Seminase is produced in the accessory glands and is processed during and after mating.

Abstract

<p>(A) Western blot probed with seminase antibody. Seminase in the male accessory glands (AG) has an apparent molecular weight of ∼29-kDa. No seminase was detected in testes (T), the ejaculatory duct and bulb (ED/EB), or in virgin female reproductive tracts. AG and T: tissue from 10 virgin males. ED/EB: tissue from 20 virgin males. Female: tissue from 4 virgin females. Tubulin is shown as a loading control. Total protein loaded is shown in micrograms as measured by BCA assay. (B) Western blot probed with seminase antibody. Lane 1: full-length seminase in AG. Lane 2: ED/EB dissected from 20 males at 8–10 minutes ASM. Lane 3: Reproductive tracts (RT) from 20 females dissected 8–10 minutes ASM. Lanes 4–8: Female RTs dissected at the times ASM indicated above the lanes. (C) Western blots probed for seminase (top) and ovulin (bottom). Lane 1: full length protein in AG. Lanes 2 and 3: RT from females mated to CG11864 control (+) or knockdown (−) males at 1 hour ASM.</p