Plasminogen activator: the identification of an additional proteinase at the outer acrosomal membrane of human and boar spermatozoa

Int J Fertil. 1992 Sep-Oct;37(5):308-14.

Abstract

We have recently shown that spermatozoa of various species contain both types of plasminogen activator, the tissue-type (t-PA) and the urokinase-type (u-PA). In the present study, the localization of t-PA and u-PA in plasma membrane and outer acrosomal membrane of human and boar spermatozoa has been investigated. The identification of the type of the plasminogen activator (t-PA or u-PA) was made immunologically. In human spermatozoa, the outer acrosomal membrane and plasma membrane contained both types of plasminogen activator (t-PA and u-PA); in addition, t-PA antigen was measured. In boar spermatozoa, the outer acrosomal membrane contained only t-PA, whereas plasma membrane contained both types of plasminogen activator (t-PA and u-PA). Plasminogen activator inhibition (PAI) has also been demonstrated in plasma and outer acrosomal membranes of both species and identified as PAI-1 in membranes of human spermatozoa.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acrosome / enzymology*
  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / enzymology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 / analysis
  • Spermatozoa / enzymology*
  • Spermatozoa / ultrastructure
  • Swine
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator / analysis*
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / analysis*

Substances

  • Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator