IMMUNOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON THE MEMBRANE CONSTITUENTS OF SPERMATOZOA OFBUCK (CAPRA-HIRCUS) DURING EPIDIDYMAL MATURATION

The rabbit hetero- and buck iso-antisera against testicular cells and epididymal spermatozoa were analysed for total protein, polyethylene g lycol (PEG) precipitated serum proteins, circulating immune complexes (CIC) and sperm agglutination titre. The partially purified immunoglob ulins (Ig) from hetero- and iso-antisera were reacted with detergent/p rotease extracted membrane constituents by immunodiffusion, rocket- (R IE) and crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE). Hetero- and iso-immunizat ion of rabbits and bucks with testicular cells and epididymal spermato zoa induced immune response as shown by the increased sperm agglutinat ion titre, levels of PEG precipitated proteins and CIC. The 16 to 33 p er cent of protease and detergent extracted proteins are membrane boun d and embedded in the lipid bilayer. Remaining portion protrude from t he outer leaflet of lipid bilayer of biomembranes. The cross-reaction between these extracts of membranes and the partially purified antispe rm Ig showed the presence of common antigens on testicular cells and e pididymal spermatozoa. Such conserved antigens may have some functiona l importance. Immunodiffusion, RIE and CIE patterns indicated that dur ing epididymal transit, the ionic acidic proteins are retained on the membranes of mature spermatozoa and also serve as better antigens.