Cytochemical studies on the basic nuclear proteins of buffalo, goat and ram spermatozoa

A cytochemical study of the basic nuclear proteins in buffalo, goat and ram spermatozoa has been made. The various techniques used suggest that these basic proteins are different from somatic proteins. Free, non-DNA-associated and RNA-associated basic proteins are absent. The basic proteins are rich in arginine, poor in lysine and consist of proteins (histones) other than protamines. It is concluded that these sperm histones are stable proteins or basic keratins. They are more concentrated in the distal portion of the head as compared to the proximal one. The results have been compared with those obtained in other animals.