The zona pellucida binding assay assesses the ability of spermatozoa to bind to the zona pellucida. The present study investigated the influence of: (i) prior oocyte exposure to spermatozoa on subsequent sperm-zona pellucida binding in vitro; and (ii) cryopreservation of oocytes. Only oocytes obtained from fertile donors were used and the binding capacity of non-inseminated, cryopreserved oocytes was compared with both inseminated/unfertilized, cryopreserved oocytes and inseminated/unfertilized, non-cryopreserved oocytes recovered from in-vitro fertilization cultures on sperm-zona pellucida binding using an intact zona model. There was no statistically significant difference in sperm-zona binding between non-inseminated, cryopreserved oocytes (range 9.6-23.2), inseminated/unfertilized, cryopreserved oocytes (range 15.0-16.0) and inseminated/ unfertilized, non-cryopreserved oocytes (range 3.3-23.0). The coefficient of variation for sperm binding to all oocyte groups was very large (range 37-121%). We conclude that neither prior exposure of human oocytes to human spermatozoa nor cryopreservation of human oocytes influences the subsequent binding of a different population of spermatozoa to the zona pellucida. However, large oocyte-to-oocyte variation of sperm-zona binding may diminish the usefulness of this assay in clinical practice and as a research tool.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/13.3.670 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Decoding the Genes Orchestrating Egg and Sperm Fusion Reactions and Their Roles in Fertility.
Biomedicines
December 2024
Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia.
Mammalian fertilization is a complex and highly regulated process that has garnered significant attention, particularly with advancements in assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). The fusion of egg and sperm involves a sequence of molecular and cellular events, including capacitation, the acrosome reaction, adhesion, and membrane fusion. Critical genetic factors, such as IZUMO1, JUNO (also known as FOLR4), CD9, and several others, have been identified as essential mediators in sperm-egg recognition and membrane fusion.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAge-associated aberrations of the cumulus-oocyte interaction and in the zona pellucida structure reduce fertility in female mice.
Commun Biol
December 2024
The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 1088639, Japan.
One of the major age-related declines in female reproductive function is the reduced quantity and quality of oocytes. Here we demonstrate that structural changes in the zona pellucida (ZP) were associated with decreased fertilization rates from 34- to 38-week-old female mice, equivalent to the mid-reproductive of human females. In middle-aged mouse ovaries, the decline in the number of transzonal projections was accompanied by a decrease in cumulus cell-oocyte interactions, resulting in a deterioration of the oocyte quality.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdvances in Molecular Biology and Immunology of Spermatozoa and Fertilization in Domestic Animals: Implications for Infertility and Assisted Reproduction.
Curr Mol Med
November 2024
Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Article Synopsis
- Understanding reproductive success in domestic animals requires knowledge of sperm biology, fertilization, and conception processes.
- Key focus areas include sperm maturation, capacitation, the acrosome reaction, and gamete recognition for successful fertilization.
- Future research will advance reproductive techniques by examining molecular biology, immune interactions, environmental impacts, and multi-omics approaches to enhance fertility outcomes.
In vitro anti-inflammatory activity and molecular docking of Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth extract via the NF-κB and PPAR-γ signalling in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.
Bioorg Chem
December 2024
School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500, Selangor, Malaysia. Electronic address:
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates how Peperomia pellucida reduces inflammation in ARPE-19 eye cells exposed to high glucose and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) by exploring specific signaling pathways (NF-κB and PPAR-γ).
- Both the methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of P. pellucida showed no toxicity to the cells and provided protection against cellular stress caused by high glucose levels and AGEs.
- Key phytochemicals in P. pellucida demonstrated strong binding to inflammatory proteins, suggesting their potential role in inhibiting the inflammatory response in these retinal cells.
Human oocyte zona pellucida abnormalities: evaluation of clinical impact for different zona pellucida abnormalities and role of using assisted hatching.
J Assist Reprod Genet
November 2024
Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates the role of the zona pellucida (ZP) in oocyte and embryo development, highlighting the lack of clinical treatment guidelines for patients with abnormal ZP (ZPA).
- A total of 185 ZPA patients and 222 normal ZP patients were analyzed, revealing that ZPA patients experienced poorer IVF outcomes and various hormonal differences.
- The research identified subcategories of ZPA based on oocyte characteristics and demonstrated that laser-assisted hatching of the ZP can improve embryonic development for certain ZPA subgroups.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!