Effect of the products of ovulation on in vitro fertilization and sperm motility in the rabbit.

Abstract

Different concentrations of rabbit or bovine follicular fluid were added to a defined medium or to rabbit oestrous oviduct fluid containing 13 hours in utero incubated sperm. With increasing concentration of follicular fluid, the percentage of fertilization was progressively and significantly lower than in oestrous tubal secretions or Brackett's medium, alone or containing up to 5% of follicular fluid. Utilization of ova, with or without cumulus clot, to the fertilization media, had no significant effect on fertilization of rabbit eggs. Both kinds of follicular fluid used did inhibit the motility of capacitated sperm.