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Calcium-induced dehiscence of cortical granules in Xenopus laevis oocytes

T G Hollinger, J N Dumont, R A Wallace

    The Journal of Experimental Zoology
    |October 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Calcium ions (Ca++) trigger cortical granule breakdown in Xenopus laevis oocytes. This calcium-induced effect occurs in both growing and mature oocytes, unlike other tested ions.

    Area of Science:

    • Cell Biology
    • Developmental Biology
    • Reproductive Biology

    Background:

    • Cortical granules are essential for the cortical reaction in oocytes.
    • Understanding the triggers for cortical granule exocytosis is crucial for reproductive biology.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the role of calcium ions (Ca++) in cortical granule breakdown in Xenopus laevis oocytes.
    • To determine if other ions affect cortical granule integrity.

    Main Methods:

    • Microinjection of various ions (Ca++, Mg++, K+, Na+) into Xenopus laevis oocytes.
    • Observation of cortical granule changes in different oocyte stages (IV and VI).

    Main Results:

    • Microinjection of Ca++ (0.1 microgram) induced cortical granule breakdown in both Stage IV and Stage VI oocytes.
    • Mg++, K+, or Na+ microinjection did not affect cortical granules.
    • Lower Ca++ concentrations (0.03 microgram) caused localized dehiscence near the injection site.

    Conclusions:

    • Calcium ions are a key trigger for cortical granule exocytosis in Xenopus laevis oocytes.
    • The effect of calcium is dose-dependent and can be localized.
    • Other divalent and monovalent cations do not appear to play a similar role in this process.

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