Immunohistochemical localization of V-ATPases in rat spermatids.
The sperm acrosome exhibits a low pH. However, the mechanism of acidification in the acrosome remains unclear. Vacuolar-type proton ATPase (V-ATPase) has been shown to play a principle role in generating and maintaining the acidity of organelles such as lysosomes and endosomes. In this study, we examined whether V-ATPase is localized in the acrosome membranes using immunohistochemical techniques. Sections of rat testis were immunostained using antibodies against V-ATPase. Under light microscopic observation, the perinuclear region in spermatids at an early stage of development was heavily immunostained. At the electron microscopic level, gold particles showing the presence of V-ATPase were localized to the acrosome membranes in the developing spermatids. V-ATPase was also localized to the membrane of vesicles locating between the trans-Golgi area and the acrosome. These observations suggest that V-ATPase may play a role in acrosome acidification.
Kawa
G
G
Department of Urology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan. kawag@rakusai.kmu.ac.jp
Yamamoto
A
A
Yoshimori
T
T
Muguruma
K
K
Matsuda
T
T
Moriyama
Y
Y
D000818:Animals; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D006180:Proton-Translocating ATPases / Q000032:analysis*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013087:Spermatids / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D025262:Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases
D025262:Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases; D006180:Proton-Translocating ATPases