Authors: Ramalho-Santos, João¹; Sutovsky, Peter¹; Simerly, Calvin¹; Oko, Richard²; Wessel, Gary M.³; Hewitson, Laura¹

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 15, Number 12, December 2000 , pp. 2610-2620(11)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

We have dissected the initial stages of fertilization by intracytoplasmic sperm injection of single spermatozoa into prime oocytes from fertile rhesus monkeys (Macaca mullata). DNA decondensation was delayed at the apical portion of the sperm head. It is possible that this asynchronous male DNA decondensation could be related to the persistence of the sperm acrosome and perinuclear theca after injection. However, incomplete male pronuclear formation did not prevent sperm aster formation, microtubule nucleation and pronuclear apposition. In contrast, DNA synthesis was delayed in both pronuclei until the sperm chromatin fully decondensed, indicating that male pronuclear formation constitutes an important checkpoint during the first embryonic cell cycle.

Keywords: acrosome; fertilization; ICSI; perinuclear theca; spermatozoa

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Beaverton, Oregon, 2: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, 3: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA and

Publication date: 2000-12-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
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