Removal of acrosomes of ram and rabbit spermatozoa.

The r\l=o^\leof acrosomal enzymes of mammalian spermatozoa in sperm penetration through the investments of the ovum and subsequent fertilization has been studied since the development of the method based on treatment ofspermatozoa with the cationic detergent, Hyamine, for detachment of acrosomes (Hartree & Srivastava, 1965). Srivastava, Zaneveld & Williams (1970) modified this method, using Triton X-100 in combination with Hyamine to obtain the release of membrane-bound enzymes. This modification allows recovery of an acrosomal extract containing most of the enzymes and chemical constituents associated with the plasma and acrosomal membranes. The methods based on detergent treatment require prolonged incubation at 37\s=deg\C, which, if care is