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Glutathione-Independent Prostaglandin D₂ Synthase in Ram and Stallion Epididymal Fluids: Origin and Regulation¹

^a Station de Physiologie de la Reproduction des Mammifères Domestiques, URA INRA-CNRS 1291, 37380 Nouzilly, France

Microsequencing after two-dimensional electrophoresis revealed a major protein, glutathione-independent prostaglandin D₂ synthase (PGDS) in the anterior epididymal region fluid of the ram and stallion. In this epididymal region, PGDS was a polymorphic compound with a molecular mass around 30 kDa and a range of pI from 4 to 7. PGDS represented 15% and 8% of the total luminal proteins present in this region in the ram and stallion, respectively. The secretion of the protein as judged by in vitro biosynthesis, and the presence of its mRNA as studied by Northern blot analysis, were limited to the proximal caput epididymidis. Using a specific polyclonal antibody raised against a synthetic peptide, PGDS was found throughout the epididymis, decreasing in concentration toward the cauda region. PGDS was also detected in the testicular fluid and seminal plasma by Western blotting.

Castration and efferent duct ligation in the ram led to a decrease in PGDS mRNA and secretion. PGDS mRNA was not detected in the stallion 1 mo after castration, and it was restored by testosterone supplementation.

This study showed that PGDS is present in the environment of spermatozoa throughout the male genital tract. Its function in the maturation and/or protection of spermatozoa is unknown.

¹ This work was supported by grants from the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA, France), from ACC-SV no. 9504155, and from the Région Centre (France).

² Correspondence. FAX: 33 02 47 42 77 43; jdacheux{at}tours.inra.fr

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