Comparison of glycosidase levels in bovine seminal plasma

Seven glycosidases (beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, alpha-fucosidase, beta-galactosidase, acid alpha-glucosidase, beta-glucuronidase, acid and neutral alpha-mannosidase) were analysed in seminal plasma from the first and second successive ejaculates in normal Ayrshire bulls. In comparison to our previous data the results indicate that beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-glucuronidase are derived mainly from epididymal secretions, while alpha-fucosidase and particularly neutral alpha-mannosidase originate additionally from the spermatozoan cytoplasmic droplets. The seminal vesicles appear to contribute particularly to the seminal plasma acid alpha-glucosidase and acid alpha-mannosidase activities. The seminal plasma enzymes derived from the epididymis and cytoplasmic droplets were suppressed in semen samples with low sperm density or with high numbers of abnormal spermatozoa. The epididymal and seminal vesicle enzymes could be utilized in assessment of the secretory/functional capacity of these glands.