Role of Hyaluronidase in Fertilization: The Antifertility Activity of Myocrisin, a Nontoxic Hyaluronidase Inhibitor

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Abstract
Myocrisin, a hyaluronidase inhibitor of low molecular weight, was tested for antifertility activity. In addition, the effect of myocrisin on penetration of the follicle cell layer by spermatozoa was studied. Myocrisin prevented the In vitro fertilization of capacitated mouse spermatozoa when these were added to intact oocytes. The inhibitor had no effect on sperm motility at the concentrations used for the/n vitro fertilization tests, and did not inhibit the acrosome reaction of guinea pig spermatozoa. Myocrisin also had no effect on human acrosin. Fertility was not prevented when the myocrisin‐treated spermatozoa were added to oocytes from which the follicle cell layer had been removed, showing that sperm hyaluronidase is essential specifically for sperm penetration through this ovum investment, at least in the case of the mouse. Myocrisin is approved for human use by the FDA and is a compound worth further In vivo evaluation as a contraceptive.