| Abstract: |
Human cellular polypeptide factors, namely interferon‐α, interferon‐γ, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐α, and TGF‐β, were analyzed for their effect on motility of human sperm cells. Both interferons caused an inhibition of sperm cell motility due to direct cytotoxic effects without inducing 2′‐5′ oligoadenylate [2–5(A)]synthetase activity. TGF‐α affected neither motility nor the levels of 2–5(A) synthetase in sperm cells. TGF‐β, had no affect on sperm motility, yet it caused an induction of 2–5(A)synthetase activity. Western immunoblot analysis of TGF‐β1‐treated sperm indicated an enhancement of a 50 kDa protein. Metabolic labeling of sperm cells revealed biosynthesis of one major protein of 50 kDa and at least five minor proteins in the range of 30–92 kDa; the level of 50 kDa protein increased after treatment with TGF‐β1. The treatment of sperm cells with TGF‐β1 did not affect their penetration in zona‐free hamster eggs (SPA). These results indicate that TGF‐β1 enhances expression of a 50 kDa protein related to 2–5(A)synthetase in human sperm cells along with other minor proteins, and this increase does not affect sperm motility and SPA. Copyright © 1991 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. |
