Purification and Characterization of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor as a Secretory Protein from Rat Epididymis: Evidences for Alternative Release and Transfer to Spermatozoa

Abstract

The cytokine MIF was identified in substantial amounts in the epithelial cells of rat epididymis and in the outer dense fibers of rat epididymal spermatozoa. Our results indicate a nonclassical secretion mode for MIF and suggest a cell-to-cell transfer of MIF via vesicles to the sperm cells.