Abstract

The objective of this project is to understand the biophysical mechanisms associated with two discrete events during sperm transport and fertilization in the female mammal: the migration of spermatozoa through cervical mucus; and the interaction between spermatozoa and the egg investments. We will approach this by applying high-speed cinemicrography to record the detailed characteristics of sperm motility in these different environments. Human and bull spermatozoa will be studied in the cervical mucus of those species, the endocrine state of which will be monitored. Additional experiments will focus upon the plassage of inert materials (mucous plasma, microspheres) through the mucus. Rabbit spermatozoa will be studied during the approach to and penetration of the egg investments. Analysis of all experimental data will employ new mathematical models which we will develop of the hydrodynamics of these phenomena. As a consequence, information will be gained on biophysical features of sperm movement, the properties of cervical mucus and the ovum vestments, and the interaction betweeen the spermatozoa and these environments.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01HD012971-06S1
Application #
3312037
Study Section
Reproductive Biology Study Section (REB)
Project Start
1979-04-01
Project End
1985-11-30
Budget Start
1984-07-01
Budget End
1985-11-30
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
1985
Total Cost
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
University of California Davis
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
094878337
City
Davis
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
95618

  Publications

Behboodi, E; Katz, D F; Samuels, S J et al. (1991) The use of a urinary estrone conjugates assay for detection of optimal mating time in the cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis). J Med Primatol 20:229-34
Katz, D F; Morales, P; Samuels, S J et al. (1990) Mechanisms of filtration of morphologically abnormal human sperm by cervical mucus. Fertil Steril 54:513-6
Katz, D F; Drobnis, E Z; Overstreet, J W (1989) Factors regulating mammalian sperm migration through the female reproductive tract and oocyte vestments. Gamete Res 22:443-69
Yudin, A I; Hanson, F W; Katz, D F (1989) Human cervical mucus and its interaction with sperm: a fine-structural view. Biol Reprod 40:661-71
Yudin, A I; Cherr, G N; Katz, D F (1988) Structure of the cumulus matrix and zona pellucida in the golden hamster: a new view of sperm interaction with oocyte-associated extracellular matrices. Cell Tissue Res 251:555-64
Drobnis, E Z; Yudin, A I; Cherr, G N et al. (1988) Hamster sperm penetration of the zona pellucida: kinematic analysis and mechanical implications. Dev Biol 130:311-23
Drobnis, E Z; Andrew, J B; Katz, D F (1988) Biophysical properties of the zona pellucida measured by capillary suction: is zona hardening a mechanical phenomenon? J Exp Zool 245:206-19
Baltz, J M; Katz, D F; Cone, R A (1988) Mechanics of sperm-egg interaction at the zona pellucida. Biophys J 54:643-54
Cherr, G N; Drobnis, E Z; Katz, D F (1988) Localization of cortical granule constituents before and after exocytosis in the hamster egg. J Exp Zool 246:81-93
Katz, D F; Davis, R O (1987) Automatic analysis of human sperm motion. J Androl 8:170-81

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