Nanospray liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analysis of steroids from gray whale blubber.

Rationale: Analysis of steroids from precious blubber biopsies obtained from marine mammals, especially endangered species, can provide valuable information on their endocrine status. Challenges with currently used ELISA methodology include lack of absolute quantitation and incompatibility with multiple steroids analysis due to limited biopsy mass. Development of a sensitive, accurate analytical method for this purpose is critical.

Placentation in watersnakes I: Placental histology and development in North American Nerodia (Colubridae: Natricinae).

As part of a broad survey of placental structure, function, and evolution in reptilian sauropsids paraffin-section histology was used to study microscopic anatomy of the uterus and fetal membranes of three species of North American watersnakes (Nerodia: Colubridae). The pre-ovulatory uterus is poorly vascularized with inactive shell glands. These shell glands are activated during vitellogenesis but regress during pregnancy.

Isolation and proteomic characterization of the mouse sperm acrosomal matrix.

A critical step during fertilization is the sperm acrosome reaction in which the acrosome releases its contents allowing the spermatozoa to penetrate the egg investments. The sperm acrosomal contents are composed of both soluble material and an insoluble material called the acrosomal matrix (AM). The AM is thought to provide a stable structure from which associated proteins are differentially released during fertilization.

Oligomerization and transglutaminase cross-linking of the cystatin CRES in the mouse epididymal lumen: potential mechanism of extracellular quality control.

CRES (cystatin-related epididymal spermatogenic), a member of the cystatin superfamily of cysteine protease inhibitors, is expressed in the epididymis and spermatozoa, suggesting specialized roles in reproduction. Several cystatin family members oligomerize, including cystatin C that forms amyloid deposits associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Our studies demonstrate that CRES also forms oligomers.