Zona pellucida-sperm binding assay for equine oocytes.
Abstract: The binding of a spermatozoon to the zona pellucida is the first step in fertilization. The number of spermatozoa bound to a zona pellucida may reflect the functional status of both the oocyte and spermatozoa. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the stage of maturation of the equine oocyte affects the capacity of the zona pellucida to bind with spermatozoa. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from the ovaries of mares from abattoirs or were obtained in vivo by ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration. Oocytes were inseminated directly after collection or after 30 h of in vitro maturation (IVM) with semen from the same ejaculate. The results indicate that the immature equine oocytes collected from abattoirs and inseminated directly after collection bound fewer spermatozoa than did mature (metaphase I or II) oocytes inseminated after 30 h of IVM. A similar correlation was observed with the oocytes collected in vivo. The mean number of spermatozoa bound by mature oocytes collected from preovulatory follicles and inseminated directly after collection was 324 +/- 29, whereas the mean number of spermatozoa bound by immature oocytes from nonpreovulatory follicles inseminated without maturation was 222 +/- 26 (P < 0.05). This difference was not observed in the oocytes inseminated after maturation. It is postulated that immature equine oocytes bind fewer spermatozoa than do oocytes matured either in vivo or in vitro.
Publication Date: 2000-01-01 PubMed ID: 20681155
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research focuses on the relationship between the maturity of horse eggs (oocytes) and their ability to bind with sperm, an essential step in the process of fertilization. It indicates that mature oocytes (either matured naturally or in a lab) tend to bind with more sperm than immature ones.
About the Assay
- The report explores the first stage of fertilization – the binding of a sperm cell to the zona pellucida, which is the gel-like layer surrounding an egg cell (oocyte).
- The objective of the research was to establish whether the maturity phase of horse oocytes influences their capacity to bind with sperm cells.
- The study holds significance as the number of sperm cells bound to the zona pellucida may serve as an indication of the functional state of both the egg and sperm cell.
Understanding the Use of Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes (COCs)
- Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were the primary samples used throughout this research.
- These complexes were collected from horse ovaries obtained from abattoirs or retrieved in vivo through ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration.
- Subsequently, these eggs were exposed to sperm cells either directly following collection or after 30 hours of in vitro maturation (IVM) using semen from the same ejaculate.
Observations and Results
- Unlike mature oocytes, immature ones retrieved from abattoirs that were directly inseminated following collection had fewer bound sperm cells.
- Similar findings were observed with eggs collected in vivo.
- For instance, the average number of sperm cells bound by mature eggs (directly inseminated after collection) from preovulatory follicles was approximately 324, compared to about 222 for immature eggs (inseminated without maturation) from non-preovulatory follicles.
- No such difference was noticed among eggs inseminated following maturation.
Conclusion
- Based on the results, the researchers proposed that immature horse eggs tend to bind with fewer sperm cells compared to eggs that are matured either naturally or in a lab.
Cite This Article
APA
Młodawska W, Palmer E, Duchamp G, Okólski A, Bézard J.
(2000).
Zona pellucida-sperm binding assay for equine oocytes.
J Reprod Fertil Suppl(56), 423-429.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Agriculture University, Al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Kraków, Poland.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Oocytes / physiology
- Sperm-Ovum Interactions / physiology
- Spermatozoa / physiology
- Zona Pellucida / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Katila T. In vitro evaluation of frozen-thawed stallion semen: a review. Acta Vet Scand 2001;42(2):199-217.
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