Studies on the Structure and Formation during Spermatogenesis of the Sulfoglycerogalactolipid of Rat Testis

Abstract

Structural studies on the major glycolipid of rat testis have confirmed our earlier identification of this compound as a 1-O-alkyl-2-O-acyl-glyceryl-monogalactoside sulfate. The acyl and alkyl groups are predominantly palmitoyl and palmityl groups, respectively. The minor glycolipid found in the same tissue has been identified as the non-sulfated form of this glycolipid. Examination of the levels of the sulfoglycerogalactolipid in the testes of immature rats, hypophysectomized rats, and normal and sterile mice indicates that the majority of the compound is located in the germinal cells of the testis and that the primary spermatocytes are the earliest spermatogenic cells to contain high levels of the lipid. Galactolipid sulfotransferase also shows peak activity in the primary spermatocytes of rat testis.