A new method to produce equally sized hemizonae pellucidae for the hemizona assay

The hemizona assay (HZA) is a valuable tool to study the binding potential and interaction of spermatozoa with the zona pellucida. Its accuracy strong ly depends on the use of equally sized hemizonae. Usually, manipulator-guid ed microblades are used for cutting the zona pellucida. Recently, lasers we re introduced for precise local thermolysis of the zona. The use of a 1.48 mu m diode laser for the generation of hemizonae from human oocytes was inv estigated. This laser allowed drilling of equally sized hemizonae which wer e used for hemizona binding assays. It is concluded that the 1.48 mu m diod e laser system can be applied for the production of hemizonae. The method i s easy to perform and offers a fast and efficient access to hemizonae of id entical size.