Effect of anti‐pig zona pellucida serum on fertilization in several mammals

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Abstract
The effect of goat antiserum against isolated pig zonae pellucidae on fertilization in vivo was examined in the pig, cow, sheep, rabbit, rat, and mouse. As shown by indirect immunofluorescence, anti‐pig zona serum reacted strongly with the zonae of pig, cow, sheep, and rabbit, but the reaction with the zonae of mouse and rat was weak. Passive immunization with anti‐pig zona serum significantly, or completely, inhibited fertilization in all species. However, inhibition of fertilization was more pronounced in the pig, cow, sheep, rabbit, and mouse than in the rat. Inhibition of fertilization in the rabbit was also observed after passive immunization with antiserum absorbed with rabbit liver and kidney. All of the zonae recovered from the pig, cow, sheep, rat, and mouse after passive immunization with anti‐pig zona serum exhibited strong fluorescence, regardless of the incidence of fertilization. It was concluded that the pig and other mammalian zonae pellucidae tested have tissue‐specific antigens.