Changes in the Zonae Pellucidae and Plasmalemmae of Aging Mouse Eggs

Abstract

Studies were carried out to investigate alterations in the zonae pellucidae and plasma membranes of aging mouse eggs. Differences were apparent in the zonae pellucidae of aging ova when examined with scanning electron microscopy and when their susceptibility to digestion withα -chymotrypsin was investigated. Changes in the plasma membranes of aging eggs were demonstrated by concanavalin A binding and alcian blue staining. These alterations in the zonae pellucidae and plasma membranes of aging mouse ova may be related to previously demonstrated age-dependent reductions in ovum fertility.