Capacitation in the Mouse: The Response of Murine Acrosomes to the Environment of the Female Reproductive Tract12

Abstract

Spermatozoa were recovered from the female tract at various times up to 8 h after mating (delayed coitus). Acrosomal morphology was evaluated by phase-contrast microscopy (living spermatozoa) and two different staining techniques—an acid-dye triple stain (Bryan, 1970) and a nonspecific esterase procedure (Bryan and Unnithan, 1973). Ova were recovered and examined cytologically to determine the stage of development and/or occurrence of fertilization.