The development of porcine zona pellucida using monoclonal antibodies: II. Electron microscopy

• Published in: Biology of reproduction Vol. 40; no. 5; pp. 1103 - 1108
• Main Authors: TAKAGI, J, DOBASHI, M, ARAKI, Y, IMAI, Y, HIROI, M, TONOSAKI, A, SENDO, F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Madison, WI Society for the Study of Reproduction 01.05.1989
• Subjects: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Biological and medical sciences; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Immunohistochemistry; Mammalian female genital system; Microscopy, Electron; Morphology. Physiology; Oocytes - physiology; Ovary - physiology; Ovum - physiology; Swine; Vertebrates: reproduction; Zona Pellucida - immunology; Zona Pellucida - physiology; Zona Pellucida - ultrastructure; Immunohistochemistry; Secretion; Biosynthesis; Histology; Monoclonal antibody; Zona pellucida; Pig; Characterization; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Transmission electron microscopy; Ultrastructure; Female genital system; Development; Artiodactyla; Localization; Ovarian follicle; Ungulata; Oocyte
• ISSN: 0006-3363; 1529-7268
• DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod40.5.1103

Following our previous study on the immunohistochemistry of porcine zonae pellucidae (ZP), we undertook the present study to localize the components of the ZP with immunoelectron microscopy, using three types of anti-porcine-ZP monoclonal antibodies (Mabs), named STA-1, STA-2, and STA-3. Some organelles of the oocyte were seen to react with STA-2 and STA-3 prior to ZP formation. As soon as a follicle began to mature, STA-2 and STA-3 reacted with the perinuclear space and the endoplasmic reticular membrane of the oocyte. The follicle first reacted with STA-1 at the secondary follicle stage. At this stage, the positive reaction involved the follicular cell layer as well as the oocyte and ZP. Positive reaction was scattered within and limited to the interfollicular cell space and was never found in the cytoplasm of follicular cells. At the antral follicle stage, the oocyte was surrounded by a thick, electron-dense ZP. A strong reaction was observed in the outer layer, but no significant reaction occurred in the inner layer. The convex and ragged outer margin of the ZP was characterized by the strongest reaction.