Inhibition of in-vitro fertilization of hamster oocytes by a thiol proteinase inhibitor.
Amongst the proteinase inhibitors tested, thiolstatin, a specific inhibitor for the thiol proteinases, leupeptin and antipain, both specific inhibitors of serine- and thiol-proteinases, strongly reduced fertilization of hamster oocytes in vitro. These results suggest the possible involvement of thiol proteinase(s), as well as acrosin, in the fertilization process. A possible role for thiol proteinase in sperm adhesion to the zona pellucida is proposed.
D000818:Animals; D000976:Antipain / Q000494:pharmacology; D006224:Cricetinae; D003470:Culture Media; D015891:Cystatins; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000187:drug effects*; D007976:Leupeptins / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
D003470:Culture Media; D015891:Cystatins; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D007976:Leupeptins; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; C043866:thiolstatin; D000976:Antipain; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases; C032854:leupeptin