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Park SB, Kim HJ, Choi YB, Ahn KH, Lee KH, Yang JB, Yu CS, Seo BB. The effect of various assisted hatching techniques on the mouse early embryo development. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2014; 41:68-74. [PMID: 25045630 PMCID: PMC4102692 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2014.41.2.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In search of an ideal method of assisted hatching (AH), we compared the effects of conventional micropipette-AH and laser-AH on the blastocyst formation rate (BFR) and blastocyst cell numbers. Methods Four- to five-week-old ICR female mice were paired with male mice after superovulation using Pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and hCG. The two-cell embryos were flushed from the oviducts of female mice. The retrieved two-cell embryos underwent one of five AH procedures: single mechanical assisted hatching (sMAH); cross mechanical assisted hatching (cMAH); single laser assisted hatching (sLAH); quarter laser assisted hatching (qLAH); and quarter laser zona thinning assisted hatching (qLZT-AH). After 72 hours incubation, double immunofluorescence staining was performed. Results Following a 72 hours incubation, a higher hatching BFR was observed in the control, sMAH, cMAH, and sLAH groups, compared to those in the qLAH and qLZT-AH groups (p<0.05). The hatched BFR was significantly higher in the qLAH and qLZT-AH groups than in the others (p<0.05 for each group). The inner cell mass (ICM) was higher in the control and sMAH group (p<0.05). The trophectoderm cell number was higher in the cMAH and qLAH groups (p<0.05). Conclusion Our results showed that the hatched BFR was higher in groups exposed the the qLAH and qLZT-AH methods compared to groups exposed to other AH methods. In the qLAH group, although the total cell number was significantly higher than in controls, the ICM ratio was significantly lower in than controls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hye Jin Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chungnam National Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | | | - Kwang Hwa Ahn
- Fertility Clinic, Mirae Ladies Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Kee Hwan Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chungnam National Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jung Bo Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chungnam National Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Chang Seok Yu
- Department of Animal Resources, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Korea
| | - Byoung Boo Seo
- Department of Animal Resources, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Korea
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Figueira RDCS, Braga DPDAF, Setti AS, Iaconelli A, Borges E. Relevance of assisted hatching in an oocyte donation programme using egg cryobanking: a prospective randomised study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2012; 164:48-51. [PMID: 22672993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2012.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this prospective randomised study was to evaluate if there is an improvement in clinical outcomes when assisted hatching (AH) is performed in embryos derived from vitrified/warmed oocytes in an ovum donation programme using egg cryobanking. STUDY DESIGN Sixty oocyte recipients in a donation programme using egg cryobanking were randomly allocated to the assisted hatched (AH, n=30) or control group (n=30). The pregnancy and implantation rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS A total of 288 vitrified oocytes were warmed for the 60 recipients. Of the 288 vitrified oocytes, 94.8% survived. All surviving oocytes were sperm injected, and 83.5% underwent fertilisation. There were 172 good-quality embryos selected for transfer. The total pregnancy rate was 40%. The pregnancy rate did not differ between the AH and control groups (43.3% and 33.3%, respectively, p=0.1967), but AH resulted in a higher implantation rate (31.6% vs. 18.4%, p=0.0206). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of AH in embryos derived from warmed oocytes. Our results also suggest that oocyte cryopreservation can be considered as a tool for providing highly successful outcomes in an egg donor programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita de Cássia S Figueira
- Fertility - Assisted Fertilization Centre, Av. Brigadeiro Luis, 4545. São Paulo, SP 01401 002, Brazil
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3
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Venditti JJ, Swann JM, Bean BS. Hamster Sperm-Associated Alpha-l-Fucosidase Functions During Fertilization. Biol Reprod 2010; 82:572-9. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.076695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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Abstract
Male infertility is a frequent cause of childlessness, and, indeed, a comparison of the contributions to conception failure made by male and female factors shows them to be equally frequent. In practice, male infertility appears to be resistant to most treatments. However, the major reason for this may be that often attempts are carried out without knowing the cause of the problem. Unlike in women, obstructions and hormonal disorders are rare in male infertility. Rather, it would appear that sperm disorders are the most common cause, reflecting a variety of pathogenetic mechanisms. Defects in sperm morphology, defective sperm movement, deficient development or functional failure of the acrosome, and the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species are changes that are often seen in infertile semen, but little is known about their aetiology. In 5–10% of men being treated for infertilty, an autoimmune reaction against spermatozoa is observed. Although the correlation between the presence of systemic antisperm antibodies and fertility potential is poor, the appearance of sperm-bound antibodies of immunoglobulin class IgA in semen seems to be closely associated with infertility. Studies in laboratory animals and humans have shown that complementary adhesion molecules are located on the surface of oocytes and spermatozoa. These molecules interact and lead to gamete fusion. Abnormalities in these molecules on the sperm surface might be expected to contribute to male infertility. However, their clinical significance has not yet been documented, and the molecular basis of human gamete interaction is far from being understood. Therefore, the key to understanding male infertility may lie in basic research which directly targets the fundamental cellular and molecular biology of the human spermatozoon.
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Nixon B, Bielanowicz A, Mclaughlin EA, Tanphaichitr N, Ensslin MA, Aitken RJ. Composition and significance of detergent resistant membranes in mouse spermatozoa. J Cell Physiol 2009; 218:122-34. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Qing T, Shi Y, Qin H, Ye X, Wei W, Liu H, Ding M, Deng H. Induction of oocyte-like cells from mouse embryonic stem cells by co-culture with ovarian granulosa cells. Differentiation 2007; 75:902-11. [PMID: 17490416 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-0436.2007.00181.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In vitro derivation of oocytes from embryonic stem (ES) cells has the potential to be an important tool for studying oogenesis as well as advancing the field of therapeutic cloning by providing an alternative source of oocytes. Here, we demonstrate a novel, two-step method for inducing mouse ES cells to differentiate into oocyte-like cells using mouse ovarian granulosa cells. First, primordial germ cells (PGCs) were differentiated within the embryonic body (EB) cells around day 4 as defined by the expression of PGC-specific markers and were distinguished from undifferentiated ES cells. Second, day 4 EB cells were co-cultured with ovarian granulosa cells. After 10 days, these cells formed germ cell colonies as indicated by the expression of the two germ cell markers Mvh and SCP3. These cells also expressed the oocyte-specific genes Figalpha, GDF-9, and ZP1-3 but not any testis-specific genes by RT-PCR analysis. EB cultured alone or cultured in granulosa cell-conditioned medium did not express any of these oocyte-specific markers. In addition, EB co-cultured with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells or cultured in CHO cell-conditioned medium did not express all of these oocyte-specific markers. Immunocytochemistry analysis using Mvh and GDF-9 antibodies confirmed that some Mvh and GDF-9 double-positive oocyte-like cells were generated within the germ cell colonies. Our results demonstrate that granulosa cells were effective in inducing the differentiation of ES cell-derived PGCs into oocyte-like cells through direct cell-to-cell contacts. Our method offers a novel in vitro system for studying oogenesis; in particular, for studying the interactions between PGCs and granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Qing
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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7
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Akkoyunlu G, Ustünel I, Demir R. The distribution of transglutaminase in the rat oocytes and embryos. Theriogenology 2007; 68:834-41. [PMID: 17686510 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2007] [Revised: 06/11/2007] [Accepted: 06/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Transglutaminases (TGs) are calcium-dependent enzymes that catalyze the transamidation of glutamine residues of a protein substrate to form intermolecular isopeptide bonds. The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular, glycoprotein matrix that surrounds the oocytes of all Eutherian mammals. We aimed to identify the immunoreactivity of tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and ultrastructural changes occuring in rat oocytes before and after fertilization. Female rats were stimulated to superovulate, then mated with males. Oocytes and embryos were collected and examined by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Before fertilization, tTG was present only in the oolemma and the cortical cytoplasm. After fertilization, tTG reactivity increased in the ZP of the early zygote and the preimplantation embryos, but decreased in the cytoplasm and perivitelline space (PVS). After fertilization, the PVS ultrastructure became asymmetrical and large around the polar bodies with many cortical granule contents. In conclusion, tTG immunoreactivity was found to be spatially and temporarily heterogeneous in the rat oocytes and embryos, especially in the ZP.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Akkoyunlu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey.
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8
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Nixon B, Asquith KL, John Aitken R. The role of molecular chaperones in mouse sperm-egg interactions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2005; 240:1-10. [PMID: 16043280 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2005.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2005] [Revised: 06/20/2005] [Accepted: 06/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization is a unique and exquisitely choreographed cellular interaction between the male and female gamete that results in the creation of a genetically unique individual. Despite the fundamental importance of fertilization, there remains a dearth of information about the basic biochemical mechanisms that underpin this process. One of the key issues that remain unresolved is the molecular basis of sperm-egg recognition. From the female perspective, it is well established that the sperm recognition sites reside in the zona pellucida (ZP), an acellular coat that surrounds the oocyte. In contrast, numerous studies into the cognate zona receptors residing on the sperm surface have failed to shed significant light on the biochemical identity of these molecules. Such difficulties may, in part, have arisen because investigations have traditionally been based on the precept that the zona receptor represents a single molecular entity that is constitutively expressed on the sperm surface. While such a view holds obvious appeal, it fails to account for growing evidence that gamete interaction is not mediated by a simple lock-and-key mechanism. In this review, we present a novel hypothesis in which the zona recognition site is portrayed as a multimeric molecular structure that is assembled into a functional complex during a maturation process known as 'capacitation'. Furthermore, we consider the possibility that this previously cryptic complex is assembled and delivered to the outer surface of the sperm plasma membrane through the concerted action of several members of the molecular chaperone family of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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Tatemoto H, Muto N, Yim SD, Nakada T. Anti-Hyaluronidase Oligosaccharide Derived from Chondroitin Sulfate A Effectively Reduces Polyspermy During In Vitro Fertilization of Porcine Oocytes1. Biol Reprod 2005; 72:127-34. [PMID: 15342356 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.032813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to examine the effects of chondroitin sulfate A-derived oligosaccharide (ChSAO) on hyaluronidase activity and in vitro fertilization (IVF) parameters. The activity of hyaluronidase extracted from preincubated boar sperm was completely blocked by ChSAO at concentrations of 10 microg/ml or higher. After in vitro maturation of porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes, some oocytes were freed from their cumulus cells, and cumulus-intact or cumulus-free oocytes were inseminated with sperm in IVF medium containing various concentrations of ChSAO (0.1-100 microg/ml). In cumulus-intact oocytes, the penetration and the polyspermy rates (39% and 28%, respectively) were significantly decreased by treatment with 100 microg/ml ChSAO compared with those of oocytes treated without ChSAO (63% and 52%, respectively). On the contrary, in cumulus-free oocytes, the addition of 10-100 microg/ml ChSAO significantly reduced the polyspermy rate compared with the control (25-30% versus 53%, respectively), whereas ChSAO had no effect on sperm penetration. Interestingly, ChSAO added to IVF medium significantly decreased the number of sperm bound to the zona pellucida (ZP) of cumulus-free oocytes in a concentration-dependent manner between 0.1 and 100 microg/ml. However, ChSAO had no effect on the time course change in ZP modification after oocyte activation by electrostimulation and the incidence of the acrosome-reacted sperm. Treatment with 100 microg/ml ChSAO during IVF of cumulus-free oocytes significantly increased the proportion of development to the blastocyst stage after in vitro insemination. Therefore, the present findings indicate that hyaluronidase-inhibitory ChSAO is an efficient probe for promoting normal fertilization process in terms of an effective decrease in the incidence of polyspermy during IVF of porcine oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Tatemoto
- Department of Bioproduction, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan.
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Geijsen N, Horoschak M, Kim K, Gribnau J, Eggan K, Daley GQ. Derivation of embryonic germ cells and male gametes from embryonic stem cells. Nature 2003; 427:148-54. [PMID: 14668819 DOI: 10.1038/nature02247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 546] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2003] [Accepted: 11/24/2003] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Egg and sperm cells (gametes) of the mouse are derived from a founder population of primordial germ cells that are set aside early in embryogenesis. Primordial germ cells arise from the proximal epiblast, a region of the early mouse embryo that also contributes to the first blood lineages of the embryonic yolk sac. Embryonic stem cells differentiate in vitro into cystic structures called embryoid bodies consisting of tissue lineages typical of the early mouse embryo. Because embryoid bodies sustain blood development, we reasoned that they might also support primordial germ cell formation. Here we isolate primordial germ cells from embryoid bodies, and derive continuously growing lines of embryonic germ cells. Embryonic germ cells show erasure of the methylation markers (imprints) of the Igf2r and H19 genes, a property characteristic of the germ lineage. We show that embryoid bodies support maturation of the primordial germ cells into haploid male gametes, which when injected into oocytes restore the somatic diploid chromosome complement and develop into blastocysts. Our ability to derive germ cells from embryonic stem cells provides an accessible in vitro model system for studies of germline epigenetic modification and mammalian gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Geijsen
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
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Chowdhuri DK, Narayan R, Saxena DK. Effect of lead and chromium on nucleic acid and protein synthesis during sperm-zona binding in mice. Toxicol In Vitro 2001; 15:605-13. [PMID: 11698159 DOI: 10.1016/s0887-2333(01)00077-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Lead and chromium are ubiquitous environmental pollutants and their effects on reproductive physiology as shown by animal experiments and human studies is well documented. The present study was conducted to ascertain the role of these metals on gamete physiology during the sperm-zona binding process, Superovulated ova and capacitated sperm from BALB/c mice were exposed to lead (0.0, 0.2, 0. 5, 1.0 and 2.0 microg/ml) or chromium (0.0, 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 microg/ml) for 2 h in the culture medium. The sperm that became attached to the ova in the presence of these metals were scored. Synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein was assessed during this process by labelling the cells with [3H]thymidine (20 microCi/ml), [3H]uridine (50 microCi/ml) and [35S]methionine (10 microCi/ml) in the culture medium after exposure to the metals for 2 h. Our studies show a significant dose-dependent decrease in the number of sperm attaching to the ova in both exposed groups along with a decrease in the incorporation of radiolabelled thymidine, uridine and methionine. The results indicate that DNA, RNA and protein synthesis under sperm-zona binding conditions are affected by the presence of these two metals. The physiology of the gametes is altered resulting in a low frequency of sperm attachment to the ova, which in turn leads to a risk of reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- D K Chowdhuri
- Embryotoxicology Section, Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, PO Box No. 80, M.G. Marg 226 001, U. P., Lucknow, India
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Hyllner SJ, Westerlund L, Olsson PE, Schopen A. Cloning of rainbow trout egg envelope proteins: members of a unique group of structural proteins. Biol Reprod 2001; 64:805-11. [PMID: 11207195 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod64.3.805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
All vertebrate eggs are surrounded by an extracellular envelope that protects the egg and is vital for a successful fertilization. The terminology and functions of the egg envelope vary in different vertebrate groups, but the envelope itself is consistently composed of a few major proteins that are deposited around the oocyte during oocyte growth. Here, we describe the deduced amino acid sequences and tissue expression patterns of the three major egg envelope proteins for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). All three vitelline envelope proteins (VEPs) are expressed in the livers of both male and female fish, with higher expression in females. In addition, VEPgamma mRNA is also detected in the female gonads. To our knowledge, this is the first time that expression of a VEP protein gene has been demonstrated to occur in more than one organ. Sequence comparison reveals that all three VEP proteins share distinct homology with their amphibian, avian, and mammalian counterparts. Whereas mammalian zona pellucida protein 3 isoforms contain two conserved serines needed for sperm binding, these are not conserved in teleost species, in which sperm entry is restricted to the micropyle. Besides the difference in VEPgamma sperm-binding function, the high sequence homology suggests that the egg envelope proteins from these distinct vertebrate groups share a common ancestry and form a unique group of structural proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Hyllner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA
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Flesch FM, Gadella BM. Dynamics of the mammalian sperm plasma membrane in the process of fertilization. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2000; 1469:197-235. [PMID: 11063883 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4157(00)00018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 346] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction requires the fusion of sperm cell and oocyte during fertilization to produce the diploid zygote. In mammals complex changes in the plasma membrane of the sperm cell are involved in this process. Sperm cells have unusual membranes compared to those of somatic cells. After leaving the testes, sperm cells cease plasma membrane lipid and protein synthesis, and vesicle mediated transport. Biophysical studies reveal that lipids and proteins are organized into lateral regions of the sperm head surface. A delicate reorientation and modification of plasma membrane molecules take place in the female tract when sperm cells are activated by so-called capacitation factors. These surface changes enable the sperm cell to bind to the extra cellular matrix of the egg (zona pellucida, ZP). The ZP primes the sperm cell to initiate the acrosome reaction, which is an exocytotic process that makes available the enzymatic machinery required for sperm penetration through the ZP. After complete penetration the sperm cell meets the plasma membrane of the egg cell (oolemma). A specific set of molecules is involved in a disintegrin-integrin type of anchoring of the two gametes which is completed by fusion of the two gamete plasma membranes. The fertilized egg is activated and zygote formation preludes the development of a new living organism. In this review we focus on the involvement of processes that occur at the sperm plasma membrane in the sequence of events that lead to successful fertilization. For this purpose, dynamics in adhesive and fusion properties, molecular composition and architecture of the sperm plasma membrane, as well as membrane derived signalling are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Flesch
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, and Department of Farm Animal Health, Graduate School of Animal Health and Institute for Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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De los Reyes M, Barros C. Immunolocalization of proacrosin/acrosin in bovine sperm and sperm penetration through the zona pellucida. Anim Reprod Sci 2000; 58:215-28. [PMID: 10708896 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4320(99)00077-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present work was to immunolocalize acrosin in bull spermatozoa incubated for up to 6 h in capacitating culture medium (TALP-heparin), in order to study the kinetics of its release during the acrosome reaction and in vitro sperm penetration. Six replicates from semen of one bull were used. Acrosin was localized by the silver-enhanced immunogold technique using anti-bovine acrosin monoclonal antibody ACRO-C2E5. Spermatozoa thus showed the presence of acrosin only at the acrosomal region. Four different patterns were seen: (1) no labeling: (2) intense labeling on the rim of the portion of the acrosome; (3) diffuse label over the entire acrosomal region; and (4) intense label over the entire acrosomal region. Spermatozoa incubated in capacitating medium for 4 h showed that unlabeled (pattern 1) spermatozoa decreased from 72% to 28% difference that was found to be significant (p<0.05). Patterns 3 and 4 increased from about 10% to 20-29%, (p<0.05). With further incubation (4-6 h), pattern 1 increased while patterns 3 and 4 decreased differences were not significant (p0.05). The incidence of pattern 2 did not change through the whole incubation period. Sperm penetration through the zona pellucida of in vitro matured bovine oocytes (57%) or empty zonae pellucida (70.5%) increased (p<0.05) as a function of sperm incubation time in capacitating medium. The presence of acrosin, as determined by the silver-enhanced immunogold technique, was highly correlated with sperm penetration of in vitro mature bovine oocyte (r=0.98) and cryopreserved zonae pellucidae (r=0.93) (p<0.01).
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Affiliation(s)
- M De los Reyes
- Reproduction Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Chile, Casilla 2, Correo 15, Santiago, Chile.
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Pan J, Sasanami T, Nakajima S, Kido S, Doi Y, Mori M. Characterization of progressive changes in ZPC of the vitelline membrane of quail oocyte following oviductal transport. Mol Reprod Dev 2000; 55:175-81. [PMID: 10618656 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(200002)55:2<175::aid-mrd6>3.0.co;2-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The inner layer of the vitelline membrane of avian oocyte is equivalent to the zona pellucida of mammalian oocytes or to the vitelline envelope of amphibian oocytes. One of the two major glycoproteins in the inner layer of quail vitelline membrane, formerly called 33-kDa glycoprotein, is homologous to mammalian ZPC, one of the components of zona pellucida. Quail ZPC is found to have different mobilities on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis depending on whether it is obtained from the preovulatory follicle or from the laid eggs. In order to characterize the progressive changes in the molecular size of quail ZPC during the oviductal transport, the inner layer isolated from the follicle was incubated in vivo in various regions of the oviduct and subjected to Western blot analysis with anti-quail ZPC antiserum. The quail ZPC of the inner layer incubated in infundibulum reduced its apparent molecular weight, exhibiting the same electrophoretic mobility as that of laid eggs. The similar reduction in molecular weight was observed after the in vitro incubation of the inner layer with the extracts of infundibulum. From the comparison of the N-terminal amino acid sequences, it was found that the first 26 residues of the quail ZPC in follicular oocytes are missing from the ZPC of laid eggs. In addition, lectin blot analysis suggested the modification of oligosaccharide chains during the oviductal transport. These results represent the first description in the avian oviduct of the presence of protease, which is similar to oviductin, a trypsin-like protease involved in the hydrolysis of a major component of the vitelline envelope of amphibian oocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 55:175-181, 2000.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Pan
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
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Abstract
In this study, we investigated the functions of PH-20 and acrosin during the interaction of macaque sperm with the zona pellucida. Both of these sperm enzymes have been reported to be present on the inner acrosomal membrane of acrosome reacted sperm, and have been suggested to play a role during secondary sperm-zona binding in other species. Anti-macaque PH-20 IgG, anti-pig acrosin IgG and soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) were used as probes for immunolocalization of the two proteins at the ultrastructural level, and as reagents for blocking sperm penetration of the macaque zona pellucida in vitro. As a control, we performed similar studies with antibodies to CD-46, which is also located on the inner acrosomal membrane, but has no known function in sperm-zona pellucida interaction. After labeling with anti-acrosin IgG, gold label was not present on the sperm surface before the acrosome reaction, but was detected over the entire head of sperm that were induced to acrosome react with calcium ionophore A23187. In contrast, when sperm were induced to acrosome react by binding to intact zona pellucida, acrosin was present in the acrosomal shroud but not on the inner acrosomal membrane. Similar results were obtained when SBTI was used as a probe for enzyme localization. PH-20 and CD-46 were demonstrated on the inner acrosomal membrane of sperm induced to acrosome react by ionophore treatment and by zona binding. Neither anti-acrosin IgG nor anti-CD-46 IgG affected sperm penetration of the zona at concentrations up to 300 microg/ml, but zona penetration was blocked completely when anti-PH-20 IgG (100 microg/ml) was present during sperm-oocyte interaction. Ultrastructural observations of oocytes incubated with anti-PH-20 IgG showed that acrosomal shrouds were present on the zona surface but no sperm had begun to penetrate into the zona substance. We conclude that anti-PH-20 IgG prevented sperm penetration of the macaque zona pellucida by interference with secondary sperm-zona binding, rather than primary sperm-zona binding or the zona-induced acrosome reaction. Acrosin was not detected on the inner acrosomal membrane of sperm that are induced to acrosome react after zona binding, and acrosin does not appear to be critical for sperm penetration of the macaque zona pellucida.
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Affiliation(s)
- A I Yudin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Davis 95616, USA
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Jewgenow K, Fickel J. Sequential expression of zona pellucida protein genes during the oogenesis of domestic cats. Biol Reprod 1999; 60:522-6. [PMID: 9916023 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod60.2.522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the earliest developmental stage of zona pellucida (ZP) protein gene expression during oogenesis in domestic cats (Felis catus) by means of immunohistochemical and molecular biological methods. Semi-thin sections (1 microm) from domestic cat ovaries were treated with anti-cat ZP serum raised in guinea pig, and then incubated with silver-labeled anti-guinea pig IgG. To distinguish between the three ZP proteins, total RNA was extracted from freshly isolated cat primordial, primary, and secondary follicles as well as from cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and subjected to reverse transcription (RT). The generated cDNAs were used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific feline ZPA, ZPB, and ZPC gene primers. All amplified products were sequenced to confirm their identity. Neither ZP mRNAs nor ZP proteins were detectable in primordial and early primary follicles. The immunohistological approach indicated the expression of ZP proteins in some of the primary follicles as well as in secondary follicles and COCs. Follow-up by RT-PCR revealed that only one ZP (ZPB) was expressed in growing primary follicles (70-80 microm), whereas all three ZP mRNAs were detectable in secondary follicles and COCs. We therefore assume a sequential synthesis of zona proteins in the cat ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Jewgenow
- Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research, D-10252 Berlin, Germany.
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18
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Haines BP, Rathjen PD, Hope RM, Whyatt LM, Holland MK, Breed WG. Isolation and characterisation of a cDNA encoding a zona pellucida protein (ZPB) from the marsupial Trichosurus vulpecula (brushtail possum). Mol Reprod Dev 1999; 52:174-82. [PMID: 9890748 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199902)52:2<174::aid-mrd8>3.0.co;2-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We have cloned a cDNA containing the entire coding sequence of a marsupial (the brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula) zona pellucida protein (ZPB). The open reading frame of 1,581 nt is predicted to encode a ZPB polypeptide of 527 amino acids which contains 20 cysteine residues, 7 potential N-linked glycosylation sites, a potential N-terminal signal peptide and a potential C-terminal trans-membrane domain, preceded by a furin proteolytic processing signal. Sequence comparisons between possum ZPB and orthologous polypeptides from 7 eutherian species and from Xenopus laevis, reveal the existence of a high degree of sequence similarity, particularly in the central portion of the molecule. Cysteine residues are highly conserved, and all nine species possess potential N-terminal signal peptide sequences and C-terminal trans-membrane domains of approximately the same length. In situ hybridisation revealed that expression of ZPB was restricted to oocytes of primordial and primary follicles of adult possums; no expression was detected in the surrounding granulosa cells. The broad conservation of ZPB sequence, structure and expression over a wide range of mammalian species, revealed by our studies, makes it unlikely that these features account for the different properties of the marsupial and eutherian zona pellucidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- B P Haines
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Adelaide, South Australia
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Akatsuka K, Yoshida-Komiya H, Tulsiani DR, Orgebin-Crist MC, Hiroi M, Araki Y. Rat zona pellucida glycoproteins: molecular cloning and characterization of the three major components. Mol Reprod Dev 1998; 51:454-67. [PMID: 9820205 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199812)51:4<454::aid-mrd13>3.0.co;2-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP), the extracellular glycocalyx that surrounds the oocyte, is well known to mediate homologous gamete interaction. In a previous study from our laboratories, we reported the qualitative characterization of the rat ZP. The ZP in this species, like the mouse, hamster, and human, was found to contain three glycoproteins, namely rZP1, rZP2, and rZP3 (Araki et al. [1992] Biol Reprod 46:912-919). In this study, cDNAs encoding whole rat ZP major components have been isolated and characterized. A rat ovary cDNA library was screened with the mouse ZP3 and ZP2 cDNA probes, respectively. For rZP1 cDNA cloning, cDNAs generated using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and rapid amplification of 5' and 3' cDNA ends, were isolated and sequenced. The rZP3 cDNA showed 1338 bp with a coding region containing 1272 bp, that translates into 424 amino acids. The total translation of rZP3 peptide has a molecular weight of 45,820, containing six potential N-glycosylation sites and 75 Ser/Thr residues, possible O-glycosylation sites. The amino acid sequence derived from the cDNA sequence shares high sequence homologies to mouse (90%), hamster (78%), and human (65%) ZP3 (ZPC) glycoproteins, indicating that the rat and mouse ZP3 have quite a conserved amino acid sequence, including the potential glycosylation sites. The total transcript of the rZP2 was 2154 nucleotides and the largest open reading frame was 695 amino acids. This would translate into a protein of 78.4 kDa. In the case of rZP1, the cDNA clone consisted of 1960 bp, and the coding region contained 1851 bp translating into 617 amino acids. Significant homologies were observed between rZP2 and ZPA family from various mammalian species. The rZP1 also showed a sequence homology to mouse ZP1, known as a mouse orthologue of ZPB family, suggesting that the rZP2 and rZP1 are members of ZPA and ZPB families, respectively. The message distributions for each zona components were limited within the ovary and the signal was detectable in the growing oocytes. The present results will further our understanding of the structure of rat zona components and lead to a better understanding of species-specificity observed during sperm-egg interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Akatsuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata-City, Japan
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20
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Trübner M, Glander HJ, Schaller J. Localization of adhesion molecules on human spermatozoa by fluorescence microscopy. Andrologia 1997; 29:253-60. [PMID: 9350325 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.1997.tb00479.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of adhesion molecules on human spermatozoa of healthy probands was analysed. The localization patterns of adhesion molecules (AM) on the spermatozoal surface were documented by fluorescence microscopy. Spermatozoa were incubated with antibodies against alpha 1 (CD49a), alpha 2 (CD49b), alpha 3 (CD49c), alpha 4 (CD49d), alpha 5 (CD49e), alpha 6 (CD49f) chains of beta 1 integrins, beta 1 (CD29), beta 2 (CD18), alpha V (CD51), beta 3 (CD61) and beta 4 integrin chains, the LFA-3 (Lymphocyte function antigen, CD58) from the immunoglobulin superfamily and the extra-cellular matrix proteins laminin, fibronectin and collagen IV. For collagen IV, alpha 1 and alpha 2 chains no expression could be noticed. Laminin was detected at the acrosomal membrane, fibronectin and beta 4 chain mainly at the equatorial membrane. The fibronectin receptors alpha 3, alpha 4 and alpha 5 chains of the beta 1 integrins were mainly located on acrosomal and equatorial membrane areas. Laminin receptor alpha 6 chain was located postacrosomal and less frequently acrosomal. beta 2 chain and vitronectin receptors alpha V and beta 3 chains had a mainly postacrosomal localization pattern. LFA-3 was found constantly on postacrosomal membrane areas. Double staining technique was used to prove the simultaneous occurrence of fibronectin and its integrin receptors alpha 3, alpha 4 and alpha 5 chains and of alpha V and beta 2 chains on spermatozoa. The localization patterns of integrins on double stained spermatozoa were similar to the patterns described for single stained spermatozoa. The localization of fibronectin appeared to be influenced by the presence of integrins: the typical equatorial fibronectin band disappeared in case of an equatorial localization of integrins.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Trübner
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
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21
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Abstract
Earlier work has demonstrated that hamster eggs that do not release a second polar body after fertilization in vitro lack a block to polyspermy (Stewart-Savage and Bavister, 1987: Gamete Res 18:333-338). Since polar body release requires microfilaments, the involvement of microfilaments in cortical granule exocytosis was examined. When hamster eggs were treated with cytochalsin B (CB) for 1 hr and then coincubated with sperm for 90 min, there was a dose-dependent increase in both the percentage of eggs with more than one sperm penetrating the zona pellucida and the mean number of sperm that penetrated the zona, with a maximum effect at 20 micrograms CB/ml (100% polypenetration, 3.0 +/- 0.3 sperm/egg). Cytochalasin-treated eggs retained 85% of their cortical granules 55 min after insemination, as compared to unfertilized eggs. Longer time periods did not result in any further reduction. As seen with the scanning confocal microscope, an extensive microfilament network was present in the cortex of untreated eggs, with the cortical granules located within the cortical network. The cortical microfilament network was highly reduced in CB-treated eggs. When viewed with the electron microscope, the same number of cortical granules were located next to the plasma membrane in both cytochalasin-treated and untreated, unfertilized eggs. These data indicate that intact microfilaments are required for normal cortical granule exocytosis in the hamster egg, but the role of the microfilaments in exocytosis is unresolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J DiMaggio
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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22
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Arts EG, Wijchman JG, Jager S, Hoekstra D. Protein involvement in the fusion between the equatorial segment of acrosome-reacted human spermatozoa and liposomes. Biochem J 1997; 325 ( Pt 1):191-8. [PMID: 9224646 PMCID: PMC1218545 DOI: 10.1042/bj3250191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Artificial membranes (liposomes) can interact with the equatorial segment (ES) of human spermatozoa, provided that the acrosome reaction (AR) has occurred [Arts, Kuiken, Jager and Hoekstra (1993) Eur. J. Biochem. 217, 1001-1009]. Using fluorescently labelled liposomes, this interaction can be seen as either punctate fluorescence in the ES (lip-ESp), reflecting only bound liposomes, or as diffuse fluorescence in this region (lip-ESd), indicating that the liposomes have fused with the ES membrane. Only equatorial segments that still contain constituents of the acrosomal matrix have the capacity to bind liposomes and eventually to fuse with them. Since the exposure of such intact equatorial segments is the exclusive result of induction of the AR under physiological conditions, these results imply that liposomes can be used for the rapid detection of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. The lip-ESp and lip-ESd patterns were shown to be reflections of two distinct properties of the ES. Proteolytic treatment after AR completely inhibited the formation of a lip-ESd pattern, whereas formation of the lip-ESp pattern was only marginally inhibited by the proteolytic treatment. The same results were obtained using anti-sperm antibodies, which did not react with acrosome-intact spermatozoa. Proteolytic treatment of spermatozoa before AR induction had no effect on the fusion capacity of the ES after subsequent AR, which implies that the putative fusion protein is not accessible before AR. Thus fusion of liposomes with the ES of human spermatozoa is mediated by a sperm protein(s), whereas the lip-ESp pattern is not likely to represent the liposome-binding stage that precedes the fusion step.
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Affiliation(s)
- E G Arts
- Section of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, NL-9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
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23
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Kuroki M, Mori M. Binding of spermatozoa to the perivitelline layer in the presence of a protease inhibitor. Poult Sci 1997; 76:748-52. [PMID: 9154629 DOI: 10.1093/ps/76.5.748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular investment of oocytes in a number of species contains species-specific receptors to which spermatozoa bind as a prelude to fertilization; however, little is known about the nature and distribution of sperm receptors in avian oocytes. In order to elucidate the early step of fertilization in birds, we observed the binding of spermatozoa to the perivitelline layer (PL) of quail ova. When the PL obtained from the largest follicles were incubated in vitro with spermatozoa, perforations were observed. The presence of trypsin inhibitors during incubation inhibited the sperm-induced perforations of the PL and binding of spermatozoa to the PL could be observed. The number of spermatozoa bound to the PL increased in the ovum from more mature follicles, and concentrated binding of spermatozoa to the PL overlying the germinal disc region was observed in the largest follicle. The number of spermatozoa bound to the PL overlying the germinal disc region decreased in the oviposited eggs. These results demonstrate that sperm receptors exist in the PL over the germinal disc in the mature follicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kuroki
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Japan
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24
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Gao Z, Harumi T, Garbers DL. Chromosome localization of the mouse zonadhesin gene and the human zonadhesin gene (ZAN). Genomics 1997; 41:119-22. [PMID: 9126492 DOI: 10.1006/geno.1997.4620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Zonadhesin is a recently discovered sperm membrane protein that binds to the extracellular matrix of the egg in a species-specific manner. The gene for zonadhesin maps to chromosome 5 in the mouse (Zan) and to chromosome 7 in the human (ZAN) in a position near the gene for the egg extracellular matrix protein ZP3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Gao
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9050, USA
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25
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Correa LM, Carroll EJ. Characterization of the vitelline envelope of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Dev Growth Differ 1997; 39:69-85. [PMID: 9079036 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-169x.1997.00008.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The vitelline envelope (VE) is an extremely thin, acellular, proteinaceous coat that surrounds the extracellular surface of sea urchin eggs. Despite previous studies on VE composition, structure and function, our understanding to the envelope is still incomplete at the molecular level. We have isolated VE components from intact, unfertilized Strongylocentrotus purpuratus eggs by reduction with alkaline dithiothreitol-see water solutions and have characterized the macromolecules by SDS-PAGE. There were eight major glycoprotein bands, including two high molecular weight components at 265 and 300 kDa, and several minor components. We have revealed, by lectin blot analysis, that most components contain mannose, while a subset of glycoproteins contain fucose and N-acetylglucosamine; galactose and sialic acid were also detected. The components in the VE preparations were compared with cell surface complex preparations by immunoblot analysis, using antisera against a VE preparation, a 305 kDa electrophoretically purified VE glycoprotein and an extracellular portion of the sea urchin egg recombinant 350 kDa sperm receptor. Serum against the recombinant sperm receptor reacted with a component of approximately 350 kDa on blots, but did not react with the 300 kDa component found in VE preparations. Therefore, we suggest these two glycoproteins are not the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Correa
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside 92521, USA
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26
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Bertrand E, Bergh MVD, Englert Y. Clinical parameters influencing human zona pellucida thickness**Supported by the Fonds National de le Recherche Scientifique, Brussels, Belgium. Fertil Steril 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)58510-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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27
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Wolf JP, Bulwa S, Ducot B, Rodrigues D, Jouannet P. Fertilizing ability of sperm with unexplained in vitro fertilization failures, as assessed by the zona-free hamster egg penetration assay: its prognostic value for sperm-oolemma interaction. Fertil Steril 1996; 65:1196-201. [PMID: 8641497 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)58338-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the fertilizing ability of sperm with previous unexplained IVF failure using the zona-free hamster egg penetration assay. DESIGN Three hundred ninety-six tests were performed after multiple IVF failures. In a subsequent prospective study, 38 IVF attempts using the microdrop insemination technique and 81 subzonal inseminations (SUZI) were performed. One hundred thirty-two tests with donor sperm were carried out as controls. PATIENTS Three hundred fifty-two patients who had a minimum of two unexplained IVF failures including at least 10 metaphase II oocytes were included in the study. RESULTS The ability of the patient sperm to bind to hamster oocytes was lower than that of controls. The largest differences were the percentage of oocytes with swollen sperm heads and the mean number of decondensed sperm heads per penetrated oocyte: both were much lower for patients than controls. Patients with a test result nil did not fertilize any oocytes during the SUZI cycles (n = 7; 50 oocytes), and the post-SUZI fertilization rate for patients with a test value < 10% was significantly lower than that of others (5.4 +/- 10.3 versus 23.8 +/- 8.4, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The defect of sperm involved in IVF failures is mainly a reduction of their fusiogenic ability and not their ability to recognize and bind to the oolemma. Patients with a test result < 10% had a significantly reduced post-SUZI fertilization rate. A test score of zero indicates a major and permanent impairment of the sperm fusiogenic ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Wolf
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Histologie, Embryologie, Université Paris V, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
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28
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Kim H, Kim H, Kim SR, Kim MK, Schuetz AW. Oviductal protein produces fluorescence staining of the perivitelline space in mouse oocytes. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1996; 274:351-7. [PMID: 8636692 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-010x(19960415)274:6<351::aid-jez3>3.0.co;2-n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Mouse oocytes were previously observed to undergo structural changes involving the perivitelline space (PVS) within the oviduct following ovulation, as visualized by staining with fluorochrome-protein conjugates. In the present study, this phenomenon was investigated in detail to determine the role of the oviduct and oocyte. Mouse ovarian oocytes matured in vitro were further incubated in medium or within explanted oviducts in vitro for varying periods of time and then stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-casein. Twenty percent of oocytes incubated within explanted oviducts for 3 hr showed distinct fluorescence staining of the PVS, whereas after 20 hr incubation, most (89%) oocytes were similarly stained. In contrast, no ovarian oocytes was stained when incubated in medium alone. Puromycin treatment during incubation of oocytes within explanted oviducts produced a dose-dependent decrease in the percentage of oocyte exhibiting PVS staining after FITC-casein exposure. FITC-casein staining of the PVS also occurred in all oocytes following incubation of in vitro-matured oocytes with oviductal tissue extract. In contrast, no oocytes incubated with serum exhibited fluorescence staining. Additionally, the PVS of oocytes failed to stain after incubation with either 0.001% of trypsin- or heat-treated oviductal homogenate. When zona pellucida (ZP) ghosts, devoid of ooplasm, were incubated within explanted oviducts, their PVS was stained brightly following FITC-casein treatment. From these results, it is concluded that proteinaceous material(s) secreted by the mouse oviduct is responsible for the fluorescence staining of the PVS of mouse oocytes and of ghost ZP. The ooplasm does not appear to play any role in altering the properties of the PVS staining.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Kim
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul Woman's University, Korea
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29
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Tomes CN, McMaster CR, Saling PM. Activation of mouse sperm phosphatidylinositol-4,5 bisphosphate-phospholipase C by zona pellucida is modulated by tyrosine phosphorylation. Mol Reprod Dev 1996; 43:196-204. [PMID: 8824918 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199602)43:2<196::aid-mrd9>3.0.co;2-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Many cellular responses to the occupancy of membrane receptors include the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol-4,5 bisphosphate (PIP2) by phospholipase C (PLC) and the subsequent generation of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). In the gamete interaction system, sperm respond to binding to the egg's extracellular matrix, the zona pellucida (zp), by exocytosis of the acrosome in a process known as the acrosome reaction (AR). Under physiological conditions, zp binding stimulates ARs only after sperm have undergone a final maturation phase, known as capacitation. One of the zp glycoproteins, ZP3, serves as the ligand for sperm plasma membrane receptors and as the trigger for this regulated exocytosis. Both phosphoinositide-linked and tyrosine kinase-mediated pathways participate in the signalling cascade triggered by sperm-zp interaction. This paper reports that stimulation with solubilized zp increased PIP2-PLC enzymatic activity from mouse sperm. ZP3 is the zp component responsible for this stimulation. The effect was abolished by tyrphostin, suggesting that zp activation of PLC was mediated by tyrosine phosphorylation and that gamma was the PLC isoform involved. We show the presence and distribution of PLC gamma 1 in mouse sperm. Immunostaining studies indicate that PLC gamma 1 is restricted to the sperm head. Sperm capacitation induced translocation of PLC gamma 1 from the soluble to the particulate fraction. These data suggest that PLC gamma 1 constitutes a component in the cascade that couples sperm binding to the egg's extracellular matrix with acrosomal exocytosis, a regulated secretory response upon which fertilization depends absolutely.
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Affiliation(s)
- C N Tomes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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30
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Ducibella T, Dubey A, Gross V, Emmi A, Penzias AS, Layman L, Reindollar R. A zona biochemical change and spontaneous cortical granule loss in eggs that fail to fertilize in in vitro fertilization**Mouse studies were supported by grant HD 24191 (T.D.) and the Center for Reproductive Research (P30 HD 28897) at Tufts University, from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. Fertil Steril 1995. [DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)57977-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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31
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Suzuki AC, Nishimura K. Soybean Agglutinin Binding in Germ Cells during Spermatogenesis of the Cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus. Zoolog Sci 1995. [DOI: 10.2108/zsj.12.591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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32
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Thall AD, Malý P, Lowe JB. Oocyte Gal alpha 1,3Gal epitopes implicated in sperm adhesion to the zona pellucida glycoprotein ZP3 are not required for fertilization in the mouse. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:21437-40. [PMID: 7545161 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.37.21437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 324] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The Gal alpha 1-->3Gal structure is displayed on the zona pellucida glycoprotein ZP3 on murine oocytes. This trisaccharide has been implicated in sperm-zona pellucida adhesive events thought to be essential to fertilization in the mouse. To determine directly if this molecule is required for fertilization, we have generated mice that are deficient in a gene (alpha 1,3GT) encoding the UDP-Gal:beta-D-Gal-alpha 1-->3Gal-galactosyltransferase enzyme responsible for Gal alpha 1-->3Gal synthesis and expression. These mice develop normally and exhibit no gross phenotypic abnormalities. The Gal alpha 1-->3Gal epitope is absent from the vascular endothelium and other tissues in alpha 1,3GT (-/-) adult mice. By contrast, alpha 1,3GT (-/-) mice, like humans, develop naturally occurring anti-alpha-galactoside antibodies normally absent in wild type mice. Female alpha 1,3GT (-/-) mice yield oocytes that are devoid of the Gal alpha 1-->3Gal epitope; however, these mice are fully fertile. These observations indicate that the Gal alpha 1-->3Gal moiety is not essential to sperm-oocyte interactions leading to fertilization or to essentially normal development. They further suggest that alpha 1,3GT (-/-) mice will find utility for exploring approaches to diminish anti-Gal-dependent hyperacute xenograft rejection, which presents a major barrier to the use of porcine and other non-primate organs for xenotransplantation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Thall
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA
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33
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Perotti ME, Pasini ME. Glycoconjugates of the surface of the spermatozoa of Drosophila melanogaster: a qualitative and quantitative study. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1995; 272:311-8. [PMID: 7650518 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402720409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The important roles played by glycoconjugates in the recognition of gametes and in fertilization are well documented. In the present study, the nature and distribution of carbohydrate residues of the plasma membrane of spermatozoa of Drosophila melanogaster were characterized by use of FITC-conjugated lectins as probes. The plasma membrane bound agglutinins from Concanavalia ensiformis (Con A) and Pisum sativum (PSA), native and succinylated agglutinins from wheat germ (WGA and s-WGA), the A4 isoform of agglutinin-I from Griffonia simplicifolia (GSA-I A4), and, to a lesser extent, the lectins from Dolichus biflorus (DBA), lotus tetragonolobus (LTA), and Glycine maximus (SBA). Each lectin gave a specific pattern of binding. The extent of binding of Con A, WGA, s-WGA, and GSA-I A4 over the acrosomal region was greater than over nonacrosomal regions, indicating the concentration of alpha-mannose/alpha-glucose, beta-N-acetylglucosamine, and alpha-N-acetylgalactosamine residues in this area of the plasma membrane. The surface of the sperm failed to react with lectins from Ricinus communis (RCA-I), Limulus polyphemus (LPA), and Limax flavus (LFA) and with the B4 isoform of agglutinin-I from Griffonia simplicifolia-I (GSA-I B4). The plasma membrane over the nucleus did not react with any of the lectins tested. Quantitative analysis of binding of Con A, s-WGA, and GSA-I A4 to spermatozoa showed that only Con A bound consistently to the sperm surface, showing high affinity for the acrosomal area of the plasma membrane. The other lectins tested bound only to limited and variably sized fractions of the total population of sperm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Perotti
- Department of General Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Milan, Italy
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34
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Alves MS, Martins MS, Pena SD. Monoclonal antibody against a 52 K sperm surface protein inhibits sperm-zona pellucida interactions in the rat. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1995; 272:123-33. [PMID: 7622994 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402720206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A major regulatory site for species specificity of fertilization in mammals lies at the level of sperm binding to the zona pellucida. This implies a high degree of complementarity between gamete and receptor molecules. These molecules support species-specific interactions between sperm and oocyte that lead to gamete fusion (fertilization). We identified a rat sperm head surface antigen using an IgG1 monoclonal antibody (HD1) against rat sperm of epididymis cauda. By electron microscopy the antigen was shown to be present on the plasma membrane surface of the sperm dorsal head. One- and two-dimensional immunoblotting analysis of sperm proteins demonstrated that HD1 reacted only with a 52 K molecule with a pI ranging from 6.6 to 7.2. The 52 K protein was first detected in situ by indirect immunofluorescence and showed to be underlining few elongated spermatids in testis. However, when the sperm reached the epididymis caput, the antigen was seen to be expressed on the dorsal surface of spermatozoa head. A similar fluorescence reaction was detected on sperms in the epididymis corpus and cauda. The specific spermatozoa-zona pellucida interaction was inhibited in the presence of monoclonal antibody HD1 in a sperm binding assay of in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Alves
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Abstract
Gamete recognition and binding are mediated by specific proteins on the surface of the sperm and egg. Identification and characterization of some of these proteins from several model systems, particularly mouse and sea urchin, have focused interest on the general properties and functions of gamete recognition proteins. Sperm-binding proteins located in egg extracellular coats as well as sperm-binding proteins that are localized to the egg plasma membrane are presented in the context of their structure and function in gamete binding. Unifying and disparate characteristics are discussed in light of the diverse biology of fertilization among species. Outstanding questions, alternative mechanisms and models, and strategies for future work are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Foltz
- Division of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara 93106, USA
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Jewgenow K, Klima F, Blottner S, Göritz F, Lengwinat T, Schadow D. The characterisation of an antiserum against zona pellucida of domestic cats. Anim Reprod Sci 1994. [DOI: 10.1016/0378-4320(94)90078-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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37
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Müller K, Pomorski T, Müller P, Zachowski A, Herrmann A. Protein-dependent translocation of aminophospholipids and asymmetric transbilayer distribution of phospholipids in the plasma membrane of ram sperm cells. Biochemistry 1994; 33:9968-74. [PMID: 8061006 DOI: 10.1021/bi00199a020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
We have investigated the transbilayer movement of phospholipids in the plasma membrane of ram sperm cells using spin- and fluorescence-labeled lipid analogues. After incorporation into the outer leaflet, phosphatidylcholine (PC) and sphingomyelin (SM) moved slowly to the inner cytoplasmic leaflet, whereas phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) rapidly disappeared from the exoplasmic monolayer. Variation of the initial velocity of the relocation kinetics vs the amount of analogue incorporated into the membrane suggests a saturability of the transbilayer movement of aminophospholipids. ATP depletion or pretreatment with N-ethylmaleimide of ram sperm cells reduced the fast inward motion of PS and PE, indicating a protein-mediated aminophospholipid translocation. The results suggest for the plasma membrane of ram sperm cells the presence of an aminophospholipid translocase and an asymmetric transversal lipid distribution with aminophospholipids preferentially located in the inner leaflet and choline-containing phospholipids in the outer leaflet. The relevance of the transversal segregation of phospholipids for membrane fusion processes occurring during fertilization is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Müller
- Institut für Fortpflanzung landwirtschaftlicher Nutztiere Schönow e.V., Schönow
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Affiliation(s)
- N E Skakkebaek
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Valdivia M, Yunes R, Melendez J, de Ioannes AE, Leyton L, Becker MI, Barros C. Immunolocalization of proacrosin/acrosin in rabbit sperm during acrosome reaction and in spermatozoa recovered from the perivitelline space. Mol Reprod Dev 1994; 37:216-22. [PMID: 8179905 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1080370213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The participation of acrosin in mammalian sperm penetration through the zona pellucida has been amply debated. In this paper we report the immunolocalization--by silver enhanced immunogold technique using ACRO-8C10 monoclonal antibody to human acrosin--of proacrosin/acrosin on ejaculated rabbit spermatozoa incubated in vitro in a capacitating medium and on spermatozoa recovered from the perivitelline space. After incubation in a capacitating medium, four different patterns were observed: (1) no labeling on acrosome intact spermatozoa; (2) labeling on the rim of the head; (3) labeling on the whole acrosome area; and (4) no labeling on acrosome reacted spermatozoa. At the start of incubation, spermatozoa with pattern 1 were the most abundant, whereas at the end of the 32 h incubation period, patterns 2 and 3 were the most frequent. On the other hand, 625 perivitelline spermatozoa were recovered from 17 fertilized rabbit eggs, of which 26% were labeled with the antiacrosin monoclonal antibody ACRO-8C10 in two different areas: (1) only on the equatorial region; and (2) only on the postacrosomal area. These results are consistent with the idea that proacrosin/acrosin remains associated to the acrosome reacted spermatozoa for long periods of time, and that proacrosin/acrosin associated to perivitelline spermatozoa could be responsible for the second penetration of fresh rabbit eggs by perivitelline spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Valdivia
- Embryology Laboratory, Faculty of Biological Sciences, P. Catholic University of Chile, Santiago
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Shuang-Lin L, Chin-Cheng K, Yau-Huei W. Antithrombin III enhances the motility and chemotaxis of boar sperm. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1994. [DOI: 10.1016/0300-9629(94)90381-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Arts EG, Kuiken J, Jager S, Hoekstra D. Fusion of artificial membranes with mammalian spermatozoa. Specific involvement of the equatorial segment after acrosome reaction. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 1993; 217:1001-9. [PMID: 8223623 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1993.tb18331.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The fusogenic properties of bovine and human spermatozoa membranes were investigated, using phospholipid bilayers (liposomes) as target membranes. Fusion was monitored by following lipid mixing, as revealed by an assay based on resonance-energy transfer. In addition, fusion was visualized by fluorescence microscopy, using fluorescent lipid vesicles. Cryopreserved bovine sperm fused with liposomes before induction of the acrosome reaction, fluorescence being located in essentially all spermatozoa membrane domains. Fresh bovine and human spermatozoa fused with liposomes only after the induction of the acrosome reaction, as triggered by calcium ionophore A23187 or zonae pellucidae (proteins), while the fluorescence distribution was mainly restricted to the equatorial segment (ES). However, with spermatozoa that had undergone a freeze/thawing cycle, domains other than ES also became labeled. Hence, the redistribution of the lipid probes over the entire membrane occurring during lipid mixing with cryopreserved bovine sperm is probably related to membrane perturbations caused by long-term cryopreservation. Fusion with liposomes was governed by spermatozoa factors and required the presence of acidic phospholipids like cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine in the liposomal bilayer. Incorporation of the zwitterionic lipid phosphatidylcholine in the vesicles inhibited the fusion reaction. Fusion was pH dependent. The results indicate that the ES is the primary domain of spermatozoa membranes that harbours the fusogenic capacity of sperm. Liposomes appear a valuable tool in further characterizing the properties of this domain, which has been claimed [Yanagimachi, R. (1988) in The physiology of reproduction (Knobil, E. & Neill, J., eds) pp. 135-185, Raven Press, New York] to represent the putative, initial fusion site for the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- E G Arts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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Wassarman PM. Mammalian Fertilization: Sperm Receptor Genes and Glycoproteins. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1993. [DOI: 10.1016/s1064-2722(08)60038-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
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