BIURET REACTIVE MATERIALS IN SEMEN

Cryogenic changes in seminal protein of cattle and buffalo

The effect of subzero temperatures on the electrophoretic pattern of seminal plasma protein of cattle and buffalo was studied. The profiles of the seminal proteins of these two closely related species differed considerably. Cattle had 11 proteins in the anodic system (pH 8.6) and none in the cathodic system (pH 4.3), while buffalo have 19 in the anodic system (pH 8.6) and 2 proteins in the cathodic system (pH 4.3). Freezing of semen at -5 degrees C for 24 h caused aggregation of seminal proteins in both species. A higher aggregation and loss of proteins were observed when freezing was done in liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees C. The effect was more pronounced in buffalo than in cattle. Loss of more seminal plasma proteins due to cryoinjury in buffalo semen may account for its poorer freezability than that of cattle semen.

Physical properties and non-enzymic components of human ejaculates. Relationship to spontaneous liquefaction

The relationship between spontaneous liquefaction and the characteristics of ejaculated human semen has been investigated. The liquefaction time of ejaculates was found to be significantly correlated with their extent of coagulation and some non-enzymic components of seminal plasma. Human ejaculates were classified into 3 distinct groups depending on their liquefaction time, and the groups were characterized physico-chemically. The liquefaction time also revealed a low but significant negative correlation with semen volume. It is concluded that an individual's ejaculatory characteristics can be evaluated simply by determining its liquefaction time.

Some preliminary observations on the liquefaction of human semen

Liquefaction of human semen in vitro was studied by scanning electron microscopy, determinations of total protein, free amino acid and phosphate and by correlation analysis. During liquefaction of the coagulum, its fibers were transformed into globular bodies that fused to form the homogeneous liquefied semen. It was found that the parts of the ejaculate taking more time to liquefy possessed higher concentration of protein than those of the parts liquefied earlier, a relation also appeared to exist with the whole ejaculates. Release rate of phosphate during macroscopic lysis and free reducing sugar level of ejaculates demonstrated significant negative correlations with liquefaction time which could be shortened using reductants.

Seminal plasma free amino acids and seminal and blood plasma proteins of the guinea fowl (Numidia meleagris)

Glutamic acid was the major free amino acid in guinea seminal plasma, representing 90.00% of the total amino acids. Threonine comprised 3.74%, aspartic acid 3.23%, and serine 1.50%. Others were detected at less than .50% of the total free amino acids. Blood plasma protein concentration and SE were 2.68 +/- .35 g/100 ml, and the proteins were fractionated by disc acrylamide electrophoresis into seven major bands: albumin, alpha-1, a dense beta fraction, and four postbeta, or gamma, proteins. Seminal plasma protein concentration and SE were .45 +/- .03 g/100 ml, and the proteins separated into nine fractions: albumin, alpha-1 and -2, beta-1, -2, and -3, and three postbeta, or gamma, bands.