Perivitelline space: Does it play a role in blocking polyspermy in mammals?

The perivitelline space of mammalian oocytes changes in size and composition during preimplantation development. Often overlooked in the past, this space contains a hyaluronan-rich extracellular matrix prior to fertilization and a cortical granule envelope following release of the cortical granules at fertilization. The hyaluronan-containing matrix of unfertilized oocytes is well developed in some species such as opossums and humans but is scant in rodents including the hamster and mouse. The significance of the hyaluronan-rich matrix, which attaches to the plasma membrane of the oocytes, is not fully understood. However, hyaluronan, which can inhibit membrane fusion, is present in the perivitelline space (PVS) of unfertilized oocytes and must be negotiated by the fertilizing sperm. Following fertilization, the cortical granule envelope forms as the cortical granules disperse, thereby causing the PVS to increase significantly in size. Calcium is important in the dispersion of the cortical granules following exocytosis. Once formed, the cortical granule envelope in some species is about the same thickness as the zona pellucida, but it is not readily visualized unless it is stained with fluorescent probes or examined ultrastructurally after following stabilization with ruthenium red. The envelope contains proteins that remain in the PVS until the time of blastocyst hatching. Although little work has been done on the functions of the cortical granule envelope, several studies are consistent with the idea that it plays a role in blocking polyspermy. While nicotine increases polyspermy in sea urchins, its effects on polyspermy in human smokers have not been characterized, but could be addressed in human in vitro fertilization labs. (C) 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.