Blockage of ovulation in the explanted hamster ovary by a collagenase inhibitor

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Abstract
Hamster ovaries explanted at 2100 h on the day of proestrus were incubated with talopeptin [6-deoxy-.alpha.-L-talopyranosyloxyphospho-L-leucyl-L-tryptophan], a potent microbial [Streptomyces mozunensis] inhibitor of collagenases, until 1030 h on the next morning. A talopeptin concentration of 0.16 mM completely blocked ovulation in vitro. The blocking effect decreased markedly in ovaries excised at 2300 h or later. Proteolysis by collagenases apparently is indispensable for the ovulatory process in the hamster.