Effects of wheat germ agglutinin on fertilization of mouse ova in vivo and in vitro

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Abstract
Mouse ova with or without follicular cells (denuded) were treated with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) in concentrations ranging from 5–500 μg/ml and fertilized in vitro. Ova subjected to concentrations greater than 10 μg/ml WGA were incapable of fertilization in vitro, although sperm were observed adhering to the zona pellucida after treatment in concentrations as high as 500 μg/ml WGA. At concentrations of 50 μg/ml or higher, WGA adversely affected the shape of the vitellus. Of various saccharides employed to block the effects of WGA D‐glucose was the most effective. Injections of 0.03 ml of 100 μg/ml or 500 μg/ml WGA into the ovarian bursa two to three hours before the expected time of ovulation had little or no effect on fertilization in vivo.