Sperm capacitation by uterine fluid or beta-amylase in vitro.
Rabbit sperm developed the capacity to fertilize ova when incubated in utero or in vitro in fluids from estrous uteri. Incubation of sperm with beta-amylase in phosphate-buffered Locke's solution also resulted in capacitation. The data suggest that sperm capacitation involves enzymatic alteration of carbo-hydrate-containing seminal macromolecules which coat sperm and inhibit fertilization.
D000681:Amylases / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007315:Insemination, Artificial; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011817:Rabbits; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects*
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D000681:Amylases