Abstract
This chapter discusses immunological interference with the properties of the zona pellucida. The zona pellucida is a translucent, acellular, glycoprotein shell, which is synthesized by the oocyte during folliculogenesis, and subserves a number of important functions during fertilization and early embryonic development. Interest in this structure has been stimulated by the possible use of the zona pellucida as the target for an immunological approach to contraception. The major role played by the zona pellucida during the process of fertilization is to act as a barrier between the oocyte and the external environment, regulating the number of spermatozoa that gain access to the vitelline membrane. The purpose of such restricted access to the oocyte is to ensure that there is sufficient time to affect the block to polyspermy following the fusion of the fertilizing spermatozoon with the oolemma. The chapter also discusses the biological properties of the zona pellucida and considers how these functions might be blocked by anti-zona antibodies in vivo and in vitro.
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