 on human spermatozoa: an immunocytochemical study.
OBJECTIVE
To localize immunocytochemically transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) in human spermatozoa.


METHODS
Incubation of spermatozoa with anti-TGF-beta1 antiserum at various pH.


METHODS
Human volunteers in an academic research institute.


METHODS
Young healthy fertile men.


METHODS
Semen specimens were collected.


RESULTS
At neutral pH and at physiological pH of seminal plasma, TGF-beta1 immunostaining was detected predominantly at the postacrosomal region of the head, at the neck, and at the middle piece of the tail. Transforming growth factor-beta1 also was found occasionally at the axial filament complex of the connecting piece and the ring. The acrosomal cap section of the head, the principal piece, or the end piece of the tail were immunocytochemically negative for TGF-beta1. The TGF-beta1 immunostaining pattern at acidic pH was similar to that at neutral pH and at physiological pH of seminal plasma, but a greater intensity of immunostaining was found at acidic pH than that at neutral pH.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that an in vivo activation of seminal plasma latent TGF-beta1 may take place in the acidic environment of vagina, which results in a greater amount of activated TGF-beta1 and, in turn, with an enhanced "coating" of TGF-beta1 to spermatozoa.
Chu
T M
TM
Roswell Park Cancer Institute, New York State Department of Health, Buffalo, New York, USA.
Nocera
M A
MA
Flanders
K C
KC
Kawinski
E
E
D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000032:analysis*
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta