Expression and localization of NAGase and its effect on sperm motility in Duroc boars

Abstract

The sperm and testis of Duroc boars were used as research objects. The purpose of this study was to observe the localization of NAGase in Duroc boars testis and the mechanism of its effect on sperm motility. The expression and localization of NAGase in testis tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Sperm morphology and histology were observed by H.E. staining. The localization of NAGase in sperm cells was observed by immunofluorescence technique. Acrosome integrity and motion performance (forward motion, head-side swing, linear motion ratio, etc.) were analyzed by HT-CASA- system. The activity of sperm mitochondria was observed by laser confocal microscopy. The results showed that the mesenchymal cells and supporting cells in the convoluted tubule of porcine testis were stained with the specific protein NAGase. Sperm is composed of head, body and tail in tadpole shape. The acrosome of sperm is light red, the nucleus is purple red at the base of the acrosome, and the tail of sperm is lavender red. There are a lot of NAGase in sperm head, tail and spermatoplasm. When NAGase activity was inhibited by acetamide, acrosomal integrity, mitochondrial activity and motility of sperm were significantly decreased. This study further indicated that NAGase may be an important protein in the acrosome of sperm, and NAGase may be related to the energy supply of sperm motility.