Electron microscopic studies of the block to polyspermy the influence of trypsin, soy bean trypsin inhibitor and chloralhydrate

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Abstract
The ultrastructure of sea urchin eggs was studied after treatment in trypsin, soy bean trypsin inhibitor or chloralhydrate. In the presence of trypsin a dissolution of the diffuse layer and often a disappearance of the papillae were observed in the unfertilized egg. Upon insemination the formation of the fertilization membrane was more or less inhibited and the hyaline layer formed was incomplete. No clear changes were seen in unfertilized eggs treated in soy bean trypsin inhibitor, but after insemination the cortical reaction was observed to be both delayed and inhibited. This resulted in the formation of an abnormal, incomplete fertilization membrane. Also in the presence of chloralhydrate a retardation of the cortical reaction was found. However, a rather normal fertilization membrane was elevated in this substance.