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Weak bases inhibit cleavage and embryogenesis in amphibians and echinoderms
Cell Differentiation
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Weak bases like ammonium and procaine disrupt early embryonic development across multiple species by affecting gastrulation and cell division. These effects suggest a mechanism involving increased intracellular pH.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cell biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Early embryonic development is a critical process susceptible to environmental factors.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate embryonic development is crucial for developmental biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of weak bases on early embryonic development in various species.
- To elucidate the potential role of intracellular pH in mediating these effects.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of early embryos (Xenopus laevis, Pleurodeles watlii, Paracentrotus lividus, Sphaerechinus granularis, Asterias rubens) to weak bases (NH4+, procaine) at specific pH levels.
- Observation and documentation of developmental processes, including gastrulation and cell division.
- Analysis of dose-dependent effects and pH-dependent responses.
Main Results:
- Submillimolar concentrations of weak bases disrupted gastrulation in all studied species.
- Higher concentrations inhibited early cell division, with notable furrow regression in Xenopus.
- Developmental disruption was pH-dependent, with reduced effects at lower extracellular pH.
- Ammonium ions counteracted acidity-induced developmental disruption in sea urchins.
Conclusions:
- Weak bases disrupt early embryonic development by likely increasing intracellular pH.
- While intracellular pH elevation is implicated, a direct intracellular action of weak bases cannot be excluded.
- These findings provide insights into pH regulation during early development and potential chemical disruptors.