title: Calcium-induced dehiscence of cortical granules in Xenopus laevis oocytes.
abstract: Microinjection of 0.1 microgram of Ca++ into Xenopus laevis oocytes induces breakdown of the cortical granules. The cortical granules disappeared in both full grown (Stage VI) and small growing (Stage IV) oocytes. Microinjection of Mg++, K+, or Na+ had no effect on cortical granules in either Stage IV or Stage VI oocytes. Small quantities (0.03 microgram) of Ca++ induced dehiscence of the cortical granules only in proximity to the injection site.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D008845:Microinjections; D009865:Oocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009866:Oogenesis; D010063:Ovum / Q000187:drug effects*; D014981:Xenopus
chemical_list: D002118:Calcium