IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION OF HYALURONIDASE IN THE SHEEP TESTIS

Abstract

The localization of hyaluronidase in the sheep testis was investigated by use of the peroxidase-labeled antibody method on the light and electron microscopic levels. The antigen was recognized in the acrosome of both spermatid and spermatozoon. In the electron microscopic observation, the antigen in the spermatid was concentrated in the acrosomal cap, but was not recognized in the acrosomal collar. However, in the spermatozoon, the antigen was recognized homogeneously both in the acrosomal cap and in the acrosomal collar. The results of the present study suggest that hyaluronidase localized in the acrosomal cap spreads into the acrosomal collar region as spermatogenesis proceeds from spermatid to spermatozoon.