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Autoproteolysis in human seminal plasma under acidic condition
International Journal of Fertility
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Human seminal plasma contains proteases that cause autohydrolysis, breaking down proteins at acidic pH. This process is driven by an acidic protease, as shown by specific inhibitor studies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Proteomics
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Human seminal plasma contains neutral and acidic proteases.
- These enzymes suggest a potential for protein autohydrolysis within seminal fluid.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the autoproteolysis of proteins in human seminal plasma.
- To determine the conditions and specific proteases involved in this process.
Main Methods:
- Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE).
- Incubation of seminal plasma at different pH conditions (3.5 and 5.0-7.5).
- Use of specific inhibitors for acidic protease (p-bromophenacyl-bromide and 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy)propane).
Main Results:
- Autoproteolysis occurred at pH 3.5 but not at pH 5.0-7.5.
- Proteins were hydrolyzed into smaller peptides (≤13,000 daltons), with one exception (28,000 daltons).
- Acidic protease activity was confirmed by inhibition studies.
Conclusions:
- Human seminal plasma undergoes autohydrolysis primarily driven by an acidic protease at low pH.
- This finding is significant for understanding seminal fluid protein stability and degradation.