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Localization of microfilaments and a tubulin‐like protein in crustacean ( Rhynchocinetes typus ) spermatozoon

1991; Wiley; Volume: 28; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/mrd.1080280410

1098-2795

Concepción Pérez, Mauricio Molina Roco, Andrea Castro, Elian Dupré, Gerald Schatten, C. Barros,

Crustacean biology and ecology

Abstract Sperm from the decapod crustacean Rhynchocinetes typus undergo dramatic shape changes as they pass from the vas deferens to seawater and interact with the oocyte envelopes. Using FITC‐phalloidin and antitubulin antibodies, we were able to localize microfilaments and a tubulin‐like protein in R. typus spermatozoon. Microfilaments and the tubulin‐like protein were associated with the sperm rays and spines, but were absent at the spike and at its base. Folded and unfolded spermatozoa display similar fluorescence patterns. SDS‐PAGE of whole spermatozoa and electrotransfer to nitrocellulose confirmed the presence of actin and two proteins at 97 kd and 120 kd that bind to tubulin antibodies (tubulin‐like proteins). These results demonstrate the presence of actin, but not tubulin, and localize microfilaments in these sperm. It is proposed that this cytoskeletal component is active in sperm during crustacean fertilization.