Vitronectin and Its Receptor (Integrin αvβ3) During Bovine Fertilization In Vitro

The complex series of molecular interactions between male and female gametes required for successful fertilization has captured the interest of several research groups for many years (Benoff 1997). Even though substantial insights into these interactions have been elucidated in particular in human and mouse (Fusi et al. 1992; 1996a; 1996b; Almeida et al. 1995; Evans et al. 1995; Bronson & Fusi 1996), a clear identification of the underlying mechanisms and molecules implicated in bovine fertilization is still required. The involvement of numerous carbohydrates and glycoproteins in adhesion and binding events during several reproductive processes has been described in ruminants, ranging from roles in spermoviduct adhesion (Revah et al. 2000; Talevi & Gualtieri 2001; Sostaric et al. 2005; Gwathmey et al. 2006; Ignotz et al. 2007), sperm-oocyte interactions (Gougoulidis et al. 1999; Amari et al. 2001; Tanghe et al. 2004a; 2004b) to embryo implantation (Spencer et al. 2004).