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Characterization of low Mr Zona Pellucida binding proteins from boar spermatozoa and seminal plasma
Author(s) -
Parry R. V.,
Barker P. J.,
Jones R.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.1080330115
Subject(s) - zona pellucida , biology , boar , microbiology and biotechnology , andrology , semen , oocyte , embryo , anatomy , medicine
A group of low Mr (16 kDa ‐ 23 kDa) glycoproteins on ejaculated boar spermatozoa have been shown to have high affinity for homologous zona pellucida glycoproteins (ZPGPs). These ZPGP binding proteins are derived from seminal plasma as shown by their absence from epididymal spermatozoa and their presence in seminal plasma as identified by N‐terminal amino acid sequence analysis. They bind to ZPGPs by a polysulphate recognition mechanism similar to that found for proacrosin‐ZPGP interactions. The haemagglutination activity of boar seminal plasma is also associated with these low Mr glycoproteins. It is suggested that they play a role in regulating the rate of sperm capacitation and survival in the female reproductive tract. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.