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Interactions between sperm and sea urchin egg jelly.
Developmental Biology
|July 1, 1983
Summary
Egg jelly triggers significant sea urchin sperm changes, including altered pH and reduced respiration. Some effects occur even when the acrosome reaction is blocked, suggesting early or independent pathways.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Reproductive Physiology
- Sperm Biology
Background:
- Sea urchin sperm undergo rapid physiological changes upon encountering egg jelly.
- The acrosome reaction is a key event in sea urchin fertilization, involving significant sperm alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the detailed effects of egg jelly on sea urchin sperm physiology.
- To determine which sperm responses to egg jelly are independent of the acrosome reaction.
Main Methods:
- Studied sea urchin sperm response to egg jelly under conditions inhibiting the acrosome reaction.
- Examined sperm physiology, including internal pH, mitochondrial coupling, respiration, and ATP levels.
- Investigated the role of calcium in jelly-induced sperm changes.
Main Results:
- Egg jelly induces alkalinization, mitochondrial changes, and decreased respiration, but these are altered when the acrosome reaction is inhibited.
- Sperm alkalinization occurs even without calcium, but other rapid changes are absent.
- Some conditions prolong sperm viability, while others do not.
Conclusions:
- Egg jelly can alter sperm physiology independently of or prior to the acrosome reaction.
- Internal pH changes, respiration uncoupling, and ATP decrease may be linked to calcium influx post-acrosome reaction.