HISTONE AND DNA DETECTION IN SWOLLEN SPERMATOZOA AND SOMATIC-CELLS, BY IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE

Abstract

A method of swelling spermatozoa and other cells [rat liver cells and human lymphocytes], which leads to the exposure of nuclear antigens, is described. Indirect IFT [immunofluorescence technique] was used on these swollen cells with sera containing antibodies to nuclear antigens; the results were compared to those obtained in other tests (measuring anti-nuclear antibodies). By swelling human spermatozoa, nuclear antigens of the sperm are exposed, and can be used for the detection of antibodies directed against them. Heterologous antibodies to histones F2a1, F2a2 and F3, which can not be detected in the indirect IFT on rat liver cells, become detectable after swelling of these cells. Mature human spermatozoa contain, in addition to double-stranded DNA and protamine, small amounts of histone F2b and F2a2. In mature human spermatozoa histone F1 is absent.