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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes
Published on: November 28, 2018
Are fluorescent bodies of Y-spermatozoa detectable in common with mammalan species?
S Ogawa1, H Yamakawa, J Yamanoi
1Labolatory of Animal Reproduction, Ikuta-Campus, Meiji University, Higashimita 1-1-1, Tama-ku, Kawasaki 214, Japan.
Abstract:
An attempt was made to detect the fluorescent bodies (F-body), using Quinacrine mustard (Q-M) staining in the spermatozoa from eight mammalian species (human, bull, boar, dog, rabbit, rat, mouse, and mastomys) as well as in the cock (used as negative control). Sperm suspension, prepared after rinsing by repeated centrifugation with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), was either stained with Q-M for 24 h or treated with protease and then stained with Q-M for 60 min. The final concentration of Q-M in the mixed staining sperm suspension was 0.025 mg/ml. The examination using a reflecting fluorescent microscope revealed that the F-body found in human sperm was also present in the sperm of all the mammals but not in the cock after 24 h of staining. The enzyme-treated specimens showed higher incidences of F-bodies than specimens stained for 24 h without enzymatic digestion. These findings strongly suggest that the F-body is commonly present in the spermatozoa of many mammalian species.
Insights
Fluorescent bodies (F-bodies) were detected in the sperm of humans and all tested mammals using Quinacrine mustard (Q-M) staining. Enzyme treatment enhanced F-body detection, suggesting their common presence in mammalian spermatozoa.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Fluorescent bodies (F-bodies) are structures within cells that can be visualized using specific stains.
- Quinacrine mustard (Q-M) is a fluorescent dye known to bind to nucleic acids and other cellular components.
- Previous research has identified F-bodies in human sperm, but their presence in other mammalian species requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and prevalence of F-bodies in spermatozoa from various mammalian species.
- To compare the efficacy of Q-M staining with and without enzymatic pretreatment for F-body detection.
Main Methods:
- Spermatozoa from eight mammalian species (human, bull, boar, dog, rabbit, rat, mouse, mastomys) and a cock (control) were collected and washed.
- Sperm suspensions were stained with Quinacrine mustard (Q-M) at 0.025 mg/ml for 24 hours or treated with protease before a 60-minute Q-M staining.
- Sperm samples were examined using a reflecting fluorescent microscope.
Main Results:
- F-bodies were detected in the spermatozoa of all tested mammalian species after 24-hour Q-M staining.
- The cock spermatozoa served as a negative control, showing no F-bodies.
- Enzyme-treated sperm samples exhibited a higher incidence of F-bodies compared to those stained without enzymatic digestion.
Conclusions:
- F-bodies are a common feature of spermatozoa across a wide range of mammalian species.
- Enzymatic pretreatment can improve the detection rate of F-bodies in sperm samples.
- The findings support the widespread presence of F-bodies in mammalian sperm.
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