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The effect of dimethylsulphoxide on the microtubular system of the mouse oocyte
1Department of Anatomy, Cambridge, UK.
Abstract:
The effect of dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) on the organization of the microtubular system of the mouse oocyte has been examined. Exposure to DMSO causes the immediate appearance of multiple, cold-resistant microtubular asters associated with the foci of pericentriolar material (PCM) normally present in the oocyte. More prolonged exposure to DMSO leads to progressive disassembly of the spindle, and as a result dispersal of the chromosomes and polar PCM foci occurs, and tubulin polymerization becomes confined to PCM-organized asters. Those astral microtubules located between the PCM foci and the cortex of the oocyte appear to be particularly stable, resulting in the development of lengthening radial bundles of microtubules between the PCM and the surface and the progressive movement of the PCM foci towards the centre of the cell. In contrast, after activation of the oocyte the microtubules generated in the presence of DMSO remain located in a cortical mesh. The effects of DMSO do not appear to be fully reversible in most oocytes. We discuss the implications of these results both for the cytoplasmic organization of the oocyte and zygote, and for the attempts at cryopreservation of human oocytes for therapeutic use in infertility programmes.
Insights
Dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) disrupts mouse oocyte microtubule organization, forming stable asters and altering spindle dynamics. These effects are largely irreversible, impacting cytoplasmic organization and cryopreservation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Microtubules are crucial for cell division and organization in oocytes.
- Dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) is a cryoprotective agent with known cellular effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of DMSO on the microtubular system of mouse oocytes.
- To understand DMSO's effects on spindle dynamics and chromosome behavior.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of mouse oocytes to DMSO.
- Microscopic examination of microtubule organization and spindle structure.
- Analysis of chromosome and pericentriolar material (PCM) foci distribution.
Main Results:
- DMSO induces rapid formation of cold-resistant microtubular asters.
- Prolonged DMSO exposure causes spindle disassembly, chromosome dispersal, and tubulin polymerization into asters.
- Stable astral microtubules form radial bundles, and PCM foci migrate centrally.
- Post-activation, DMSO-induced microtubules form a cortical mesh, and effects are often irreversible.
Conclusions:
- DMSO significantly reorganizes the oocyte microtubular system.
- DMSO's effects have implications for understanding oocyte cytoplasmic organization.
- The observed DMSO-induced changes may affect the success of human oocyte cryopreservation for infertility treatments.