Abstract
Participation of proteases in fertilization processes has been well documented recently. Proteases are involved, for example, in sperm migration and transport, induction of the acrosome reaction, penetration of spermatozoa through ovum layers, development of the fertilization membrane (polyspermy block), decondensation of chromatin after sperm-egg fusion as well as in ovulation, ovum and oocyste transport, implantation of the blastocyste in the uterus, involution of uterine tissue and parturition (1). The activity of the proteases is regulated either by activation of zymogens or by protease inhibitors present in genital tissues and secretions and the gametes as well, the protease inhibitors exhibiting chiefly a protective function (2).
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