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Fig. 5 | Zoological Letters

Fig. 5

From: Cellular and molecular aspects of oocyte maturation and fertilization: a perspective from the actin cytoskeleton

Fig. 5

F-actin staining in living A. aranciacus oocytes at different maturation stages and calcium responses upon insemination. a Confocal image of the F-actin in an immature oocyte (GV-stage). A network of actin filaments is visible in the cytoplasm of oocytes not treated with 1-MA. b Reorganization of F-actin following 1-MA stimulation: The cytoplasmic F-actin network seen in a is no longer visible. At this stage of maturation (70 min of hormonal treatment) the actin fibers are perpendicular to the egg surface. c Alteration of the cortical actin in an overripe egg (1-MA treatment for 6 h) as evidenced by the irregular layer of the cortical F-actin as compared to that in b. Note the absence of the actin fibres perpendicularly oriented at the egg surface. a’ Ca2+ response of an immature polyspermic oocyte upon insemination. Two Ca2+ waves (arrowheads) that converge to the centre of the oocyte precede the release of Ca2+ in the oocyte cortex (CF, arrow). b’ Egg treated with 1-MA for 70 min experience a normal Ca2+ response with a CF (arrow) which precedes the single Ca2+ wave. c′ Two Ca2+ waves (arrowheads) as a result of polyspermic fertilization in overripe eggs inseminated 6 h after hormonal treatment

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