RESUMO
An atypical distribution of sperm acrosomal tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins [which include sperm acrosome associated 1 (SPACA1) proteins] may be related to the relatively lesser pregnancy rates when semen of some bulls are used for artificial insemination (AI). There may also be these associations with bull SPACA1 proteins that are translocated from the equatorial segment to the anterior part in the acrosomes during sperm maturation in the normally functioning epididymis. The aim of the present study, therefore, was assessment of the characteristics of bull SPACA1 proteins. Results from immunocytochemical evaluations indicate there were large variations in sperm percentages with typically distributed SPACA1 proteins in acrosomes of cauda epididymal sperm samples (7%-95%). These values were positively correlated with percentages of epididymal spermatozoa with typically distributed acrosomal tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins (r=0.8564, P<0.001). Results indicate there are individual differences in translocation of SPACA1 proteins in the epididymis during sperm maturation, and that SPACA1 protein is one of the main determinants for the typical distribution of acrosomal tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. In addition, conception rates as a result of AI using cryopreserved spermatozoa tended to be associated with percentages of epididymal spermatozoa with typically distributed SPACA1 proteins. Results from sucrose gradient centrifugation fractionation experiments indicate SPACA1 proteins are sperm membrane raft-associated proteins. Based on these results, it is hypothesized that there is an association between bull subfertility when semen is used for AI and epididymal dysfunctions in the arrangement of membrane lipid rafts during sperm maturation.
