Fine-structural localization of phosphatase activity on the plasma membrane of the rabbit sperm head

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Abstract
Spermatozoa from the caput epididymidis of New Zealand White rabbits were incubated for phosphatase activity to determine whether enzymatic properties of the membrane are developed before epididymal transit; cauda spermatozoa were tested for the effects of seminal plasma by preincubation in seminal plasma from a vasectomized buck before enzyme analysis. Capacitated spermatozoa were incubated for enzymatic activity to monitor for reactivation of the enzyme. The localization of the reaction product in the spermatozoa from the cauda epididymidis was limited to the periacrosomal membrane and was not present on the post-acrosomal cap of flagellum. Cauda spermatozoa exposed to seminal fluid showed either no activity or great reduction in reaction. As for the cauda spermatozoa, the reaction product seen on all the caput spermatozoa examined was limited to the periacrosomal membrane. The enzyme was similarly active in capacitated spermatozoa but not all capacitated cells demonstrated activity. The enzyme is apparently established, probably during spermiogenesis, before the development of other membrane features associated with epididymal passage, e.g., increase in Con[Concanavalin] A receptors and change in negative charge.

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