Distribution of acid glycosidases in the male genital tract of the pheasant.

The distribution of the activity of seven acid glycosidases in the reproductive organs of the pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) was studied. The study was carried out on seven mature birds at the age of 11 months during the reproductive season (May). Significant (p<0.01) differences in acid glycosidase activity dependent on enzyme origin were observed. Generally, the highest activity of acid glycosidases was found in the epididymis, intermediate in the ductus deferens and the lowest in the testes. Exceptionally, alpha-mannosidase had the highest activity in the ductus deferens. Anion-exchange chromatography elution profiles of most enzymes from the tested reproductive organs were similar, however evident differences were observed for beta-mannosidase forms.