Lectin histochemistry during in vitro capacitation and acrosome reaction in boar spermatozoa: new lectins for evaluating acrosomal status of boar spermatozoa.
Six peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated lectins have been used to analyze the distribution of carbohydrates in ejaculated boar spermatozoa during in vitro capacitation and acrosome reaction in air-dried preparations. The membranes of boar spermatozoa were positive to WGA and Con-A in the acrosome, middle piece and principal piece. PNA labelled the acrosomal region. DBA, UEA-I and LTA bound weakly or not to the spermatozoa. The lectin labelling pattern did not change during the in vitro capacitation. A diminution in the proportion of spermatozoa with acrosome positive to lectins PNA, WGA and Con-A was observed after coincubation with homologous immature oocytes. A positive correlation existed between the percentages of lectins bound to spermatozoa and the triple stain technique. The results show that peroxidase-conjugated lectins may be useful in determining acrosomal integrity of boar spermatozoa during in vitro capacitation and acrosome reaction.
Vazquez
J M
JM
Department of Animal Pathology, Reproduction and Obstetrics, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Spain.
Martinez
E
E
Pastor
L M
LM
Roca
J
J
Matas
C
C
Calvo
A
A
D000177:Acrosome / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D000818:Animals; D050260:Carbohydrate Metabolism; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D037102:Lectins; D008297:Male; D013075:Sperm Capacitation / Q000502:physiology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013552:Swine
D004396:Coloring Agents; D037102:Lectins