EGF receptor-like determinants on human spermatozoa and their possible cytoskeletal association.
The study was focused on the localization of human sperm epidermal growth factor receptor and its resistance to Triton X-100 extraction, indicating possible cytoskeletal association. Human spermatozoa were subjected to immunofluorescence and pre-embedding immunoelectron microscopy using anti-EGF receptor monoclonal antibody as a probe. In detergent-untreated cells, the entire head was stained with intensity declining towards the acrosomal tip. Triton-extracted spermatozoa were stained predominantly in the equatorial segment region. Electron microscopy performed after extraction revealed that the label was also present in the equatorial segment and localized to electron-dense material overlying the acrosomal remnants. This Triton-resistant staining could imply cytoskeletal association of the EGF receptor in the equatorial segment, with possible importance in fertilization.
Markova
M D
MD
Department of Biology, Medical Faculty, Sofia, Bulgaria. mmarkova@ns.med-fac.acad.bg
Marinova
T T
TT
D000177:Acrosome / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003902:Detergents; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D016253:Microscopy, Immunoelectron; D017830:Octoxynol; D013077:Sperm Head / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D003902:Detergents; D017830:Octoxynol; D066246:ErbB Receptors