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Biochemistry of seminal secretions of the crab Scylla serrata with reference to sperm metabolism and storage in the female.The spermatheca of the unmated female crabs are poor in organic constituents.
During sperm storage in the spermatheca, only the carbohydrates decline steeply.
A sharp fall in the stored carbohydrates constitutes further evidence in this regard.
In general, organic components of spermatophores are considerably higher than those of seminal plasma.
After mating, their contents are enriched by organic substances derived from contributions of the seminal substances.
The results reveal that the seminal plasma and spermatophores are rich in protein, carbohydrate, and lipid.
These results from enzyme studies suggest that sperm metabolism is mainly anaerobic, utilizing the carbohydrates as substrates.
Enzyme studies show that the succinate dehydrogenase ( SDH) activity is very low, whereas fumarate reductase ( FR) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) exhibit high activity. Paper-7144792.
Electrophoretic studies on LDH show that, in addition to the occurrence of a sperm-specific fraction, LDHx, the M-type subunits are predominant in the mature spermatophores.
Biochemical studies on the male reproductive tissues and seminal secretions have been made with reference to sperm metabolism and different stages of maturity in the crab Scylla serrata.
A low activity of SDH, but a moderate level of LDH and a high level of FR activity, is recorded in the spermathecal content of mated crabs, providing further evidence for anaerobic metabolism of sperm during storage in female. Paper-7144792.
The concentration of biochemical constituents is highest in the proximal vas deferens (PVD), suggesting that the granular seminal plasma as well as the sperm-agglutinating substance and spermatophoric wall are secreted in this region.
The results for maturational changes reveal that the male reproductive tissues and their secretions contain lesser quantity of organic components in the immature crabs; as the maturity proceeds, there is not only concentration of organic substances but also an increase in the size of spermatophores.
Important links !
iHOP - Information Hyperlinked over Proteins .
Concept & Implementation by Robert Hoffmann.