Changes in testicular proteins and enzymes during maturation of testis in Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

Biochemical analysis of total proteins (soluble, membrane bound), acid and alkaline phosphatase (soluble and membrane bound), 17b- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and catalase were correlated with the cell types in the seminiferous epithelium at various age groups in Murrah buffalo. Soluble protein (SP) content was maximum at 1 and 3 months of age, but decreases gradually thereafter while membrane bound proteins (MBP) do not change significantly. Activity of both soluble- and membrane bound-acid phosphatases (SACP and MACP) also changes significantly during postnatal development of the testis. Higher activity of soluble alkaline phosphatase (SAKp) was noted from 36 to 48 months, while activity of membrane bound alkaline phosphatase (MAKP) was higher from 1 to 9 months and at 48 months of age. However, activity of 17b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17b-HSDH) increases significantly from 30 to 48 months and activity of catalase was maximum at 1 and 3 months of age. This study indicated that changes in total proteins, acid and alkaline phosphatase, 17b-HSDH and catalase occur during development and correspond to differentiating cell population of Murrah buffalo testis.