Reproduction Abstracts

Introduction: Encoding an 88 kDa protein with a thioredoxin-like domain at the N-terminal region, ssp411 is predominantly expressed at several specific stages from round spermatids to spermatozoa in the rat testis at both mRNA and protein levels. SSP411 is conserved in many species, and can be localized in the testis and mature sperm of human, mouse, and rat.Materials and methods: A line of ssp411 knockout mice (ssp411&#87...

Background: The role of autoantibodies against zona pellucida (ZP) in infertility and success of IVF is debatable. In the present study, a novel recombinant human zona protein is used to address this issue.Materials and methods: Fourteen serum samples positive for porcine ZP, six from infertile patients, and 20 from healthy women were analysed. Sera were tested for their reactivity against a recombinant multi-epitope peptide (named ZPCP7) composed of ten...