A possible role of a specific uterine fluid peptidase in implantation in the rat

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Abstract
The introduction of an antiserum to the uterine peptidase into the uterine horns of rats before implantation produced a significant reduction of implantation sites, indicating a role for this enzyme in implantation. Implantation comprises a series of events involving changes in the uterine epithelium and in the blastocyst. In the mouse and rat, and the other animals, invasion of the uterine epithelium by the blastocyst is preceded by increased adhesiveness of the uterine epithelium, a process in which lytic enzymes may be involved. Lytic enzymes have also been implicated in lysis of the zona pellucida, a necessary prerequisite to implantation. These results suggests that, during the passage of the zygote through the uterine portion of the oviduct, the peptidase in the oviductal secretion may be initiating the process of dissolution of the zona pellucida and that final rupture and dissolution of the zona is completed by the peptidase in the uterus. The final dissolution of the zona pellucida may be assisted by the secretion of the fully mature blastocyst.