A New Proteinaceous Factor Participating in the Rat Ejaculate Coagulation—Identification, Isolation and Function1

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Abstract
A protein substance reacting with basic protein of rat seminal vesicle secretion, present in serum, testicular and epididymal homogenates and on unwashed spermatozoa, was identified and isolated. The protein is partly of testicular origin, its concentration in male sera, testes and epididymides being age dependent and highest in sexually mature males. After castration, its concentration in male sera falls about 15%, to a comparable value present in female sera of the same age. The presence of this as yet unrecognized protein (MW estimated at 163,000) on epididymal spermatozoa is necessary for the in vitro coagulation of rat seminal vesicle proteins.