Uptake of exogenous human papilloma virus L1 DNA by oocytes and detection by the polymerase chain reaction.
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.
Chan
P J
PJ
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California 92350.
Su
B C
BC
Tredway
D R
DR
Seraj
M
M
Seraj
I M
IM
King
A
A
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
D004279:DNA, Viral; D005914:Globins; D004247:DNA