α- L-fucosidase in the reproductive organs and seminal plasma of the bull

Abstract

α- L-Fucosidase (EC 3.2.1.51) activity was studied in different reproductive organs, seminal plasma and spermatozoa of the bull. The highest specific activity of α- L-fucosidase was found in the epididymis. Gel filtration at pH 7.0 revealed two α- L-fucosidases (α- L-fucosidase I and α- L-fucosidase II) in most reproductive tissues, but seminal plasma, spermatozoa and epididymal cauda contained only form I. Fractionation at basic pH (pH 8.5) resulted in the elution of α- L-fucosidase as form II. Some differences were encountered in pH profiles and thermal stabilities of the two enzyme forms and they showed additional polymorphism after chromatofocusing. The comparison of enzyme profiles after fractionations suggests that cauda epididymidis is the main source of the seminal plasma activity in the bull.