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Changes in protein patterns in sperm and vas deferens during the daily rhythm of sperm release in the gypsy moth
Author(s) -
Giebultowicz Jadwiga M.,
Joy Janet E.,
Riemann John G.,
Raina Ashok K.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
archives of insect biochemistry and physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.576
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1520-6327
pISSN - 0739-4462
DOI - 10.1002/arch.940270108
Subject(s) - sperm , vas deferens , biology , andrology , lymantria dispar , lumen (anatomy) , circadian rhythm , sperm motility , anatomy , endocrinology , microbiology and biotechnology , botany , pest analysis , medicine
In the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar , the release of sperm bundles from the testis into the upper vas deferens (UVD) is precisely timed within each 24 h period by a circadian mechanism located in the reproductive system. In males kept under light:dark cycles of 16:8, release of sperm bundles is limited to the 3 h period that starts before lights off. Sperm released from the testis remains in the UVD for about 12 h and then moves into the seminal vesicles, so that the UVD stays empty until the next cycle of sperm release begins. The rhythm of release appears to play a role in the terminal stages of sperm maturation and is essential for the fertility of males. Sperm bundles undergo substantial morphological changes during the release from the testis and while they are retained in the UVD. In this study, using gel electrophoresis, we compared protein patterns in sperm and in the UVD during the daily cycle of sperm release and maturation. Several protein bands evident in the sperm bundles contained in the testis were missing from the sperm bundles that had passed from the testis into the UVD. Furthermore, a number of new proteins appeared in the sperm bundles as they remained in the UVD. Some of these proteins appeared to be secreted from the UVD epithelium into the UVD lumen before being incorporated into sperm bundles. Correlations between changes in protein patterns and ultrastructural changes in sperm during the cycle of sperm release and maturation are discussed. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.