Characterization and localization of adenylyl cyclase in membrane vesicles and intact boar and human spermatozoa.

The enzymic properties of adenylyl cyclase in purified membrane vesicles from human and boar spermatozoa are described. Plasma membrane vesicles, which appear to be right-side-out, show a marked increase in activity in the presence of the detergent Triton X-100, manganous ion and alkaline pH. Electron-microscope cytochemical assays indicated the presence of adenylyl cyclase in boar and human sperm plasma membranes and also within the axoneme of intact human spermatozoa. The significance and precautions in the evaluation of the cytochemical data are discussed.