Related Experiment Videos
Phagocytosis of yeast by human oocytes: fine structural observations
J K Koehler1, W D Smith, S Ravnik
1Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle 98195.
Abstract:
Fine-structure observations have been made on the interaction between invasive yeast cells and human oocytes. The yeast appear to make their way through the zona pellucida and once in the perivitelline space are incorporated into phagocytic vacuoles by surface activity of the oocyte. The yeast attach to the vitelline membrane via fuzzy surface material on the cell wall, and incorporation appears to be aided by oocyte microvillar activity. Coated pits in the oocyte plasma membrane are incorporated into the phagosomes, but no lysosomal activity is seen, and neither oocytes nor yeast cells appear to undergo degeneration in the time frame investigated.
Insights
Invasive yeast cells penetrate human oocytes and are engulfed via phagocytosis. Oocyte microvillar activity aids yeast incorporation without apparent cell damage.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Invasive yeast infections can affect reproductive health.
- Understanding the interaction between yeast and oocytes is crucial for reproductive medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fine-structure details of invasive yeast cell interaction with human oocytes.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of yeast entry and incorporation into oocytes.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy was used for fine-structure observations.
- Detailed imaging of yeast cells and human oocytes during interaction.
Main Results:
- Yeast cells successfully traversed the zona pellucida.
- Oocyte surface activity and microvillar action facilitated yeast incorporation into phagocytic vacuoles.
- Yeast attached to the vitelline membrane via cell wall material.
- Coated pits were involved in phagosome formation.
- No lysosomal activity or degeneration of oocytes or yeast was observed within the study period.
Conclusions:
- Human oocytes can phagocytose invasive yeast cells.
- The process involves specific oocyte surface activities and microvillar engagement.
- Oocytes and yeast exhibit resilience during this interaction, suggesting a non-destructive engulfment mechanism.