Heparin- and Zn^2+-binding proteins from boar seminal plasma

Low molecular mass, heparin-binding proteins from seminal plasma play an important role in gametes interaction whereas plasmatic Zn^{2+}-binding proteins stabilize chromatin and plasmalemma structures and protect spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract. By means of affinity chromatography the heparin- and Zn^{2+}-binding proteins were isolated from boar seminal plasma and both preparations were analyzed by reverse HPLC. Most of the proteins bound to heparine and Zn^{2+}-ions were classified as spermadhesins. Three fractions binding exclusively Zn^{2+} were isolated. They differ in amino-acid composition, content of glucosamine and content of protein components revealed by SDS/PAGE.