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Lectin-binding sites on human sperm during acrosome reaction: modifications judged by electron microscopy/flow
R Fierro1, B Foliguet, G Grignon
1Depto. Ciencias Salud, Univ. Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, México, Mexico.
Archives of Andrology
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Surface carbohydrate changes on human sperm during the acrosome reaction were studied. Lectin binding patterns reveal alterations in sperm surface glycoproteins, indicating potential diagnostic markers for sperm function.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human sperm undergo biochemical surface modifications during capacitation and the acrosome reaction.
- Variations in carbohydrate moiety expression are key indicators of these surface changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in sperm surface carbohydrate expression during in vitro induced acrosome reaction.
- To assess the utility of lectin binding as a tool for evaluating sperm acrosome reaction capability.
Main Methods:
- Sequential study using electron microscopy and flow cytometry.
- Assessed binding of four lectins (WGA, PNA, Con-A, UEA-1) on human sperm.
- Induced acrosome reaction using calcium ionophore A-23187.
Main Results:
- Triticum vulgaris agglutinin (WGA) binding decreased post-acrosome reaction induction.
- Arachis hypogea agglutinin (PNA), Concanavalia ensiformis agglutinin (Con-A), and Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA-1) binding increased.
- Electron microscopy confirmed lectin binding correlated with increased access to the inner acrosomal membrane, significant at 60 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Lectin binding patterns reflect dynamic changes in sperm surface carbohydrates during the acrosome reaction.
- These lectin binding profiles offer a potential method for assessing human sperm's ability to undergo the acrosome reaction.