Adenylate cyclase activity of bovine spermatozoa during maturation in the epididymis and the activation of sperm particulate adenylate cyclase by GTP and polyamines

摘要

Summary. The adenylate cyclase activity of bovine caput and cauda epididymal spermatozoa was measured in intact- and in broken-cell preparations. Cyclase activity was 4-fold greater in caput than in cauda cells and total cyclase activity in broken-cell preparations was 3–5 times greater than that in intact cells. A particulate fraction derived from sonically disrupted caput spermatozoa was used to study the effects of compounds that might be physiologically important modulators of adenylate cyclase. Activity was stimulated by GTP, 5-guanylyl imidophosphate and by the polyamines, spermine and spermidine.