Ultrastructural localization of wheat germ agglutinin binding sites on the sperm surface of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). A fracture label study.

In the present study we have examined the plasma membrane surface organization employing fluorescein isothiocyanate linked wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) of the cauda epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa of water buffalo. Intramembrane particle distribution pattern in the various segments of the spermatozoa has also been observed. WGA-ovomucoid gold has been used to study the distribution of sialoproteins on the sperm surface. With fracture label, WGA receptor sites have been identified on the fractured membrane halves of the sperm plasma membrane overlying the acrosome as well as the middle piece and the principle piece.