Abstract
The sperm acrosome exhibits a low pH. However, the mechanism of acidification in the acrosome remains unclear. Vacuolar-type proton ATPase (V-ATPase) has been shown to play a principle role in generating and maintaining the acidity of organelles such as lysosomes and endosomes. In this study, we examined whether V-ATPase is localized in the acrosome membranes using immunohistochemical techniques. Sections of rat testis were immunostained using antibodies against V-ATPase. Under light microscopic observation, the perinuclear region in spermatids at an early stage of development was heavily immunostained. At the electron microscopic level, gold particles showing the presence of V-ATPase were localized to the acrosome membranes in the developing spermatids. V-ATPase was also localized to the membrane of vesicles locating between the trans-Golgi area and the acrosome. These observations suggest that V-ATPase may play a role in acrosome acidification.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 278-283 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | International Journal of Andrology |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2000 |
Keywords
- Acidification
- Acrosome
- Immunohistochemistry
- Spermatid
- V-ATPase
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
- Reproductive Medicine
- Urology