New insights into the mechanisms of fertilization: comparison of the fertilization steps, composition, and structure of the zona pellucida between horses and pigs.
Abstract: The mechanism of fertilization remains largely enigmatic in mammals. Most studies exploring the molecular mechanism underlying fertilization have been restricted to a single species, generally the mouse, without a comparative approach. However, the identification of divergences between species could allow us to highlight key components in the mechanism of fertilization. In the pig, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and polyspermy rates are high, and spermatozoa penetrate easily through the zona pellucida (ZP). In contrast, IVF rates are low in the horse, and polyspermy is scarce. Our objective was to develop a comparative strategy between these two divergent models. First, we compared the role of equine and porcine gametes in the following five functions using intraspecific and interspecific IVF: ZP binding, acrosome reaction, penetration through the ZP, gamete fusion, and pronucleus formation. Under in vitro conditions, we showed that the ZP is a determining element in sperm-ZP attachment and penetration, whereas the capacity of the spermatozoa is of less importance. In contrast, the capacity of the spermatozoa is a key component of the acrosome reaction step. Second, we compared the composition and structure of the equine and porcine ZP. We observed differences in the number and localization of the ZP glycoproteins and in the mesh-like structure of the ZP between equine and porcine species. These differences might correlate with the differences in spermatozoal attachment and penetration rates. In conclusion, our comparative approach allows us to identify determining elements in the mechanism of fertilization.
Publication Date: 2009-07-08 PubMed ID: 19587333DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.077651Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research study examines the mechanisms of mammalian fertilization, particularly focusing on comparing the processes in horses and pigs. The study concludes that the zona pellucida (an outer layer surrounding the egg) plays a critical role in facilitating fertilization.
Study Overview and Objective
- The study’s intention was to gain a deeper understanding of the fertilization process in mammals by contrasting the processes and components between horses and pigs.
- The researchers, aware that most studies focused solely on one species (usually mice), believed that identifying the differences between two divergent animal species could point out crucial aspects of fertilization.
Methods and Results
- The study first compared five functions between equine and porcine gametes using both intraspecific and interspecific in vitro fertilization. The five functions were zona pellucida binding, acrosome reaction, penetration through the zona pellucida, gamete fusion, and pronucleus formation.
- Through in vitro conditions, the study found that the Zona Pellucida (ZP) plays a crucial part in sperm attachment to and penetration through the zona pellucida. The ability of the sperm was found to be less significant, except in the acrosome reaction step where it’s a key component.
Composition and Structure of Zona Pellucida
- The research then compared the composition and structure of the zona pellucida in both equine and porcine species.
- Differences were found in the number and location of ZP glycoproteins and in the mesh-like structure of ZP in horses and pigs. These differences could possibly be linked to the variations in sperm attachment and penetration rates observed in the two species.
Conclusion
- The study’s comparative approach helped to identify key elements in the mechanism of fertilization, namely the significant role of ZP in the fertilization process.
- Although the research focused on horses and pigs, the findings could be informative to understanding the fertilization mechanisms in other mammals as well.
Cite This Article
APA
Mugnier S, Dell'Aquila ME, Pelaez J, Douet C, Ambruosi B, De Santis T, Lacalandra GM, Lebos C, Sizaret PY, Delaleu B, Monget P, Mermillod P, Magistrini M, Meyers SA, Goudet G.
(2009).
New insights into the mechanisms of fertilization: comparison of the fertilization steps, composition, and structure of the zona pellucida between horses and pigs.
Biol Reprod, 81(5), 856-870.
https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod.109.077651 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR85, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Egg Proteins / metabolism
- Female
- Fertilization in Vitro
- Horses / physiology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Male
- Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
- Oocytes / physiology
- Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
- Sperm Capacitation
- Sperm Motility
- Sperm-Ovum Interactions / physiology
- Spermatozoa / physiology
- Swine / physiology
- Zona Pellucida / physiology
- Zona Pellucida Glycoproteins
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