On the identity of bovine seminal plasma inhibin

Mol Cell Endocrinol. 1985 Jul;41(2-3):187-96. doi: 10.1016/0303-7207(85)90022-x.

Abstract

In light of current discussions on multiple forms of inhibin, it was thought of interest to ascertain the identity of the postulated 'iso-hormones' of bull seminal plasma inhibin (Chari et al., 1978). By subjecting the biologically active fraction, obtained by Sephadex G-100 gel filtration of bull seminal plasma acetone powder, to extensive dialysis in distilled water adjusted to pH 5.8, it was possible to remove the bulk of inert protein as a precipitate. The resulting active preparation could be readily fractionated by preparative iso-electric focusing in the pH range 4.0-6.5 yielding 2 distinct homogeneous peptides, alpha and beta, capable of suppressing hCG-induced uterine weight increase in immature mice, in a 'reversed Steelman-Pohley' assay design. However, of these, alpha alone was able to suppress post-castrational serum gonadotropin rise in appropriate animal models. This peptide is highly acidic in nature (iso-electric point congruent to 2.2) and has a molecular weight (Mr) of 18200 and a Stokes radius of 1.90 nm. On the basis of currently available evidence, it is concluded that the molecule consists of a single peptide chain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Assay
  • Castration
  • Cattle
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Inhibins / isolation & purification*
  • Inhibins / pharmacology
  • Isoelectric Point
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Molecular Weight
  • Rats
  • Semen / analysis*
  • Uterus / drug effects

Substances

  • Inhibins
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone