ISSN:
0148-7280
Keywords:
zona pellucida
;
cumulus cells
;
calcium
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Cumulus cell processes remaining in the zona pellucida of mouse occytes mechanically isolated from the ovary have been indirectly visualized by labeling their actin microfilament core with rhodaminyl-phalloidin. If the isolation of the oocytes is performed in Ca2+-free medium, the preisence of such processes allows the entry into the cell of low molecular weight molecules (such as 5-6 carboxyfluorescein) and contributes to the death of the cell in such experimental conditions.Following dissolution of the zona pellucida (by enzymatic or acidic treatment) the oocyte is no longer permeable to small molecules and becomes resistant to Ca2+-free medium, probably as a consequence of the collapse of cumulus cell processes. The role of cumulus cell processes and gap junctions in the permeability of mechanically isolated ovarian oocytes is discussed.
Additional Material:
3 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mrd.1120230302
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