title: Cold shock induces actin reorganization and polyspermy in sea urchin eggs.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Stazione Zoologica, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Santella
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Monroy
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D000199:Actins