title: Uptake of exogenous human papilloma virus L1 DNA by oocytes and detection by the polymerase chain reaction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to determine if oocytes were capable of taking up exogenous DNA such as human papillomaviral (HPV) DNA and evaluate the zona pellucida as a barrier to the entry of foreign DNA into the oocyte.
  
  
  METHODS
  The experiment consisted of four groups of hamster oocytes exposed to HPV DNA fragments: Group A, zona-free oocytes (n = 5); Group B, oocytes with an intact zona pellucida (n = 5); Group C, oocytes fixed in 4% buffered formalin solution for 20 min (n = 5); and Group D, zona-free oocytes (n = 4). Group C oocytes served as an internal control to ensure adequate washing of the oocytes after incubation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The zona pellucida was not a barrier to foreign DNA molecules. The PCR did not detect L1-HPV and beta-globin gene sequences in the untreated hamster oocyte. Uptake of the smaller DNA fragments such as that amplified from the beta-globin region was independent of active oocyte cell processes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oocytes cultured in vitro can passively take up exogenous DNA fragments. The results suggest a possible role of oocytes as vectors for foreign DNA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California 92350.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Tredway
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Seraj
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Seraj
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: King
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D006224:Cricetinae; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005914:Globins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009865:Oocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000737:chemistry*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D015044:Zona Pellucida / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral; D005914:Globins; D004247:DNA