Changes in immunochemical localization of cytoskeletal proteins in human and boar spermatozoa before and after acrosome reaction

Several cytoskeletal proteins (alpha-tubulin, beta-tubulin, actin, spectrin , tropomyosin, vimentin and cytokeratin) were studied in human and boar spe rmatozoa. Their localization was observed by means of specific antibodies u sing indirect immunofluorescence technique. Immunocytochemical results were confirmed by the Western blot technique. Cytoskeletal proteins were examin ed in ejaculated spermatozoa before and after acrosome reaction induced by the ionophore A23187, The immunofluorescence assay revealed that localizati on of the studied cytoskeletal proteins in human and boar spermatozoa diffe r remarkably. In human spermatozoa, the localization of actin and spectrin changed after acrosome reaction; on the other hand, in boar spermatozoa, th e changes of localization concerned alpha-tubulin, beta-tubulin, actin and spectrin, The type of changes differs in the studied species and follows pr obably the course of acrosome reaction. The results suggest that cytoskelet on participates in the process of acrosome reaction of mammalian spermatozo a.