In:
Journal of Cell Science, The Company of Biologists, Vol. 91, No. 1 ( 1988-09-01), p. 21-31
Abstract:
The presence of transductory GTP(G)-regulatory proteins in mammalian gametes has been examined by indirect fluorescence immunocytochemistry. Using rabbit antisera to bovine rod /β γ-transducin (RAβγT), bovine rod holotransducin (AS–1), bovine rod α-transducin (RAαT), synthetic bovine rod α-transducin C-terminal decapeptide (AS–6), bovine brain α39Gο (RAα39), and two mouse monoclonal antibodies raised against frog retinal trans-ducin (4A), and rat brain β-tubulin, we demonstrated the presence of corresponding immunoreactive material in both rat oocytes and bovine ejaculated sperm. Immunostaining in the oocyte was evenly distributed on the oolemma, excluding the cell cytoplasm and zona pellucida. Immunoreactive material was also present in the cumulus cells that encapsulate the oocyte. In contrast, the immunofluorescence corresponding to transductory G–proteins was confined in sperm to functionally defined regions in the head and tail, in a manner specific for each antibody. While RA/β γT, AS-1 and RAα39 all stained the entire acrosome, AS–6 and RAαT stained only the acrosomal tip. Monoclonal antibody 4A stained the midpiece exclusively and anti-rat β-tubulin (a structural G–protein) stained the full length of the sperm tail. The existence of several G-protein types in mammalian gametes suggests their possible involvement in the regulation of various effector systems, in a manner reminiscent of somatic cells. The unique situation in sperm, where different G–proteins show distinct and specific patterns of distribution, further suggests their association with various effector systems in discrete functional domains.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0021-9533
,
1477-9137
Language:
English
Publisher:
The Company of Biologists
Publication Date:
1988
detail.hit.zdb_id:
219171-4
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1483099-1
SSG:
12
