Soluble and insoluble antigens of human spermatozoa

Human spermatozoa separated from normal semen were washed with NaC1 (0.9%)and then were washed nine and 20 times with water. Soluble and insoluble fractions were thus obtained. Proteins, nucleoproteins, lipids, and carbohydrates were determined in both fractions. Different subproducts were obtained from the insoluble fraction, and analysis of diffusible proteins was made by disc electrophoresis. They were also used as antigens in immunoserologic reactions against anti-human seminal plasma, antihuman serum proteins, and anti-insoluble fraction of sperm cells. Aglycopeptide, isolated from human seminal plasma, was also employed as antigen against the antisera. The following results were observed: (1) the soluble fraction showed a high concentration of proteins and carbohydrates and a negligible amount of nucleic acid; (2) the insoluble fraction (nine times washed spermatozoa) had a high content of proteins, low concentration of carbohydrates, and no lipids; (3) cross reactions were observed by immunodiffusion test among spermatozoa washed nine times, spermatozoa washed 20 times, seminal plasma and soluble fraction against antiseminal plasma and anti-insoluble fraction SRM9, suggesting the presence of similar antigenic groups; and (4) immunoelectrophoresis showed three arcs for nine times washed speratozoa against anti-insoluble fraction and anti-seminal plasma.