Gynecology Sexual anatomy

Zona pellucida Wikipedia

The zona pellucida is a glycoprotein matrix surrounding the plasma membrane of an oocyte. This structure binds spermatozoa, and is required to initiate the acrosome reaction. The zona glycoprotein, ZP3, is responsible for sperm binding, adhering to protein|proteins on the sperm plasma membrane. There is evidence that ZP3 is then involved in the induction of the acrosome reaction, whereby a spermatozoon releases the contents of the acrosome|acrosomal vesicle.

Zona Pellucida is essential for oocyte survival and fertilization. Glycoproteins in ZP1, 2, and 3 are targets for immunocontraception. In non-mammalian animals, the Zona Pellucida plays an important role in preventing breeding of different species, especially in species that fertilize outside of the body (ie- fish). The enzyme layer that surrounds the egg only reacts with sperm that have matching enzymes, keeping sperm of other species from fertilizing the egg.

Zona Pellucida is commonly used to control wildlife population problems by intravenous transfer. When the ZP of one animal species is injected into the bloodstream of another, it results in sterility of the second species due to immune response. This effect can be temporary or permanent, depending on the method used. In New Jersey, porcine(pig) Zona Pellucida is used to keep deer populations low, and this process is commonly refered to as "spay-vac".

Last Modified:   2005-12-19