Relationship between the length of sperm preincubation and zona penetration in the golden hamster: A scanning electron microscopy study

• DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120090104
• Publication Date: 2005-02-25T13:39:05Z
• Authors: C. Barros; A. Jedlicki; I. Bize; E. Aguirre
• Keywords: Zona; Penetration (warfare); Golden hamster; Mesocricetus

Abstract Hamster spermatozoa are able to fertilize a high percentage of zona‐intact hamster oocytes when they preincubated for 2 hr in chemically defined medium. From this time on, the longer preincubation lower penetration. Spermatozoa 6 or more unable cross zona pellucida, retaining however their ability fuse with zona‐free oocytes. Zona‐intact oocytes, as described above, were observed scanning electron microscope. When inseminated 1 5 outer surface showed penetrating and sperm tracks made by those that failed it. With times no observed, very few present on zona. Control experiments neither eggs, spermatozoa, nor fertilization affected medium recovered after long preincubations. These results show care should be taken regarding using in‐vitro technique.