Abstract
Summary
The release of hyaluronidase by rabbit sperm was measured during in vitro incubation, in: (a) distilled water, (b) Tyrode's solution, and (c) rabbit uterine fluid. There was no apparent release of hyaluroni-dase in fluid obtained from the uterus of an estrus rabbit and collected prior to HCG-induced ovulation. In fluid obtained after HCG-induced ovulation, increases in hyaluronidase activity occurred, indicating hyaluronidase release by the sperm. The peak of maximum hyaluronidase activity was related to the timing of the fluid collection. In contrast, no discernible peak of hyaluroni-dase activity occurred when sperm were incubated in Tyrode's solution or in distilled water. Postovulatory uterine fluid appears to actively promote the release of hyaluronidase from sperm.
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