Metabolism of Bovine Semen. XII. Galactose as an Indicator of Hexose Transport by Bovine Spermatozoa

Abstract

Galactose-1-C14 was used to study the transport of hexoses across the cell membrane of washed bovine spermatozoa. Trials with unlabeled glucose and with 2,4-dinitrophenol established an energy requirement for the transport of galactose. The transport system was shown to be sensitive to iodoacetate and to mercuric chloride, and did not respond to insulin. Since galactose readily accumulated in the cell and little C14O2 was produced, it was a good indicator of hexose transport. An active transport system was indicated, but some transfer appeared to be passive and non energy-dependent.