Characterization of Porcine Zona Pellucida Antigens

Abstract

Studies have been done to investigate the antigenicity of the porcine zonae pellucidae and to characterize the primary antigens immunochemically. Antisera against porcine zonae were prepared in male rabbits. The immunological response was found to vary greatly depending on the solubilization conditions used to prepare zonae for immunization, as well as on the numbers of zonae used for immunization. As many as four zona-specific antigens were detectable by crossed immunoelectrophoresis with use of antisera prepared against intact zonae or against heat dissociated zonae, while of these, both dominant antigens were recognized by antisera prepared against zonae solubilized with SDS and Na₂SO₃. The two dominant antigens have molecular weights between 50,000 and 70,000. Two of the zona antigens are bound by the Ricinus communis lectin. At least one of these appears to be associated with the outer region of the zonae since this lectin is known to bind to the outer region of intact zonae.