Hyaluronidase Release from Guinea Pig Spermatozoa as Affected by Reproductive Tract Secretions and Metabolic Inhibitors

Cauda epididymal sperm of mature guinea pigs were incubated (37 degrees, 5% CO2 in air). 10% of the total enzyme activity was released into the medium in 4 hr, 30% in 24 hr. Addition of lysolecithin resulted in rapid release of hyaluronidase. Vitamin C (0.54 mM), sodium fluoride (0.02 M), and cholesterol increased the rate of release whereas citrate (20 mM) diminished it. No effect upon hyaluronidase release was noted upon addition of KCN (10(-2)M), progesterone (250 microgram/ml), testosterone (500 microgram/ml), spermine (1.15 mg/ml), inositol (5.6 mM), or chloroquine phosphate (0.54 mM).