ISSN:
1040-452X
Keywords:
Human sperm antigens
;
Complement regulatory proteins
;
Protectin CD59
;
Membrane attack complex
;
Cell-to-cell adhesion
;
Gametic interaction
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Protectin (CD59) is a complement regulatory protein which blocks the membrane attack complex during complement activation. CD59 was identifield on the human sperm surface by means of H19, an IgG1 anti-protectin mouse monoclonal antibody. Using Indirect immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and immunoperoxidase, CD59 was found to be present on the whole plasma membrane including the head and tail of fresh ejaculated, capacitated and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. Immunoperoxidase staining of normal testicular sections indicated that this protein was already present on intraluminal germ cells. Analysis of this sperm protein by gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting revealed that its molecular weight of 20 kDa was comparable to that of CD59 expressed on peripheral blood cells (erythrocytes, lymphocytes) and that it was bound to the membrane through a glycophospholipid tail which could be released after treatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. Associated to membrane cofactor protein (CD46) and decay accelerating factor (CD55) located in the acrosomal membranes, CD59 may participate to the protection of male gametes against complement-mediated damage as they travel through the female genital tract. Moreover CD59, known as an adhesion molecule involved in lymphocyte rosettes, may also participate in cell to cell adhesion during gametic interaction since H19 inhibited sperm binding and reduced the penetration rate and index during the hamster egg penetration test. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Material:
6 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mrd.1080380316
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