The localization of both acetyl- and nonspecific cholinesterases has been demonstrated in the spermatozoa of six different mammalian species: human, chimpanzee, bull, rat, rabbit and mouse. The reaction sites were essentially the same in the spermatozoa of all six species. The main site of reaction was found to be the fibrillar component of the sperm tail. Some reactivity was also noticed in the mitochondrial membrane. Cytoplasmic droplets and some particulate matter in the seminal plasma were always reactive. A variety of substrates and inhibitors were used to distinguish between the acetyl- and nonspecific cholinesterases. It was found that the spermatozoa exhibit positive cytochemical reactions for both enzymes. Distinct variation in the amount of reaction product was observed in the spermatozoa of different species. Bull and rat spermatozoa exhibited maximum activity, rabbit and mouse spermatozoa were moderately reactive, while chimpanzee and human spermatozoa were least reactive.
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Chakraborty et al. (1976) studied this question.