Synthesis of phospholipid-binding protein in the reproductive organs of the bull during ontogenesis

Abstract

In bulls of the Czech red-spotted breed, the synthesis of phospholipid-binding protein (PBP) in the epithelial cells of the seminal vesicles and ampullary glands begins at the age of 20–24 weeks. Optimum production of the protein, characterized by intensive fluorescence of the productive epithelium in indirect immunofluorescence and by a high seminal vesicle and ampullary fluid titre in the erythrocyte haemolytic reaction, does not begin until the age of 25 weeks, however. PBP synthesis by the seminal vesicles and ampullary glands depends on the amount of testosterone in the blood. This is demonstrated by the absence of PBP synthesis in sexually immature bulls with a low blood plasma testosterone level and by low PBP synthesis in sexually adult bulls with severe orchitis accompanied by degeneration of the Leydig cells and a low blood testosterone level.