Changes in composition of the porcine zona pellucida during development of the oocyte to the 2- to 4-cell embryo.

Our objective was to identify any changes that occur in the composition of the porcine zona pellucida during development of the 2- to 4-cell embryo from the oocyte. Oocytes, unfertilized eggs and single and 2- to 4-cell embryos have been recovered surgically and their zonae pellucidae 125I-labelled and analysed individually by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The zonae from ovulated eggs possessed two major glycoproteins Mr250 000 and 90 000 which were absent from follicular oocytes but present in the fluid from the oestrus, but not luteal, oviduct. The glycoproteins remained on the zona pellucida of 2- to 4-cell embryos whose analysis showed the presence of additional polypeptides of Mr 150 000, 57 000, 50 000 and 25 000. It is concluded (i) that shortly after ovulation, and in spite of the presence around the egg of cumulus oophorus and corona radiata cells, significant amounts of oviducal glycoproteins are able to bind firmly to the zona pellucida, and (ii) that after contact with spermatozoa there is evidence of a limited hydrolysis of the structure by the sperm protease acrosin.