Expression of sperm antigens during spermatogenesis and maturation detected with monoclonal antibodies

The expression of hamster sperm antigens was investigated during spermatogenesis and sperm maturation with the use of monoclonal antibodies generated in culture from mice immunized with hamster cauda epididymal spermatozoa or sperm heads. Antigens were localized by immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase techniques which were first visualized on isolated spermatids over the developing acrosome. In one case, antibody inhibited fertilization in vitro although localization on testicular or epididymal spermatozoa was minimal compared with the early spermatid. Antibodies also recognized surface antigens first expressed in the epididymis whose localization on the spermatozoon altered during epididymal transit or incubation in capacitating medium. The results were discussed in relation to the expression and function of surface determinants on the haploid germ cell.