[ABH antigens on spermatozoa membrane--absorption or local synthesis?]

ABH antigens can be demonstrated on the membrane of spermatozoa from semen, but not on spermatozoa from the epididymis. It is discussed in the literature, if the antigens are absorbed from the antigen rich seminal fluid, or if they are synthesized on the membrane, according to a haploid gene expression. In order to answer this question, cleaned spermatozoa from semen and spermatozoa from tissue samples of epididymidis, ductus epididymidis and the prostate region were investigated using the immunoenzyme technique. It was found that spermatozoa were ABH marked only after contact with the secretions of the accessory glands. Results indicate, that the ABH antigens on the spermatozoa derive from the seminal fluid.