Characterization and localization of alkaline phosphatase in canine seminal plasma and gonadal tissues.
Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is a useful indicator of the presence of the sperm-rich (2nd) fraction in the canine ejaculate. Two AP isoenzymes originating from separate genes have been identified in the dog: tissue nonspecific (TNS) and intestinal. Bone, liver, and corticosteroid-induced AP are different isoforms of the TNS and intestinal isoenzymes. Using gel electrophoresis and levamisole inhibition assays, it was determined that seminal plasma AP (SAP) is a unique isoform of canine TNS AP whose glycosylation is distinct from either of the TNS AP isoforms commonly found in canine serum. Using immunocytochemistry, SAP activity was localized to the epididymal and seminiferous tubular epithelium. The ability to distinguish SAP from bone AP, liver AP and corticosteroid-induced AP could be beneficial to the practitioner in determining the quality of a semen sample.
Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331, USA. michelle.kutzler@oregonstate.edu
Michelle A
MA
Kutzler
Philip F
PF
Solter
Walter E
WE
Hoffman
Dietrich H
DH
Volkmann
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D004588:Electrophoresis, Cellulose Acetate; D004822:Epididymis / Q000201:enzymology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000201:enzymology; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000201:enzymology*; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D012661:Semen / Q000201:enzymology*; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000201:enzymology; D013737:Testis / Q000201:enzymology
D007527:Isoenzymes; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase