Studies on the structure of the postnuclear sheath of water buffalo spermatozoa

Abstract

Surface replication of chemically treated and sonicated spermatozoa of the Asiatic water buffalo has been utilized to study the relationship of the post-nuclear sheath components to each other and to the plasma membrane. The postnuclear sheath can be considered a complex composed of matrix material, formed elements termed “striations”, and a caudal, posterior ring. These components appear to vary in lability upon being treated by the various reagents and conditions used for disruption. Total removal of postnuclear sheath structures was accomplished after treatment with media containing dithiothreitol. Freeze-etching studies including the use of deep etching conditions support the suggestion that the particulate material comprising the basal striations are in part intramembranous while extending into the postnuclear sheath matrix internally and making contact with (or forming a part of) the surface membrane externally.