Involvement of prolyl endopeptidase in ascidian fertilization

Inhibitory effects on fertilization of the ascidian of three benzyloxycarbonyl(Z)-aminoacyl prolinals and Z-Gly-Pro-chloromethyl ketone added before and after insemination were examined. The results suggest that the prolyl endopeptidase is involved in the process of fertilization, especially in a process taking place between chorion elevation and cell cleavage.