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Updated: Mar 10, 2026
Separation of Follicular Cells and Oocytes in Ovarian Follicles of Zebrafish
Published on: April 18, 2021
Silver nanoparticles induce oocyte maturation in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Shi Xi Chen1, Xiao Zhen Yang2, Ying Deng2
1State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Marine Biological Resources, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China; State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) trigger oocyte maturation and apoptosis in zebrafish ovarian follicles, potentially through oxidative stress. This research highlights AgNP risks to aquatic germ cells.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Increasing environmental presence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) raises concerns about aquatic species.
- Limited data exist on AgNP effects on germ cells, particularly oocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adverse effects of AgNPs on zebrafish oocyte maturation and ovarian follicle cells in vitro.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying AgNP-induced oocyte maturation.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish ovarian follicles were used as an in vitro model.
- Oocyte maturation (germinal vesicle breakdown, GVBD) was assessed.
- Apoptosis was detected using transmission electron microscopy and Hoechst 33342 staining.
- Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and gene expression of oxidative stress markers were analyzed.
Main Results:
- AgNPs induced GVBD and reduced cAMP concentration, similar to the maturation-inducing hormone.
- AgNPs caused apoptosis in ovarian follicle cells.
- Oxidative stress-related genes were more sensitive to AgNPs than silver nitrate (AgNO3).
- Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) also induced oocyte maturation via apoptosis in follicle cells.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative stress is a key mechanism in AgNP-induced apoptosis of ovarian follicle cells.
- AgNP-induced apoptosis triggers oocyte maturation (GVBD).
- AgNPs pose a risk to the reproductive health of aquatic organisms.
