MATURATION OF SPERMATOZOA IN THE RABBIT EPIDIDYMIS: DELAYED FERTILIZATION IN DOES INSEMINATED WITH EPIDIDYMAL SPERMATOZOA

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Abstract
When does are inseminated with spermatozoa from the lower corpus epididymis, fertilization is strikingly delayed. Sixteen hr. after the injection of HCG [human chorionic gonadotropin], fertilization is still in progress. Only 52% of the ova that will ultimately be fertilized have been penetrated, and in about half of these the fertilizing spermatozoon is just penetrating whereas in control ova fertilized with ejaculated spermatozoa pronuclei are already formed. Ten per cent of ova fertilized with epididymal spermatozoa are polyploid. This abnormal feature is attributed to the fertilization of aging ova, known to lead to polyploidy in the rabbit. Epididymal spermatozoa are impaired either in their progression in sufficient number into the oviduct and/or in establishing contact with the ovum surface.

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