Capacitation of rabbit spermatozoa delayed in vivo by double ligation of uterine horn

Abstract

AbstractAn in vivo experimental design is described for the study of capacitation that permits simultaneous testing of both sperm capacitation and viability in two series of recipient does. In this system, superimposed capacitation is prevented in one of the series by performing tubal insemination 13 hours after HCG injection.Using this system it is possible to demonstrate that: the timing of tubal insemination is critical for the study of capacitation; there is no difference in terms of time required for capacitation between spermatozoa from the distal cauda epididymidis and from the ejaculate; in vitro capacitation does not result from sperm incubation with endometrium strips; ten hours incubation of sperm suspension in vivo in a double ligated and distended uterine horn delays capacitation without altering sperm fertilizing ability.