Binding to spermatozoa of a major soluble protein secreted by the epididymis of the lizard Lacerta vivipara

Abstract

Abstract A major soluble protein occurring in two forms, a monomer (protein L) and a polymer, has been identified in the voluminous secretory granules produced by the epithelium of Lacerta vivipara epididymis. An antiserum was raised against protein L and used as an immunohistochemical probe. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy has indicated that protein L is able to bind to the heads of the spermatozoa. By incubating spermatozoa with buffers of increasing ionic strength and by using nonionic detergents it was not possible to remove completely the protein L. Therefore it was concluded that the binding of protein L to the spermatozoa was not labile and might play an important role in the physiology of the spermatozoa, which is presently under investigation with this convenient model.