Separation of the proteins in the epididymal fluid of the goat

Abstract

It is believed that epididymal secretions provide the microenvironment necessary for the maturation of spermatozoa, Many proteins have been identified as important constituents of epididymal fluid and most of these are considered to be secreted by the blood serum. Information on epididymal fluid and its protein constituents is limited in the goat and this study is an attempt to characterise the proteins present in the epididymal fluid of indigenous goats.

The cauda epididymis was incised and fluid was collected into microcapillary tubes. Capillary tubes were centrifuged in a micro-baematocrit centrifuge and the supernatant was collected. The supernatant was re-centrifuged at 14,000 rpm 4°C to obtain spermatozoa-free fluid. Goat blood serum was collected for comparison. The proteins of the epididymal fluid and serum were fractionated by SDS-PAGE. The gels were fixed and stained with Coomassie blue dye and destained.

Eighteen distinct protein bands were detected in epididymal fluid and nine were detected in serum. Five bands in epididymal fluid showed mobility patterns similar to that of serum. The most prominent band observed in both epididymal fluid and serum was the albumin band.

Further studies using such techniques as immuno-electrophoresis are necessary to confirm the relationship between the serum and epididymal proteins