Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa, produced by the testes, must undergo maturation in the epididymis to gain the ability to fertilize an ovum. This process includes structural modifications, such as changes in the lipid and protein composition of the plasma membrane. The CD81 and CD9 proteins, which are members of tetraspanin superfamily, have been found to be involved in the fertilization process. Our study examined the presence of CD81 in the bull testis and epididymis, and then compared CD81’s distribution profile with that of the molecule CD9. We detected CD81 in the basement membrane along the whole epididymis. In comparison, an abundant expression of CD9 molecule was found in the testis as well as in all three segments of the epididymis. Both molecules are part of the tetraspanin web, and are considered key elements in the sperm-egg interaction.
Highlights
Fertilization is a highly regulated process that encompasses some essential steps in the fusion of an ovum with a sperm leading to formation of a zygote
There was no expression of CD81 throughout the entire tissue
Intensive staining confirmed an expression of CD9 in the basement membrane of seminiferous tubules, while no expression of CD9 was found in the germinal epithelium, the developing forms of spermatozoa, and the tubular lumen
Summary
Fertilization is a highly regulated process that encompasses some essential steps in the fusion of an ovum with a sperm leading to formation of a zygote. Gamete cells arising from gonads pass through the genital tract of both male and female to undergo maturation. These lose, or gain, specific structural components to acquire fertilization capabilities. The fertilization process has been described in general, the exact roles of molecules involved in either gamete maturation or the intrinsic steps of sperm-egg interaction have not been fully elucidated. Some of the protein-potential candidates for fertility control involve a cluster of differentiation (CD) molecules, CD9 and CD81 (Kaji et al, 2000; Le Naour et al, 2000; Miyado et al, 2000; Tanigawa et al, 2008)
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