The release of hyaluronidase from spermatozoa

Abstract

Investigation of some of the factors concerned in the liberation of hyaluronidase from rabbit spermatozoa has shown that freezing for a short time or standing in aqueous suspension at 0[degree] for 24 hr. or longer allows apparently maximal extraction of the enzyme. Freeze-drying may cause an insignificant loss of potency but the product remains stable for long periods. At least 3/4 of the total hyaluronidase content of semen is associated with the spermatozoa, the remainder being in soln. in the plasma. In suspensions of live sperms in Baker''s soln., the amt. of hyaluronidase in soln. is roughly proportional to the logarithm of the vol. of suspension for a constant number of sperms. The presence of hyaluronidase in soln. in the suspending medium reduces the amt. of enzyme liberated by the sperms. Spermatozoa do not appear actively to produce hyaluronidase; they merely liberate the preformed enzyme. It is suggested that the mechanism which accounts for the relationship between vol. of suspension and hyaluronidase liberated is sufficient to explain the release of enzyme in the Fallopian tubes necessary to bring about disintegration of the cumulus surrounding freshly ovulated ova.