Cell surface changes in the proteins of rabbit spermatozoa during epididymal passage

Abstract
Differences in the exposure of spermatozoa surface components during epididymal passage have been examined using lactoperoxidase‐catalyzed 125I‐iodination or labeling with 125I‐diazodiiodosulfanilic acid. Labeled surface proteins obtained from caput and cauda epididymides were solubilized in detergent, separated by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis, and identified by radiography. Densitometer scans of autoradiograms revealed increased amounts or exposures of surface proteins of ∼35,000, ∼39,000, ∼50,000, and ∼78,000 molecular weight on the cauda epididymal spermatozoa.