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Biology of Reproduction, Vol 15, 102-106, Copyright © 1976 by Society for the Study of Reproduction

Involvement of Esterases in Sperm Penetration of the Corona Radiata of the Ovum

M. M. BRADFORD 1, R. A. McRORIE 1, , and WILLIAM L. WILLIAMS 1

1 Reproduction Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602


During fertilization the spermatozoon must penetrate several layers surrounding the ovum prior to actual gamete fusion. It has been previously reported that acrosomal extracts of rabbit spermatozoa will disperse the cumulus layer, the corona radiata, and the zona pellucida from rabbit ova. The data presented here demonstrate that the esterolytic activity present in sperm acrosomes is involved in the dispersal of the corona radiata and thus in the penetration of the intracellular cement of the corona radiata during the fertilization process.

Cumulus free ova have been shown to be subject to dispersal of corona radiata cells by the action of alkaline buffers. This in conjunction with the observation that the corona is dispersed by esterolytic activity is indicative of an ester linkage functioning in the macromolecular cementing substance in the intracellular matrix of the corona radiata of rabbit ova.

Note:
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This research was supported by Contract No. 1-HD-9-2103 with the Center for Population Research, NICHD and by Ford Foundation grant no. 680-0805A.

Submitted on September 2, 1975
Accepted on March 31, 1976






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Copyright © 1976 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction.