Year: 1995
Type: article
Abstract: Summary This study reports on the binding of β‐galactosidase obtained from different organs of the rat urogenital tract to membranes of these organs. Homologous and cross binding saturation assays indicated that: (1) high‐affinity sites that recognize fructose‐6‐phosphate derivates (FPR) are present in spermatozoa from the rete testis, epididymal membranes and testes, although the latter may reflect binding to testicular spermatozoa; (2) the membranes of the other organs studied do not have FPR; (3) the FPR of the epididymis does not recognize enzymes purified from other organs of the reproductive tract. These results suggest that the FPR‐binding system belongs to a peculiar transport route that permits maturing spermatozoa to acquire hydrolytic enzymes secreted by the epididymal epithelium. In the epididymis and seminal vesicles more than 50% of the enzymatic activity of β‐galactosidase was recovered in cytosol, suggesting that the enzyme is located mainly in the secretory fluid of these organs.
Authors: P. GRIMALT, M. A. BARBIERI, M. A. SOSA, F. BERTINI
Institution: Universidad Nacional de Cuyo
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Funder: Universidad Nacional de Cuyo
OpenAlex ID: W4296975501