VPB 321: Animal Biotechnology (2+1)

PREPARATION OF SPERMATOZOA

• The capacitated spermatozoa is essential for in vitro fertilization. After capacitation ,the acrosome reaction in the head of the spermatozoa allows the release of enzymes for penetration into the zona pellucida of the oocytes.
• The capacitation process is completed durinng the movement of the spermatozoa from the oviduct to the uterus.
• Capacitation involves the removal, probably by the enzyme action, of macromolecular material located on the surface of the spermatozoa.
• Re-exposure of the spermatozoa to seminal plasma leads to loss of capacitation and the process may well involve the restoration of the surface layer or 'decapacitation factor' which normally coats the spermatozoa as they pass through the male reproductive tract.
• Experimental procedures to induce the capacitation or acrosome reaction of the spermatozoa involve invitro incubation with follicular fluid and serum.