S F Gould — Page 2 | PubMed Health

PubMed1975

The localisation of bovine sperm hyaluronidase.

Hyaluronidase is a component of the acrosome of bovine spermatozoa. Utilizing fluorescein and peroxidase-labelled antibodies, the enzyme has been localised at both the light and electron microscopic levels. Antibodies against purified bovine testicular hyaluronidase were prepared in New Zealand white rabbits. Immunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, and immuno-inhibition studies of the antiserum demonstrated the presence of an antibody specific for bovine sperm hyaluronidase with no cross reactivity to other sperm-associated antigens. Fluorescence microscopy of ejaculated bovine spermatozoa show the enzyme to be limited to the anterior portion of the acrosome with a sharp termination at the rostral border of the equatorial segment of the acrosome. Light microscopic studies with peroxidase-labelled antiserum were similar to the fluorescent findings. Fine structure studies revealed reaction product predominately associated with the matrix of the acrosome cap. Within the acrosome, more intense localisation was observed in the apical densities, while no product was visualised within the equatorial segment. These findings are compatible with the hypothesis that the enzyme functions to facilitate the passage of spermatozoa between cells.

Acrosome↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The ultrastructural demonstration of placental phospholipids in preterm, term and eclamptic pregnancies.

Using a technique for the retention and visualization of aqueously soluble phospholipids the localization of phospholipids has been studied in placentae from preterm, term, and eclamptic pregnancies. Phospholipid accumulations at 32 weeks appear solely in the syncytiotrophoblast but as gestation increases phospholipids are found in an increased number of tissue compartments. By term, granules are seen in syncytiotrophoblast, cytotrophoblast, capillary endothelium, and the subtrophoblastic stroma. Two placentae from eclamptic pregnancies at 32-weeks demonstrate phospholipid localizations very similar to those found in the normal placenta at term. Additional non-straining lipid inclusions are seen within vascular pericytes in placentae from patients with eclampsia. The findings observed in the 32-week placentae from eclamptic pregnancies may be due to accelerated phospholipid metabolism, synthesis, or storage.

Eclampsia↗