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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes
08:58

Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes

Published on: November 28, 2018

Cross-linking a maturation-dependent ram sperm plasma membrane antigen induces the acrosome reaction

C A McKinnon1, F E Weaver, J A Yoder

  • 1Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 01545.

Molecular Reproduction and Development
|June 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

The sperm protein ESA152 relocates on the sperm head during the acrosome reaction. Cross-linking ESA152 also triggers this reaction, indicating its role in sperm function.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Spermatozoa research
  • Glycoprotein function

Background:

  • ESA152 is an 18 kDa hydrophobic sialoglycoprotein found on ram sperm.
  • It is expressed throughout the sperm surface, concentrated on the posterior head.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of ESA152 in the acrosome reaction.
  • To determine if ESA152 redistribution is linked to acrosome reaction induction.

Main Methods:

  • Induction of acrosome reaction using Ca2+ ionophore.
  • Immunological cross-linking of ESA152 with bivalent antibodies.
  • Observation of ESA152 redistribution on the sperm head plasma membrane.

Main Results:

  • Ca2+ ionophore induced ESA152 redistribution from the posterior to the anterior head.
  • Cross-linking ESA152 caused similar redistribution and triggered the acrosome reaction.
  • ESA152 antibody-induced acrosome reaction required Ca2+ but was pertussis toxin-insensitive.

Conclusions:

  • ESA152 redistribution is associated with acrosome reaction induction.
  • Cross-linking ESA152 can initiate the acrosome reaction, suggesting its functional significance.
  • The mechanism involves Ca2+ but not pertussis toxin-sensitive pathways.

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