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Antisera to calreticulin inhibits sperm motility in mice
M Nakamura1, S Oshio, A Tamura
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Teikyo University, Tokyo Japan.
Abstract:
Mouse sperm were rapidly immobilized when exposed to rabbit antisera against rat calreticulin. The inhibition of sperm motility was concentration dependent at dilutions 1:50-350. The velocity of sperm did not change significantly as long as they were motile. Neither motility nor velocity of sperm was affected by adding sheep antisera to bovine calmodulin. The antisera to calreticulin also inhibited in vitro fertilization of mouse eggs. Using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method, the antigen was found to be localized in the acrosome of sperm. The results indicate that calreticulin is present in the acrosome of mouse sperm and may play an important role in sperm motility.
Insights
Rabbit antibodies targeting calreticulin rapidly immobilized mouse sperm, affecting motility and in vitro fertilization. Calreticulin
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Spermatozoa research
- Immunology
Background:
- Calreticulin is a protein involved in various cellular functions.
- The role of calreticulin in sperm motility and fertilization is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of calreticulin in mouse sperm motility and fertilization.
- To determine the localization of calreticulin in mouse sperm.
Main Methods:
- Sperm motility assays were performed using rabbit antisera against rat calreticulin.
- In vitro fertilization assays were conducted.
- Immunohistochemistry using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method was employed to localize the antigen.
Main Results:
- Rabbit antisera against calreticulin significantly inhibited mouse sperm motility in a concentration-dependent manner.
- Calreticulin antibodies also inhibited in vitro fertilization.
- Calreticulin was localized to the acrosome of mouse sperm.
- Antisera against calmodulin did not affect sperm motility or velocity.
Conclusions:
- Calreticulin is present in the acrosome of mouse sperm.
- Calreticulin likely plays a crucial role in regulating sperm motility and fertilization.