Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase plays a crucial role in protection from redox-stress-induced apoptosis

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deleted embryonic stem (ES) cells (G6pd Delta) proliferate in vitro without special requirements, but when challenged with oxidants fail to sustain glutathione disulphide reconversion to reduced glutathione (GSH), entering a condition of oxidative stress. Here, we investigate the signalling events downstream of GSH oxidation in G6pd Delta and wild-type (wt) ES cells. We found that G6pd Delta ES cells are very sensitive to oxidants, activating an apoptotic pathway at oxidant concentrations otherwise sublethal for wt ES cells. We show that the apoptotic pathway activated by low oxidant concentrations is accompanied by mitochondria dysfunction, and it is therefore blocked by the overexpression of Bcl-X(L). Bcl-X(L) does not inhibit the decrease in cellular GSH and reactive oxygen species formation following oxidant treatment. We also found that oxidant treatment in ES cells is followed by the activation of the MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Interestingly, ERK activation has opposite outcomes in G6pd Delta ES cells compared to wt, which has a proapoptotic function in the first and a prosurvival function in the latter. We show that this phenomenon can be regulated by the cellular GSH level.

Evaluation of the antioxidant response in the plasma of healthy or hypertensive subjects after short-term exercise

Reactive oxygen species are produced during exercise. The antioxidants prevent or limit tissue damages by these species in physiological conditions. In particular, ascorbate and urate scavenge peroxynitrite, which can alter the function of many molecules, including the lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) enzyme involved in reverse cholesterol transport. The aims of the present study were to compare the plasma antioxidant response to an ergometric test (ET) in hypertensive and healthy subjects, evaluate the exercise-dependent nitrosative stress in plasma, and assess whether the LCAT activity is altered by the exercise. Plasma samples, prepared before and after ET from hypertensive or healthy volunteers, were analysed for their levels of ascorbate, urate, alpha-tocopherol, retinol, nitrotyrosine, and LCAT activity. The alpha-tocopherol and retinol levels did not significantly change in both groups during exercise, while the ascorbate level changed displaying higher increase in controls (+38.8%) than in hypertensives (+17.2%). In these patients, during ET, the urate and nitrotyrosine levels changed more than in normotensives (+13.5 and +40.6% vs -3.1 and +25.2%, respectively). The antioxidants effectively prevented loss or reduction of LCAT activity, as it was similar in hypertensives and normotensives, and did not change after ET. The results demonstrate that exercise is associated with enhanced protein nitrosation, and suggest that the ascorbate or urate levels increase to limit oxidative damage.

The accumulation of alpha-Tocopherol and Retinol in the milk of water buffalo is correlated with the plasma levels of triiodothyronine

Milk is the most important source of Retinol and alpha-Tocopherol for calves. These antioxidants save the food quality and prevent lipid oxidation in the mammary gland and the calf growing tissues. In Bubalus bubalis, seasonal changes for the plasma levels of both antioxidants were not found. The levels of Retinol and alpha-Tocopherol in the milk were 2 and 1.7 times higher in winter than in summer, respectively. These levels were correlated with the plasma level of triiodothyronine, and markedly increased in cows injected with triiodothyronine in summer. The cytosol from alveolar epithelial cells of mammary glands was incubated with alpha-Tocopherol and 3H-Retinol and, after gel filtration chromatography, both antioxidants were found associated with proteins migrating as a single peak of 33 kD. The amount of alpha-Tocopherol and Retinol binding proteins was 1.5 and 2.3 times higher in winter than in summer respectively. The Retinol binding proteins migrated as two bands (33 and 16 kD) by electrophoresis in denaturing and reducing conditions. Our data suggest that triiodothyronine enhances the transport of both liposoluble antioxidants through the blood-mammary barrier, and demonstrate that proteins of the mammary epithelial cells are involved in such a transport.

Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity during maturation of human preovulatory follicles with different concentrations of ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol and nitrotyrosine

The enzyme lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) transfers an acyl chain from lecithin to cholesterol or oestradiol, thus playing a crucial role in reverse cholesterol transport and follicular synthesis of potent long-lived oestrogens. The mechanism of catalysis is biphasic, as it is based on a phospholipase and an esterifying activity. Sulfhydryl groups were previously reported to be required for the esterification step. Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase has previously been shown to be inhibited by thiol oxidants such as peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite also converts tyrosine to nitrotyrosines. In the present study, high levels of nitrotyrosine associated with low LCAT activity, and vice versa, were found in human preovulatory follicular fluids. Follicular fluids were also analysed for oestradiol (E) and progesterone (P) concentrations. The E/P ratio, which decreases as ovulation approaches, was used to evaluate the maturation status of each follicle. Enzyme activity was negatively correlated with the E/P ratio. Ascorbate (Asc) and alpha-tocopherol (Toc) were titrated in follicular fluid and plasma to evaluate their accumulation or consumption in the follicle. High LCAT activity was found in follicular fluids where Asc and Toc had accumulated, whereas lower activity was associated with Asc and Toc consumption. The consumption of both antioxidants was positively correlated with the E/P ratio. The results suggest that as follicle maturation progresses, Toc and Asc concentrations increase in follicular fluid, thus protecting LCAT from oxidative damage and loss of activity.

Estradiol esterification in the human preovulatory follicle

In the preovulatory follicle, the LH surge stimulates progesterone production, reduces estradiol synthesis, and scales up the permeability of the blood-follicle barrier. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the extent of these changes is correlated with the levels of estradiol, estradiol esters, and cholesteryl esters in the follicular fluid. The follicular levels of progesterone, estradiol, estradiol linoleate, cholesterol, and cholesteryl linoleate were measured by HPLC. The estradiol linoleate/estradiol ratio, which reflects the efficiency of in vivo estradiol esterification, and the cholesteryl linoleate/cholesterol ratio were calculated and found negatively correlated. The estradiol level was positively correlated with the cholesteryl linoleate/cholesterol ratio while negatively correlated with the estradiol linoleate/estradiol ratio. The in vitro activity of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase, the enzyme esterifying both cholesterol and estradiol, was assayed by incubating the fluid with labeled substrates. This activity was not correlated with either the estradiol linoleate/estradiol or the cholesteryl linoleate/cholesterol ratio. The enzyme K(m) and V(max) values were lower with estradiol than with cholesterol. Higher estradiol linoleate/estradiol ratios and lower cholesteryl linoleate/cholesterol ratios were associated with higher level of Haptoglobin penetration into the follicle. This level, which was determined by ELISA, was found increased with increased progesterone concentration and, therefore, used as a marker of the LH-stimulated permeability of the blood-follicle barrier. Our data suggest that early preovulatory follicles contain more cholesteryl esters and less estradiol esters than follicles closer to ovulation.

Synthesis of ascorbate and urate in the ovary of water buffalo

Blood flow interruption is associated with oxygen depletion and loss of factors for function and survival in downstream tissues or cells. Hypoxia and absence of gonadotropins trigger apoptosis and atresia in the ovary. We studied the antioxidant response of follicular cells to plasma deprivation in ovaries dissected from water buffalo. Aliquots of follicular fluid were aspirated from each antral follicle, before and during incubation of the ovaries at 39 degrees C. Urate, ascorbate, retinol and alpha-tocopherol in the fluid were, titrated by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with spectrophotometric or spectrofluorimetric detection. The total antioxidant capacity of follicular fluid was determined as absorbance decrease, following addition of a source of radical chromophores. The more the incubation progressed, the higher levels of urate, ascorbate and total antioxidant capacity were found. Conversely, changes in concentration of the liposoluble antioxidants were not observed. Ascorbate synthesizing activity in the follicle was demonstrated by detecting the enzyme L-gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase in microsomes prepared from granulosa cells. These cells were also analyzed for the expression of the enzyme CPP32. The enzyme level, measured as DEVD-p-nitroanilide cleaving activity, was found related with the immunoreactivity to anti-CPP32 antibodies. Negative correlation between the enzyme activity (which is known to be induced by peroxynitrite) and the follicular level of urate (which scavenges peroxynitrite) was also observed. The amount of nitrotyrosine, a product of peroxynitrite attack on proteins, was measured in follicular fluids by Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA). This amount was found positively correlated with the CPP32 activity, and negatively correlated with the urate level in follicular fluid. Alterations in concentrations of ascorbate or urate may be associated with oxidative stress during follicular atresia.

Haptoglobin inhibits lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase in human ovarian follicular fluid

The activity of the enzyme lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT; E.C. 2.3.1.43) is involved in the removal of cholesterol excess from peripheral cells. This activity is stimulated by the HDL (high density lipoprotein) apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1). Haptoglobin (Hpt) was previously found to be associated with ApoA1 in ovarian follicular fluid. LCAT activity was analyzed in follicular fluids, collected from an IVF program, containing different amounts of Hpt or Hpt/ApoA1 ratio. Addition of purified Hpt to follicular fluid caused a decrease in the enzyme activity, which was measured as the rate of synthesis of cholesteryl esters. In the fractions of fluid proteins, as obtained by gel filtration chromatography, Hpt and HDL were titrated by ELISA while the LCAT activity was assayed by using radioactive cholesterol and purified HDL. When isolated LCAT was incubated with fractions containing different Hpt/ApoA1 ratios, the enzyme activity was found negatively correlated with the Hpt/ApoA1 ratio (P < 0.01). LCAT kinetic parameters were measured in two fractions with the same amount of ApoA1 (5 microg/ml) but different amounts of Hpt (0.69 or 3.77 microg/ml): the V(max) did not change while the K(m) values were 24.1 or 78.6 microM in the presence of the low or high Hpt level, respectively. The analysis of fluids associated with cytoplasmically mature MII oocytes, in a cross-sectional study, confirmed that a negative correlation exists between the Hpt/ApoA1 ratio and the LCAT activity (P < 0.01). The results suggest that Hpt inhibits the reverse transport of cholesterol by preventing ApoA1 stimulation of the LCAT activity.

Antioxidant defense in the follicular fluid of water buffalo

Oxidative damages to the oocyte or follicular cells were suggested to trigger atresia. In water buffalo, loss of the blood-follicle barrier sieving effect on the diffusion of plasma haptoglobin was previously found to be associated with atretic oocytes. The redox status of water buffalo follicles was evaluated by measuring in follicular fluid both the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), expressed as Trolox equivalents, and the concentration of specific free radical scavengers, determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Among follicles at random stages of the reproductive cycle (n = 74), a number (n = 32) were analyzed also for the cumulus-oocyte morphology or plasma haptoglobin penetration. The haptoglobin follicular concentration compatible with the barrier selectivity function was calculated to be less than 53% of the concentration in plasma. The data on TAC, retinol, alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and uric acid fluctuated in a wide range. The relative (follicular vs. plasmatic) levels of alpha-tocopherol were found to be negatively correlated with those of retinol (p < 0.01). In the follicles, the alpha-tocopherol levels were 1.25 +/- 0.35 or 1.99 +/- 0.72 microM when the haptoglobin concentration was <53 or >53% of the concentration in plasma, respectively. The concentration of ascorbic acid or uric acid was higher (up to 10- or 30-fold, respectively) in follicular fluid than in plasma. Fluids containing haptoglobin >53% or associated with cumulus-oocyte complexes of bad quality displayed levels of uric acid about 20-fold higher than in plasma. The results suggest that a high penetration of haptoglobin in the follicle and cumulus-oocyte degradation is associated with alterations of the level of the major antioxidants, particularly with enhancement of the uric acid concentration.

Haptoglobin transport into human ovarian follicles and its binding to apolipoprotein A-1

Controlled ovarian stimulation was induced in 19 women for in vitro fertilisation/embryo transfer. After ovum pick-up, haptoglobin titres were determined by ELISA in sera and homologous follicular fluids. The haptoglobin phenotype of each subject was assessed and the penetration of the protein forms through the blood-follicle barrier was predicted on the basis of their molecular weight. The penetration threshold compatible with the barrier integrity was calculated as 92%, 73% and 57% of the blood level of phenotypes Hpt 1-1, Hpt 1-2 and Hpt 2-2 respectively. Penetration values comparable/lower or higher than threshold were found associated with 46 of 49 and 3 of 49 fertilised oocytes, respectively. Complexes of haptoglobin with apolipoprotein A-1 were isolated from follicular fluids by affinity chromatography with haemoglobin. The haptoglobin beta chain, after Western blotting and incubation with apolipoprotein A-1, was found to be involved in the protein-protein interaction as detected by anti-apolipoprotein A-1 antibodies. Complexes from separate fluids were analysed by electrophoresis and densitometry: the plain beta chain/apolipoprotein A-1 stoichiometric ratio was 0.75 and 1.40 in fluids associated with fertilised and unfertilised oocytes respectively. The results suggest that haptoglobin transport in the follicle depends on the integrity of the blood-follicle barrier and might be associated with oocyte quality, possibly by interfering with the role of apoliprotein A-1 in cholesterol or vitamin E exchange between high-density lipoproteins and granulosa cells.

CD4-mediated anchoring of the seminal antigen gp17 onto the spermatozoon surface

A soluble 1, kDa glycoprotein, namely gp17, was previously isolated from human semen and used to obtain mouse monoclonal or chicken polyclonal antibodies. This protein was shown to bind CD4+ T-cells and to soluble recombinant CD4 in vitro. Here, we report that the anti-gp17 monoclonal antibodies are captured by ejaculated spermatozoa and that gp17-like antigens are released by cell acid extraction. Immunoblotting experiments with monoclonal antibodies indicated that SDS-lysates from spermatozoa contain proteins with the same electrophoretic and antigenic properties of CD4 and gp17. Anti-CD4 mouse monoclonal antibodies were used to coprecipitate from NP40-lysate proteins reacting with chicken anti-gp17 antibodies. Analytical chromatography demonstrated that a number of gp17-like forms are present in the seminal plasma, put that only the 1 kDa species can be detected in the spermatozoa lysate. This protein was localised by immunofluorescence on the post-acrosomal region of the spermatozoon. The same surface domain was also reactive with anti-CD4 antibodies. After treatment to induce in vitro capacitation, gp17 was detected all over the spermatozoon head. Conversely, only a minor part of the treated spermatozoa exhibited CD4 immunostaining, which remained localised on the post-acrosomal region. The possible function of CD4 and gp17 on male germ cells is discussed.

Purification of a 240 kDa protein from serum and follicular fluid of water buffalo and its identification as haptoglobin

The fluids from healthy growing follicles of water buffalo were previously found free of the polypeptides H (M(r) 36,000) and L (M(r) 21,000) which were instead detected in fluids from atretic follicles and blood. Here we report evidence that these two polypeptides, as selected from serum by specific anti-L antibodies, are the subunits of an oligomeric protein. The protein was purified from serum or follicular fluid, and its molecular weight (240 kDa), isoelectric point (6.5), and amino acid composition were determined. The NH2-terminal sequences of the subunits L and H were analyzed: 100% and 90% homology with alpha and beta chains of bovine haptoglobin, respectively, was found. Thus, haptoglobin can be used as a novel molecular marker to assess the physiological state of the blood-follicle barrier or discriminate between atretic and healthy follicles.

Association of cumulus-oocyte complexes with the intrafollicular levels of a blood protein in Bubalus bubalis

The protein pattern of the follicular fluid (FF) and the ultrastructure of the inner cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) has been analysed in single antral follicles (n = 146) of buffalo B. bubalis ovaries. The protein population of FF was fractionated by SDS-PAGE; the resulting pattern was Coomassie stained and processed for densitometry. Comparative analysis of sera and autologous FFs showed a marked difference in the level (measured as the percentage of total proteins) of one 21 kDa polypeptide band, called 'L'. Concentration of L, which was mainly higher in the serum (2.05 +/- 1.5%) than in the surrounding FF (0.98 +/- 0.94%), fluctuated widely in fluids from the same ovary. On gel filtration of FF and SDS-PAGE of the fractions collected, the L polypeptide was found and eluted together with a 36 kDa polypeptide, called 'H', with an exclusion volume lower than that of albumin. The levels of both polypeptides in the eluted fractions were measured by gel densitometry, and the same ratio H/L was found (2:1). These data suggest that H and L are subunits of a complex high-molecular-weight protein. The presence of L levels in male sera comparable to those detected in females indicates that this putative protein does not originate in the ovary but is transported from the blood. Moreover, a correlation between the increase in the percentage of Lf (calculated as %L in FF/%L in serum) and atresia was observed. COCs (n = 86) obtained during the collection of the single FF samples were processed for transmission electron microscopy. The ultrastructure of each COC was compared with the SDS-PAGE data of the associated FF. Healthy COCs were found to be related to very low levels of Lf (between 0 and 14% of those measured in serum). COCs with an early atretic ultrastructure undetectable at the dissection microscope, were associated with FFs having Lf levels between 24% and 60%; advanced atresia was associated with Lf values up to 70%. Finally, the acrosome reaction of buffalo precipicitated spermatozoa in vitro was monitored by adding one volume of FF with high (FF+; Lf = 80%) or undetectable (FF-) values of Lf to the sperm suspension.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Localisation and capacitation-dependent loss of buffalo sperm-coating antigens shared with rat sperm

The heterodimeric sperm-coating protein CFS was previously localised on the middle-piece region of rat spermatozoa by anti-CFS rabbit antibodies. CFS-immunorelated antigens were detected in the secretion of the water buffalo seminal vesicle by protein electrophoresis and Western blotting. Spermatozoa from buffalo epididymal cauda were incubated with the rat antigen and, upon immunostaining with anti-CFS antibodies and goat anti-rabbit fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated IgGs, CFS was found attached on both the post-acrosomal region and the tail. Indirect immunofluorescence analysis permitted the localisation of CFS-related antigens on the same domains of buffalo ejaculated spermatozoa. These results suggest that the buffalo antigens not only share some epitopes with the homologous rat antigen but may also have some of its functional properties. Ejaculated spermatozoa were capacitated in vitro and then assayed for their content of CFS-like antigens. An inverse relationship was found between the levels of capacitation and the amounts of antigens detected, thus suggesting that the in vitro treatment was effective at removing CFS-related proteins from the cell surface. Titration of these proteins to monitor plasma membrane changes during sperm manipulation or to evaluate sperm quality is proposed.

Detection of a sperm-coating antigen in the semen of Bubalus bubalis

1. Surface antigens of B. bubalis spermatozoa were solubilized by Triton X-100 and EDTA; the sperm extract was used to raise antibodies in rabbits. 2. Two major polypeptides, immunoprecipitated from the seminal plasma by the antibodies against the sperm extract, exhibited the same electrophoretic mobilities of two immunorelated sperm surface antigens. 3. The two polypeptides were isolated from the seminal plasma, by a multi-step chromatographic procedure, and found subunits of a single protein (MW 30,000), called SP 30. 4. The SP 30 protein bound in vitro to the postacrosomal region of homologous spermatozoa from cauda epididymis. 5. The localization of the sperm-coating antigen on the cell surface is compatible with a role in the fertilization process.

Binding to CD4 of synthetic peptides patterned on the principal neutralizing domain of the HIV-1 envelope protein

The interaction between the viral envelope protein gp120 and the cellular surface antigen CD4 is a key event in HIV-1 infection. Reciprocal high affinity binding sites have been located in the first domain of CD4 and in the carboxy-terminal region of gp120, respectively. Upon infection, the membranes of the target cells fuse; sites of CD4 and gp120, distinct from their high affinity binding sites, play a role in the post-binding events leading to syncytia formation. We have studied the interactions of CD4 with gp120 and gp120-derived peptides using an in vitro assay based on immobilized recombinant soluble CD4 (sCD4). In this system CD4 binds to recombinant soluble gp120 and to anti-receptor peptides derived from the high affinity CD4-binding site of gp120, as well as to peptides corresponding to the principal neutralizing domain (PND) of the envelope protein, i.e., to the domain required for HIV-1-mediated syncytium formation. Competition experiments performed using epitope-specific mAbs and a variety of peptides indicated that PND-derived peptides are specifically recognized by a CD4 site adjacent to, but distinct from, the high affinity gp120-binding site of CD4. Synthetic peptides patterned on the PND of different viral isolates were retained onto sCD4-based affinity columns at different extent; some of the structural requirements for binding were analyzed. Studies performed on CD4+ T-cells showed that PND-derived peptides also interact with CD4 in its native membrane-bound conformation. These results indicate that a direct contact takes place between CD4 and the gp120 domain participating in HIV-induced syncytia formation.

Interaction of seminal plasma proteins with cell surface antigens: presence of a CD4-binding glycoprotein in human seminal plasma

We report in this paper the presence in the human seminal plasma of a glycoprotein capable of binding to CD4, a surface antigen expressed on the surface of T-cells, macrophages, and sperm cells, which acts as a coreceptor in antigen-mediated T-cell activation and as a receptor for the AIDS virus, HIV-1. This protein, namely gp17 (apparent MW = 17,500 Da), was purified by affinity chromatography and characterized by SDS/PAGE analysis. Its binding to CD4 was inhibited by anti-CD4 mAbs directed against V1, a region of CD4 implicated in the binding to MHC class II antigens and to the HIV-1 envelope protein gp120, but not by mAbs directed against other CD4 determinants. The presence of a CD4-masking factor in human seminal plasma may be relevant to the modulation of maternal immunity at insemination and to the control of sexual transmission of HIV-1.

Zinc-protein from rat prostate fluid binds epididymal spermatozoa

The detection and the isolation of a zinc-protein from the secretion of the rat dorsolateral prostate is described. The purification procedure, based on gel filtration and cationic exchange chromatography, allowed to separate a minor protein (Mr approximately 66,000) from free zinc ions and other secretory components. Two zinc ions were estimated to be associated with one molecule of isolated protein. The zinc-protein was labelled with 125I and then incubated at 37 degrees C with spermatozoa from rat epididymal cauda. Time-dependent in vitro binding of the radioactive protein to sperm cells was demonstrated. This binding was not affected by the presence of proteins from the seminal vesicle during the incubation, while it was blocked in the presence of an excess of unlabelled zinc-protein. After binding, the labelled spermatozoa were treated with a buffer containing 0.5% sodium deoxycholate and 40 mM EDTA; only very small amounts of label were removed from the cells, thus suggesting that the zinc-proteins were kept on the plasma membrane by interactions which do not involve merely hydrophobic bonds.

Relative ratios of lactoferrin, albumin, and acid phosphatase seminal levels as sperm quality markers in fertile and infertile men

Human seminal plasma proteins from fertile and infertile men were fractionated by electrophoresis. The amounts of three Coomassie-stained protein bands were measured by densitometry. Their relative ratios were constant in normospermic men but varied in the infertile patients. Laboratory manipulation of the semen was shown not to affect the protein ratios as observed after liquefaction, incubation at various temperatures, and storage at -20 degrees C. The three proteins were purified by chromatographic techniques and identified as lactoferrin, albumin, and acid phosphatase by electrophoresis, high-pressure liquid chromatography, and enzyme assays. The use of these proteins to evaluate the contributions of different fluids to seminal plasma is discussed.

Binding of free and protein-associated zinc to rat spermatozoa

1. The zinc content of rat spermatozoa increases, upon ejaculation, from 0.035 to 1.055 micrograms/10(6) cells. 2. The rat seminal plasma holds zinc both as free ion and as protein-bound forms. 3. Zinc-free ions bind in vitro to rat epididymal spermatozoa. 4. Zinc-protein complexes can be isolated, by a chromatographic procedure, from the dorsolateral lobe of rat prostate. 5. The isolated zinc-protein complexes bind in vitro to rat epididymal spermatozoa.

Interaction of proteins RSV IV and RSV V in rat seminal vesicle secretion

The RSV IV polypeptide, molecular weight ratio (Mr = 10,000), which is produced by the rat seminal vesicle, has previously been suggested to be associated with another polypeptide in the gland secretion (Higgins et al., '76). This study provides that RSV IV is a component of a protein shown by immunoassays, electrophoresis, and amino acid composition analysis to contain, together with RSV IV, the seminal vesicle secretory RSV V polypeptide (Mr = 13,000). This RSV IV-RSV V complex (namely CFS protein) had an isoelectric point at pH 7.2 and an approximate molecular weight of 22,000 daltons. This complex inhibits the previously reported in vitro binding of the isolated RSV IV to epididymal sperm cells, thus suggesting a functional role for the RSV IV-RSV V interaction.

Detection of sperm-coating antigens immunologically related to a seminal protein in rat

We report in this paper that proteins from the surface of ejaculated spermatozoa contain antigenic determinants cross-reacting with a rabbit antiserum raised against native CFS, a protein secreted from the rat seminal vesicle and composed of two subunits, namely RSV IV and RSV V. Conversely, no such proteins could be extracted from cauda epididymal spermatozoa. The cross-reacting proteins derived from the ejaculated spermatozoa were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. An electrophoretic pattern different than that expected for native CFS in denaturing conditions was found. In vitro reconstitution experiments showed that labeled native CFS is able to bind cauda epididymal spermatozoa. The CFS protein recovered from the sperm surface was examined and alterations of its structure were also noted. The sperm-coating abilities of CFS and of its RSV IV subunit are discussed.

A major secretory protein from rat seminal vesicle binds ejaculated spermatozoa

The rat seminal vesicle produces large amounts of a protein-rich fluid that greatly contributes to semen volume. RSV IV, a protein abundantly secreted from this gland, binds in vitro to rat epididymal spermatozoa. However, there is no evidence that this protein may have an in vivo role as a sperm-coating antigen. We report in this paper that high-molecular-weight RSV IV immunologically related proteins can be detected on ejaculated spermatozoa, but not on epididymal spermatozoa. After incubation of purified RSV IV with ejaculated spermatozoa in freshly recovered semen or with epididymal spermatozoa in a medium containing the coagulating gland secretion, sperm-bound proteins with analogous properties were detected. These results support the hypothesis that RSV IV is modified at ejaculation to an high-molecular-weight, sperm-coating antigen.

A protein family immunorelated to a sperm-binding protein and its regulation in human semen

In human seminal plasma a family of proteins that is immunologically related to the RSV-IV protein secreted under androgen control from the epithelium of the rat seminal vesicles was detected by a radioimmunoassay. Evidence for the origin of these antigens from human seminal vesicle is presented. Quantitative measurements of this family of proteins were performed in men with low levels of serum testosterone (idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) and in individuals having serum testosterone in the normal range of values but carrying sex chromosome aberrations (Klinefelter's syndrome). In the first case we have found a marked decrease in the total amount of the RSV-IV-related proteins. An increase of about 40% in the total amount of these antigens was obtained in these subjects by gonadotropin treatment. A decreased amount of these proteins was also detected in the subjects affected by Klinefelter's syndrome. The possibility that some factor(s) under genetic control is involved, in addition to testosterone, in the regulation of this family of proteins is discussed.

Identification and preliminary characterization of a sperm-binding protein in normal human semen

In the seminal plasma of normal men a protein, immunologically related to a major protein (RSV-IV) secreted from the rat seminal vesicle epithelium, was detected by competition with RSV-IV in a specific radioimmunoassay using a rabbit anti RSV-IV antiserum. The protein was partly (80%) purified by column chromatography; characterization by gel electrophoresis indicated that the protein is slightly basic and has a molecular weight of 140 000. The protein was present on the surface of human spermatozoa as well as in the ejaculates of azoospermic men and it is believed to be a sperm-binding protein.

Transglutaminase-mediated modifications of the rat sperm surface in vitro

Two transglutaminase-mediated modifications of the rat epididymal spermatozoon surface were demonstrated in vitro. Transglutaminase was effective in promoting the binding of spermidine to the sperm. Moreover, the enzyme, by reacting with one of the major proteins secreted by the rat seminal vesicle epithelium, produced a modified form of the protein with a higher molecular weight and the capability of binding to the sperm cells. A specific physiological role for the enzyme, bringing about modifications of the rat sperm surface in the seminal fluid environment, is suggested.

Polymorphism of rat seminal vesicle secretory proteins: characterization of svp-1 and svp-2 and their identification with the major secretory proteins IV and V

The proteins secreted by the rat seminal vesicle can be separated into five denaturing conditions. Two polymorphic proteins, svp-1 and svp-2, also present in the mouse, are produced by the seminal vesicle as well, but the procedure used for their identification makes it impossible to ascertain whether they correspond to any of the major fractions mentioned above. We show here that, on the basis of molecular weight measurements and of amino acid composition determinations, svp-1 and RSV-V are indeed the same protein. We also show that svp-2 is strictly related to another major secretory protein, RSV-IV, whose amino acid composition is almost identical, but for a few amino acid residues, to that of svp-2. We thus conclude that the latter protein is a variant of RSV-IV that can be expressed only in rats homozygous for a given allele at the svp-2 locus. This paper thus brings together published information on the genetics of the loci coding for svp-1 and for svp-2 and on the molecular biology of RSV-IV and RSV-V and of their corresponding gene.

Synthesis of a testosterone-dependent secretory protein by rat seminal vesicle-derived cell lines

Primary cell cultures were established from explants of rat seminal vesicle. The establishment of primary cell cultures required, among other factors, the presence of testosterone. Two cell populations were detected in such primary cultures: fibroblast-like cells and epithelial-like cells; the latter encompassed a subtype of small cells and a subtype of large squamous cells (most likely the result of a degenerative process acting upon the former). Histochemical, as well as electron-microscopical observations, indicated the presence of a persistent secretory activity in the small epithelial cells; fibroblast and large squamous epithelial cells were inactive in this respect. Staining of the cells with a peroxidase-conjugated antibody and analysis of the proteins produced in the presence of labelled methionine, showed that one of the major rat seminal vesicle secretory proteins, namely RSV-IV, was also produced. Conditions which favoured the growth of epithelial cells, rather than of fibroblasts, were determined. The use of nearly homogeneous cell populations and the use of collagen-coated Petri dishes, allowed the cloning of two independently obtained permanent cell lines, namely SVC-1 and SVC-2. The in vitro growth rate of both cell lines was modulated by the amount of testosterone in the medium. Both cell lines were able to synthesize a significant amount of RSV-IV protein under testosterone control.

The 11S rat seminal vesicle mRNA directs the in vitro synthesis of two precursors of the major secretory protein IV

The 11s mRNA extracted from the rat seminal vesicles directs the synthesis of two different precursors of the major secretory protein RSV-IV. These two precursors are not interconvertible and seemingly originate from different translational events. Sucrose gradients, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and positive hybridization translation experiments do not allow the separation of the two putatively different mRNAs. It is concluded that the two RSV-IV precursors either derive from two extremely similar, but physically not separable mRNA species, or from two different modes of translation of the same mRNA molecule.

Expression in male and genomic organization of the gene(s) coding for a major protein secreted by the rat seminal vesicle epithelium

Double strand cDNA copies of lls poly(A)+mRNA purified from adult rat seminal vesicles (RSV), have been cloned in E.coli C600 using the Pst I site of pBR322. Filter hybridization, nucleotide sequence analysis and positive hybridization translation were used to demonstrate that one of the recombinant plasmids obtained (pRSV25) contained a 260 bp long insert coding for a significant part of the precursor to the protein IV present in the RSV secretion. By using labelled pRSV25 DNA we have found that high levels of RSV IV mRNA were present only in the rat seminal vesicle epithelium. The amounts of RSV IV mRNA present in other tissues of the same organism were below the levels detectable by the methods used. In addition, other data reported here indicate that the RSV IV gene(s) is present in both sexes, probably with a different organization.

Threonine deaminase: autogenous regulator of the ilv genes in Escherichia coli K-12

In this paper we analyze the effect of mutations in three genes, ilvO, ilvA and rho, on the expression of the ilvEJGDA gene cluster of Escherichia coli K-12. The ilvO603 mutation causes a cis-dominant derepression of the ilvEJGDA genes. In particular, the ilvG gene, not expressed in the wild type, becomes expressed in the ilvO603 strain. We have introduced ilvA mutations (ilvA454 or ilvA628) in the ilvO603 strain and we show that ilvG expression requires the presence in cis of both an ilvO603 mutation and of an ilvA+ allele. The ilvG gene is not expressed when in trans is present an ilvO+, ilvA+ genotype. However, it is expressed when the chromosome in trans is ilvO603, ilvA+ (ilvG-). We suggest that ilvO603 is part of ilvA, the structural gene for threonine deaminase, and that threonine deaminase from the ilvO603 mutant binds the ilvO603 site and not the ilvO+ site. Therefore, the ilvA gene product would be a cis-acting protein. Mutations in the rho gene cause derepression of the ilvEJGDA gene cluster without a concomitant expression of the ilvG gene. We show that introduction of either a rho-218 or a rho-115 mutation into the ilvO603, ilvA454 double mutant causes expression of ilvG. We therefore suggest that the ilvA gene product, threonine deaminase, is involved in termination of transcription as an antagonist of the rho gene product. Introduction of ilvA454 into an ilvO603 strain causes also a decrease in expression of the ilvE, ilvJ and ilvD genes. This effect is maximum in the case of the ilvD gene and we studied it in detail in isogenic strains containing also the rho-218 mutation.

Histidyl-transfer-ribonucleic-acid synthetase from Salmonella typhimurium. Studies of the sulfhydryl groups

The reactivity of the sulfhydryl groups of histidyl-t RNA synthetase from Salmonella typhimurium and the effect of substrates on the reactivity has been studied using p-hydroxymercuribenzoate and 5, 5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) as reagents. It has been found that 5, 5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) titrates only two sulfhydryl groups per molcule of enzyme and the reaction is essenaitlly monophasic, while p-hydroxymercuribenzoate titrates four sulhydryl groups. As observed kinetically the reaction with p-hydroxymercuribenzoate is strongly biphasic, each phase corresponding to about two sulfhydryl groups per enzyme molecule. With both reagents no detectable difference in sulfhydryl group reactivity was observed when ATP, histidine and tRNA specific for histidine were added individually or in combination to the enzyme. The enzyme activity slowly changes after two or four sulhydryl groups are blocked by 5, 5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) or p-hydroxymercuribenzoate respectively. A new, stable level of activity is reached that is characterized by a different Km value for the aminoacylation reaction. The results indicate that the sulfhydryl groups reacting with the two reagents used here are neither directly involved in the binding of the substrates nor in the catalytic process. The ultimate change in enzyme activity after reaction of the sulfhydryl groups suggests a transition to an alternative enzyme structure.