Ultracytochemical localization of 5'-nucleotidase activity in human ejaculated spermatozoa.
5'-nucleotidase, an adenosine producing enzyme with a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored structure, was localized in human ejaculated spermatozoa. The poly-L-lysine-coated dish method was used to prepare the specimens, and the cerium method was employed for electron-microscopic enzyme localization. Precipitates indicating enzyme activity were detected on the outer side of the external plasma membrane of the acrosomal region. This enzyme may play a role in sperm motility and male infertility.
Takayama
T
T
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi, Japan. obtakegy@jichi.ac.jp
Matsubara
S
S
Shibahara
H
H
Minakami
H
H
Takizawa
T
T
Sato
I
I
D015720:5'-Nucleotidase / Q000032:analysis*; D004542:Ejaculation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D015720:5'-Nucleotidase