Stimulation of in vitro fertilization in mice with 17 beta-estradiol.

The effect of various concentrations of estradiol on in vitro fertilization frequency was studied. Fertilization was stimulated by 5 X 10(-9) M 17 beta-estradiol but not by 5 X 10(-9) M 17 alpha-estradiol. At 5 X 10(-6), 5 X 10(-7), 5 X 10(-8), and 5 X 10(-10) M 17 beta-estradiol there was no difference in the fertilization frequency between test and control samples. It is suggested that stimulation of the acrosome reaction is instrumental in increasing the fertilization rate.