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Essential role of ZP molecules in tubal transport of embryos in mice
Author(s) -
Kim Chang Hun,
Seo Byoung Boo,
Yamanouchi Keitaro,
Kuromaru Masamich,
Sawasaki Toru,
Hinsch Elvira,
Hinsch KlausDieter,
Naito Kunihiko,
Tachi Chikashi,
Tojo Hideaki
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.10098
Subject(s) - oviduct , biology , zona pellucida , embryo , trypsin , uterus , antiserum , epitope , microinjection , microbiology and biotechnology , andrology , enzyme , immunology , biochemistry , genetics , antibody , endocrinology , oocyte , medicine
Abstract Our understandings of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying tubal transport of embryos are poor. This study describes the essential role of the molecules on the zona pellucida (ZP) in the tubal transport of mouse embryos. The bovine and porcine embryos that were interspecifically transferred to the mouse oviduct were selectively retained in the oviduct and rarely transported to the uterus. Antiserum ZP3‐9 against synthetic peptides that are specific for mouse ZP3, significantly interfered with tubal transport of the treated embryos. The treatment of mouse embryos with antiserum ZP2‐20 against the synthetic peptides, deduced from the sequences that are conserved in the structure of ZP2 from mouse and human, also inhibited their tubal transport. Among various proteolytic and glycosidic enzymes, treatments with trypsin and β‐glucosidase prior to transfer to the oviduct, significantly interfered with the tubal transport of the enzyme‐treated mouse embryos. We hypothesize that species‐specific epitopes on the ZP may be recognized by the oviductal cilia and/or the epithelial cells of ducts for tubal transport. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 61: 327–334, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.