Alteration in the Mechanical Properties of Human Ovum Zona Pellucida Following Fertilization: Experimental and Analytical Studies

摘要: The unfertilized oocyte is surrounded by a spherical layer called the zona pellucida (ZP). physical hardness of this plays crucial role in fertilization and it largely unknown because lack appropriate measuring modeling methods. Recently, considerable biomedical attentions have concentrated on determination mechanical properties oocytes as single cell. In order to investigate biophysical characteristics mammalian oocytes, change elasticity human ZP has been quantitatively evaluated before after fertilization. Young’s modulus metaphase-II (MII) pronuclear (PN) stages estimated using two different protocols micropipette aspiration, step-by-step continuous increase pressure, combination with proportional theoretical models. Experimental results clearly demonstrated that mean calculated from aspiration test (MII: 7.34 ± 1.36 kPa vs PN: 13.18 1.17 kPa.) 2.41 0.75 vs. 4.43 1.66 kPa) significantly increased, (p < 0.05). Mathematical Evaluation shows although methods are but both confirm hardening will following As can be seen, experimental influence choice models turn lead found.