Characterization of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases in Xenopus laevis ovary

A cGMP-stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase present in cytosol of Xenopus laevis ovary has been purified and characterized. A cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase which is not activated by either cGMP or calmodulin, has also been characterized. Brief exposure of intact oocytes to 10 micro M progesterone results in an increase in activity of the cAMP-specific enzyme. The cGMP-stimulated and the calmodulin-activated phosphodiesterases are not altered. Changes in cyclic nucleotide levels during progesterone-induced maturation of oocytes may be modulated by these isoenzymes.