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Sperm-activated currents in ascidian oocytes.

L J DeFelice, M J Kell

Developmental Biology

|January 1, 1987

Summary

Fertilization currents in ascidian oocytes are inward at negative potentials and outward at positive potentials. A single sperm opens approximately 300 large-conductance channels during fertilization.

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Area of Science:

* Reproductive Biology
* Cellular Electrophysiology

Background:

* Understanding the ionic mechanisms of fertilization is crucial for reproductive biology.
* Ascidian oocytes serve as a model system for studying early fertilization events.

Purpose of the Study:

* To investigate the characteristics of fertilization currents in ascidian oocytes.
* To determine the ionic basis and channel activity during fertilization.

Main Methods:

* Whole-cell recording and patch-clamp techniques were employed.
* Voltage clamp was used to study ascidian oocytes during fertilization.

Main Results:

* Inward fertilization currents were observed between -85 and 0 mV, with peak currents of 50–600 pA.
* Positive potentials (>0 mV) initially inhibited currents, but outward currents occurred upon return to resting potential.
* Fertilization involved the opening of approximately 300 large-conductance channels with zero reversal potential.

Conclusions:

* Fertilization currents in ascidian oocytes exhibit voltage-dependent properties.
* A significant number of large-conductance channels are activated by a single fertilizing sperm.

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