Ultrastructural localization of glycodelin oligosaccharides Le-x and Le-y in human seminal vesicles by immunogold staining

J Anat. 2007 Mar;210(3):352-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2007.00690.x.

Abstract

Histo-blood group antigens Le-x and Le-y are oligosaccharidic terminals that characterize many glycoproteins in the human tissues. In seminal plasma, they are expressed as part of the so-called glycodelin S, which is suggested to regulate sperm capacitation/decapacitation. It has recently been demonstrated that the core protein of glycodelin S is secreted by seminal vesicles. Here we show that epithelial cells of human seminal vesicles also release the Le-x and Le-y antigens. The presence of these substances in secretory material was revealed by means of an immunogold staining method in normal surgical samples. The results suggest that glycodelin S is secreted by seminal vesicles in its finished glycosylated form. Moreover, antigen reactivity was also revealed associated with plasma membranes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Group Antigens / analysis*
  • Epithelium / immunology
  • Epithelium / ultrastructure
  • Glycodelin
  • Glycoproteins / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Lewis Blood Group Antigens*
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Immunoelectron
  • Pregnancy Proteins / analysis*
  • Secretory Vesicles / chemistry
  • Secretory Vesicles / ultrastructure
  • Seminiferous Tubules / immunology*
  • Seminiferous Tubules / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Blood Group Antigens
  • Glycodelin
  • Glycoproteins
  • Lewis Blood Group Antigens
  • PAEP protein, human
  • Pregnancy Proteins