Comparative study of alpha-glucosidase activities in blood and seminal plasma of rams

1. This study was undertaken to characterize the alpha-glucosidase present in blood and seminal plasma of two strains of pure-bred rams which are known as seasonal breeders. 2. pH profiles and activity levels were investigated in blood and seminal plasma using a sensitive spectrophotometric assay with para-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-glucoside as substrate. 3. According to their pH optimum, blood plasma and seminal plasma alpha-glucosidases were typically neutral and acid enzymes and significant differences were recorded in their physico-chemical properties, establishing the tissue specificity of the enzyme. 4. Notwithstanding the tissue under study, the nature of the alpha-glucosidase activity was similar in both strains of pure-bred rams.