This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by ORGEBIN-CRIST, M. C. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by ORGEBIN-CRIST, M. C.

MATURATION OF SPERMATOZOA IN THE RABBIT EPIDIDYMIS: DELAYED FERTILIZATION IN DOES INSEMINATED WITH EPIDIDYMAL SPERMATOZOA

Summary.: When does are inseminated with spermatozoa from the lower corpus epididymidis, fertilization is strikingly delayed. Sixteen hours after the injection of HCG, fertilization is still in progress. Only 52% of the ova that will ultimately be fertilized have been penetrated, and in about half of these the fertilizing spermatozoon is just penetrating whereas in control ova fertilized with ejaculated spermatozoa pronuclei are already formed. Ten per cent of ova fertilized with epididymal spermatozoa are polyploid. This abnormal feature is attributed to the fertilization of ageing ova, known to lead to polyploidy in the rabbit. Epididymal spermatozoa are impaired either in their progression in sufficient number into the oviduct and/or in establishing contact with the ovum surface.