porcine zona pellucida
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Porcine zona pellucida (PZP) is the
zona pellucida The ''zona pellucida'' (Latin meaning "transparent zone") is the specialized area surrounding mammalian oocytes (eggs). It is also known as an egg coat. The ''zona pellucida'' is essential for oocyte growth and fertilization. The ''zona pelluc ...
extracted from the ovaries of pigs which is used as a source of
antigen In immunology, an antigen (Ag) is a molecule, moiety, foreign particulate matter, or an allergen, such as pollen, that can bind to a specific antibody or T-cell receptor. The presence of antigens in the body may trigger an immune response. ...
s for immunocontraception. The zona pellucida is a thick membrane that surrounds the unfertilised eggs of mammals. In order for an egg to be fertilised, sperm must first bind to, and then penetrate the zona pellucida. When porcine (pig) zona pellucida is injected into other mammals, antibodies are produced which attach to that animal's zona pellucida, preventing the sperm from attaching to the egg, therefore preventing fertilisation. Porcine zona pellucida has been used in wildlife contraception since the late 1980s. Animals with which PZP has been employed in this context include
elephant Elephants are the largest living land animals. Three living species are currently recognised: the African bush elephant ('' Loxodonta africana''), the African forest elephant (''L. cyclotis''), and the Asian elephant ('' Elephas maximus ...
s, wild and/or feral horses, elk and whitetailed deer. It can be administered to captured animals via a standard syringe or administered to free ranging wildlife with a dart gun. The contraceptive effect last for approximately one year in horses, and can potentially be extended by including a controlled-release PZP component.


References

Mammal female reproductive system Veterinary drugs {{veterinary-med-stub