Tissue and species specificity of mouse ductus deferens protein.

The ductus deferens of the mouse contains a major protein with a molecular weight of 34.5 kd called mouse vas deferens protein (MVDP). Immunofluorescence histochemistry and immunoblotting with monoclonal antibodies have been used to investigate the localization, tissue, and species distribution, androgen-regulation, and developmental expression of this protein. Consistent positive immunoreaction was achieved in the ductus deferens epithelium, and immunofluorescence revealed that spermatozoa from the deferent duct were coated with MVDP. Western blot analysis showed the organ specificity of MVDP, which could not be detected in several organs in the mouse. Furthermore, MVDP appeared to be species specific since the proteins extracted from the ductus deferens of man, rat, guinea-pig, rabbit, and hamster did not react with the anti-MVDP probe. MVDP, whose expression is regulated by testosterone, was detectable at 20 days of age and its concentration increased rapidly from 20-30 days.