Changes in immunochemical localization of cytoskeletal proteins in human and boar spermatozoa before and after acrosome reaction

: Several cytoskeletal proteins (alpha-tubulin, beta-tubulin, actin, spectrin, tropomyosin, vimentin and cytokeratin) were studied in human and boar spermatozoa. Their localization was observed by means of specific antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence technique. Immunocytochemical results were confirmed by the Western blot technique. Cytoskeletal proteins were examined in ejaculated spermatozoa before and after acrosome reaction induced by the ionophore A23187. The immunofluorescence assay revealed that localization of the studied cytoskeletal proteins in human and boar spermatozoa differ remarkably. In human spermatozoa, the localization of actin and spectrin changed after acrosome reaction; on the other hand, in boar spermatozoa, the changes of localization concerned alpha-tubulin, beta-tubulin, actin and spectrin. The type of changes differs in the studied species and follows probably the course of acrosome reaction. The results suggest that cytoskeleton participates in the process of acrosome reaction of mammalian spermatozoa.