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Immunological interference with fertilization.

Acta Endocrinologica. Supplementum

|January 1, 1975

Summary

Ovary-specific antigens in the zona pellucida were identified using antibodies. These zona antigens play crucial roles in fertilization and implantation, suggesting potential for immunological fertility control.

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Area of Science:

Reproductive immunology
Mammalian reproduction
Immunochemistry

Background:

Ovary-specific antigens have been identified in mice, hamsters, and rabbits.
These antigens are localized to the zona pellucida, a crucial layer surrounding the egg.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify and characterize ovary-specific antigens in the zona pellucida.
To investigate the role of these zona antigens in early reproductive events like fertilization and implantation.
To explore the potential of anti-zona antibodies for immunological control of fertility.

Main Methods:

Production of antisera against mammalian ovaries (rabbit, sheep).
Immunofluorescence studies to localize antigens on the zona pellucida.
In vitro experiments assessing the effects of anti-zona antibodies on sperm-zona interaction, fertilization, and embryo development.
In vivo studies involving passive immunization and embryo transfer experiments.

Main Results:

Antibodies against ovarian tissues formed precipitates on the zona pellucida of eggs and early embryos.
The precipitate was primarily located on the outer surface of the zona pellucida.
Anti-zona antibodies effectively blocked sperm attachment and penetration, inhibited embryo hatching in vitro, and reduced implantation sites in vivo.
Trypsin and pronase were ineffective on the precipitated outer zona layer but dissolved the inner layer.

Conclusions:

Zona pellucida contains species- and tissue-specific antigens crucial for reproduction.
These zona antigens are involved in key early reproductive events, including fertilization and implantation.
Anti-zona antibodies demonstrate significant potential for the immunological control of fertility.

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