The effects of antisperm plasma membrane antibodies on sperm-egg binding, penetration, and fertilization in the pig.

A procedure using published surgical techniques is described for determining the effects of antiplasma membrane antibodies on sperm-egg binding, penetration, and fertilization in vivo in the domestic pig. Time of ovulation was controlled and sperm inseminated at precise times relative to ovulation. Sperm were exposed to antibodies (Fab) and then washed free of excess antibody and placed in one uterine horn near the uterotubal junction. Sperm exposed to control material were placed in the opposite horn as a control. One horn was tied with two ligatures near the body of the uterus. Eggs were collected by flushing the oviducts at prescribed times after insemination. in nine animals used for this study, antibodies to boar sperm plasma membranes completely blocked sperm-zona binding, penetration of the zona, and fertilization. In contrast, sperm were bound to the zona pellucida and penetrated eggs in every case on the control side. These results indicate that insemination in vivo is useful in screening antibodies produced against specific plasma membrane antigens to determine their role in fertilization.