Density and distribution of anionic sites on boar ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa

Abstract.

Current knowledge implies that spermatozoa successively acquire negative surface charges as they migrate through the epididymis. Until recently, however, techniques used were not amenable to statistical analysis. In the present study, a novel approach allowing numerical assessment of negative charge labelling was used in order to determine the density and distribution of anionic sites on ejaculated and maturing spermatozoa collected from six regions of the boar epididymis. Labelling was assessed quantitatively for the three morphologically distinct membrane domains on the sperm head. Statistical analysis revealed that labelling density was highest on efferent duct spermatozoa, declined up to the proximal corpus and then increased again. Densities of anionic sites on distal corpus, proximal cauda and ejaculated sperm cells were similar but significantly below the values obtained for efferent duct spermatozoa. All three sperm membrane domains underwent parallel changes. However, the overall density of negative charges on the postacrosomal segment was significantly higher as compared to the acrosomal plasma membrane. These alterations reflect sperm surface modifications through removal and addition of anionic groups. Since charge interactions are considered to play a pivotal role in sperm–egg interactions, these processes should be viewed as an integral part of sperm maturation.