Cold shock induces actin reorganization and polyspermy in sea urchin eggs.
The effect of low temperature on the cortical actin system and polyspermy in sea urchin eggs was studied. Eggs cold-shocked at 3 degrees C for 1 hour formed a cortical system of polymerized actin and were polyspermic when fertilized. These effects were completely reversible following a 7-20 minute recovery period at room temperature. The present data raises the possibility that actin, or components of the egg cytoskeleton, regulate sperm entry in sea urchin eggs.
Santella
L
L
Stazione Zoologica, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy.
Monroy
A
A
D000199:Actins / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D003080:Cold Temperature; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010063:Ovum / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012617:Sea Urchins; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology; D013696:Temperature; D015053:Zygote / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D000199:Actins