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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Mouse Oocyte Microinjection, Maturation and Ploidy Assessment
07:03

Mouse Oocyte Microinjection, Maturation and Ploidy Assessment

Published on: July 23, 2011

Ultrastructural observations on gamete interactions using micromanipulated mouse oocytes.

J M Cummins1, W R Edirisinghe, Y Odawara

  • 1PIVET Medical Centre, Perth, Australia.

Gamete Research
|December 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary

Zona opening via microhooks or acid treatment allows sperm penetration. Sperm must undergo the acrosome reaction, involving contact with the zona pellucida, before fusing with the oocyte.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Oocyte fertilization involves complex sperm-egg interactions.
  • The zona pellucida is a key barrier that sperm must penetrate.
  • The acrosome reaction is crucial for successful fertilization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the ultrastructural effects of different zona opening methods on sperm-zona pellucida and sperm-oocyte interactions.
  • To observe the timing and nature of sperm penetration and fusion following zona opening.

Main Methods:

  • Cumulus-free mouse oocytes were mechanically (zona cracking) or chemically (acid drilling) treated to open the zona pellucida.
  • Oocytes were inseminated with capacitated sperm and fixed at 30-90 minutes post-insemination.

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Last Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Mouse Oocyte Microinjection, Maturation and Ploidy Assessment
07:03

Mouse Oocyte Microinjection, Maturation and Ploidy Assessment

Published on: July 23, 2011

Using Mouse Oocytes to Assess Human Gene Function During Meiosis I
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Using Mouse Oocytes to Assess Human Gene Function During Meiosis I

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  • Ultrastructural analysis was performed on serially thin-sectioned oocytes using transmission electron microscopy.

    • Main Results:

    • Zona cracking created a clean cut, while acid drilling resulted in partial zona loss and reduced oocyte microvillar height.
    • Sperm were observed in the perivitelline space and fusing with oocytes 30 minutes after insemination in both groups.
    • Only acrosome-reacted sperm heads fused with the oocyte; acrosome-intact sperm interacted with the zona pellucida, sometimes embedding within it.

    Conclusions:

    • Both zona cracking and acid drilling facilitate sperm penetration, but acid treatment alters the oocyte surface.
    • Sperm-zona pellucida interaction, including embedding and potential enzymatic activity, precedes the acrosome reaction and subsequent oocyte fusion.
    • Preferential contact with the zona pellucida is essential for initiating the acrosome reaction and fertilization.