OBJECTIVETo study the function of the SP3111 protein in fertilization and early embryo development through in vitro fertilization (IVF) experiments following anti-SP111 antibody (Ab2438) blocking.

METHODSSperm samples collected from male mice were divided into an experimental, a blank control and a negative control group before IVF. The sperm of the experimental group was incubated with Ab2438 for 1 h followed by IVF and observed for the rates of fertilization and embryo fragmentation at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 22 h. Then the fertilized eggs were incubated with Ab2438, and the rates of fertilization embryo fragmentation were observed at 22 h.

RESULTSAfter the sperm was incubated with Ab2438, the incidences of embryo fragmentation were 5.26, 8.77, 23.25, 43.42 and 59.21% at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 22 h, respectively, with significant differences from the control groups (P < 0.01). After 22 h Ab2438 incubation of the fertilized eggs, the rates of normal and fragmented embryos of the experimental group were 23.64 and 63.64%, respectively, significantly different from those of the control groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONAnti-SP3111 antibodies remarkably affected fertilization and early embryo development in mice. The SP3111 protein may be a signal molecule and plays a role in fertilization and early embryo development together with other proteins. Further studies on the function of the SP3111 protein in reproduction may offer a new insight into the molecular mechanism of infertility.