Localization of angiotensin converting enzyme (dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase) in swine sperm by immunofluorescence

Abstract

Testis and epididymis are known to have high amounts of angiotensin converting enzyme (dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase, EC 3.4.15.1). We investigated the localization of the enzyme in these tissues by an immunofluorescent technique and found that the enzyme was localized in the spermatids and residual bodies in the Sertoli cells of the testis. Furthermore, the enzyme was shown to be present in the cytoplasmic droplet of epididymal sperm and also in detached cytoplasmic droplets in semen. The enzyme was not detected in the interstitium of testis and epididymis except for the endothelial cells of the vessel.