Fertilization (eBook)

Front Cover 1
Fertilization 4
Copyright Page 5
Contents 6
Contributors 12
Preface 14
Acknowledgments 16
Section I: Fertilization Events 18
Chapter 1. Gamete Transport 20
I. Introduction 20
II. Sperm Transport 21
III. Oocyte Transport 36
IV. A Model For Gamete Transport 38
References 39
Chapter 2. Sperm Motility Activation And Chemoattraction 46
I. Introduction 46
II. Assays 47
III. Motility Acquisition 48
IV. Motility Activation 53
V. Motility Modulation in the Female Reproductive Tract 54
VI. EGG-Associated Motility Stimulation 56
VII. Chemoattraction 61
VIII. Concluding Remarks 66
References 66
Chapter 3. Capacitation 74
I. Introduction 74
II. Initiation, Propagation, and Termination of Capacitation 75
III. Molecular Mechanism of Capacitation 96
IV. Physiological Mechanism and Role of Capacitation 108
V. Conclusions 115
References 116
Chapter 4. Function of The Egg's Extracellular Matrix 136
I. Introduction 136
II. The Cumulus Oophorus 137
III. The Zona Pellucida 146
IV. Future Directions 159
References 161
Chapter 5. Sperm Adhesion to the Extracellular Matrix of The Egg 170
I. Introduction 170
II. Basic Biology of Sperm-EEM Adhesion 171
III. Identification of EEM Adhesion Molecules 180
IV. Future Prospects And Directions 190
References 190
Chapter 6. Signal Transduction Mechanisms Regulating Sperm Acrosomal Exocytosis 198
I. Introduction 198
II. Biogenesis And Morphology of The Acrosome 199
III. Biological Significance of Acrosomal Exocytosis 201
IV. Physiological Site of Acrosomal Exocytosis 203
V. The Zona Pellucida And Progesterone As Physiological Inducers of Acrosomal Exocytosis 205
VI. Sperm-Associated Receptor/binding Proteins for the Zona Pellucida and Progesterone 209
VII. Signal Transduction Mechanisms Mediating the Effects of the Zona Pellucida and Progesterone 216
References 228
Chapter 7. Regulation of Sperm Lon Currents 242
I. Importance of Ion Channels 242
II. Sperm Ion Transport and Environmental Sensing 244
III. Modulation of Sperm Ion Transport by Diffusible Egg Components 247
IV. Modulation of Sperm Ion Transport During The Acrosome Reaction 253
V. Spermatogenic Cells, a New Tool to Study Sperm Ion Channels 265
VI. Concluding Remarks 267
References 267
Chapter 8. Function of The Sperm Acrosome 282
I. Introduction 282
II. The Prevailing View: The Acrosome Reaction Model 290
III. An Alternative Paradigm. The Acrosomal Exocytosis Model 298
IV. Other Considerations of Acrosomal Proteins 309
V. Future Directions 309
VI. Summary 310
References 311
Chapter 9. Gamete Fusion In Mammals 320
I. Introduction 320
II. Specificity of Gamete Fusion 321
III. A Hypothetical Pathway Leading to Sperm-egg Fusion 321
IV. Sperm and Egg Surface Proteins Involved In Gamete Binding and Fusion 323
V. Hypothetical Steps After Binding and Before Fusion 329
VI. Sperm Tail Stiffening 329
VII. Fusion in Other Systems 330
VIII. Prospectus 333
References 333
Chapter 10. Membrane Events of Egg Activation 336
I. Introduction 336
II. Ca2+ Waves and Oscillations at Fertilization 338
III. Electrical Events and Fertilization 341
IV. The Latent Period of Fertilization 344
V. Signaling Molecules and Mechanisms Leading To Ca2+ Release 346
Vl Sperm as a Ca2+ Conduit 346
VII. Sperm Contact as the Signal 348
VIII. The Sperm Content Hypothesis 351
IX. Conclusions 356
References 357
Section II: Unique Problems And Applications 364
Chapter 11. Molecular Genetics of Fertilization 366
I. Introduction 366
II. Gametes Have Unusual Characteristics 367
III. Genetic Model Systems 369
References 377
Chapter 12. Gamete Immunobiology 384
I. Introduction 384
II. Fetal and Neonatal Germ Cells 385
III. The Developing Immune System 386
IV. Immune Response to Gametes in the Fetal, Neonatal, and Prepubertal Stages 387
V. Immune Response to Gametes in the Adult 391
VI. Immune Response to Male Gametes in the Adult Female 395
VII. Concluding Remarks 397
References 397
Chapter 13. Fertilization Biophysics 404
I. Introduction 404
II. Sperm As Force-generating Machines 405
III. Tethering Sperm 407
IV. Sperm Capture By Eggs 409
V. Sperm Penetration of Egg Coats 410
VI. The Transition From Sperm Adhesion to Penetration of the Zona Pellucida 413
VII. Summary 414
References 415
Chapter 14. Applications of Fertility Regulation For The Management of Wild And Domestic Species 418
I. Introduction 418
II. Case Studies on Wildlife Management 420
III. Fertility Control: Targets and Immunological Intervention 421
IV. Reproductive Tract Immune Responses 427
V. Bait Delivery of an Immunocontraceptive Vaccine 428
VI. Concluding Remarks 431
References 432
Index 436