RESUMO
The induction of acrosome reaction of goat spermatozoa was investigated. The acrosomal status of spermatozoa was determined by a triple-staining technique. The effect of the presence of goat oocytes on the proportion of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa was also determined. Ovulated oocytes were obtained from superstimulated adult goats. Other sources of oocytes were adult and prepubertal goats; oocytes from both sources were maturated in vitro. There was an increase in the percentage of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa from 4% +/- 0.98 to 9% +/- 1.41 when oocytes from adult females were used. Similar induction rates were measured with prepubertal and adult oocytes maturated in vitro (10.4% +/- 2.06 and 8.75% +/- 1.06, respectively). The influence of several qualities of cumulus oophorus as well as the presence of zona pellucida was also investigated. No significant differences were obtained with any cumulus oophorus or zona pellucida oocyte complexes. Although oocyte quality is important for high fertilization rates, it does not seem to be crucial for the induction of acrosome reaction.
RESUMO
Monoclonal antibodies to human sperm were obtained from hyperimmunized BALB/c mouse spleen cells fused with myeloma NS-1 cells. Each antibody recognized definite regions in fresh unfixed sperm: equatorial region, acrosome, postacrosome, midpiece, tail. All the antibodies were specific for sperm. We selected CRL-10 monoclonal antibody, specific for acrosome, for a detailed study. The expression of the CRL-10 antibody-bound antigen was detected in other mammalian species. When CRL-10 antibody was added prior to sperm incubation in a capacitating medium, promotion of the acrosome reaction was observed.