Meiotic resumption and intracellular cAMP levels in mouse oocytes treated with compounds which act on cAMP metabolism

Increase of cAMP upon release from prophase arrest in surf clam oocytes

Surf clam (Spisula solidissima) oocytes are spawned at the prophase I stage of meiosis, and they remain arrested at this stage until fertilization. Full oocyte meiosis reinitiation, first evidenced by germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), may be induced by artificial activators mimicking sperm, such as high K+ or serotonin. Previous reports indicated that treatments thought to increase the level of oocyte cAMP inhibited sperm- or serotonin-induced, but not KCl-induced, GVBD in clam oocytes. These observations extend the well known requirement for a drop in occyte cAMP levels in mammalian, amphibian or starfish oocytes and support the view that such a drop is universally important throughout the animal kingdom. We have re-examined the cAMP dependency of GVBD in clam oocytes and found that various treatments that raise oocyte cAMP levels did not, surprisingly, affect either KCl- or serotonin-induced GVBD. Such treatments, however, inhibited GVBD upon insemination of the oocytes, but this was due to the failure of sperm to fuse/penetrate the oocytes; thus, it was not an inhibition of oocyte activation as such. Direct measurements of oocyte cAMP levels after activation by serotonin, KCl or sperm showed that, contrary to expectations, there is a rise in cAMP levels before GVBD. Using SQ22536, an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, the increase in oocyte cAMP level was partly prevented and GVBD proceeded, but with a significant retardation, indicating that the normal cAMP rise facilitates GVBD. Our work sheds light on the diversity of upstream pathways leading to activation of MPF and provides a unique model whereby the onset of meiosis reinitiation is associated with an increase, not a decrease, in oocyte cAMP levels.

Role of phosphodiesterase type 3A in rat oocyte maturation

It is generally accepted that cyclic nucleotides are key signaling molecules in the control of oocyte meiotic resumption. Given the role of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in cyclic nucleotide degradation, this study was undertaken to investigate the properties and regulation of PDEs expressed in rat oocytes. Cilostamide-sensitive PDE3 was the major activity detected in denuded oocytes, whereas no PDE3 activity could be detected in cumulus cells. Moreover, comparable levels of PDE3 activity were measured in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and in denuded oocytes. The oocyte PDE was recovered in the soluble fraction of the homogenate and immunoprecipitated with a specific PDE3A antibody. A significant and transient increase (P < 0.05) in PDE3 activity was measured in the oocytes after 30 min of culture (70 min after isolation) compared with immediately after collection (10 min after isolation). Conversely, no changes in activity were observed when denuded oocytes or cumulus cells were incubated for up to 130 min. Evaluation of oocyte maturation indicated that only 10% of oocytes had resumed meiosis at the peak of the PDE3 activity. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in PDE3 activity was measured in COCs when follicle-enclosed oocytes were cultured in the presence of hCG. Again, this increase preceded oocyte maturation. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that PDE3A is the major PDE form expressed in mammalian oocytes. PDE3A activity increases prior to resumption of meiosis in both spontaneous and gonadotropin-stimulated maturation. These findings strongly support the hypothesis that an increase in oocyte PDE3A activity is one of the intraoocyte mechanisms controlling resumption of meiosis in rat oocytes, at least in vitro.

Cloning and characterization of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-inhibited phosphodiesterase PDE3A expressed in mouse oocyte

In the preovulatory follicle, oocyte meiotic resumption occurs soon after the LH surge and is associated with a decrease in cAMP. Inhibition of cAMP degradation blocks germinal vesicle breakdown as well as activation of meiotic promoting factor, both hallmarks of reentry into the cell cycle. In situ and pharmacological analysis of rodent ovaries suggested the presence of a phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) in the germ cell but not the somatic cell compartment. Here we have investigated the structure and properties of the PDE form expressed in mouse oocytes. Polymerase chain reactions using a mouse oocyte cDNA library as a template, and primers based on the conserved sequence of rat and human PDE3As, yielded partial fragments corresponding to mouse PDE3A. Further screening of the mouse oocyte cDNA library and subsequent ligation of individual cDNA clones yielded PDE3A cDNA containing the entire coding region of mouse PDE3A. To determine the kinetic properties of this PDE, the cDNAs encoding the full-length PDE3A and NH(2)-truncation forms Delta 1 (Delta346aa) and Delta 2 (Delta608aa) were expressed in mouse Leydig tumor cells. Whereas the full-length recombinant protein was always found in the particulate fraction, the Delta 1 and Delta 2 truncated PDE3As were recovered mostly in the soluble fraction. The Michaelis constant values for hydrolysis of cAMP of PDE3A Delta 1 and PDE3A Delta 2 were similar to those of intact full-length PDE3A or oocyte PDE (0.2-0.5 microM). More importantly, there was good correlation between the rank of potency of selective and nonselective compounds in inhibiting recombinant PDE3A or PDE activity derived from cumulus-oocyte complexes and in blocking resumption of meiosis. These data provide evidence that the PDE expressed in the oocyte is a soluble form of PDE3A and that activity of this enzyme is involved in the control of resumption of meiosis.

5-HT causes an increase in cAMP that stimulates, rather than inhibits, oocyte maturation in marine nemertean worms

In the nemertean worms Cerebratulus lacteus and Micrura alaskensis, 5-HT (=5-hydroxytryptamine, or serotonin) causes prophase-arrested oocytes to mature and complete germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). To identify the intracellular pathway that mediates 5-HT stimulation, follicle-free oocytes of nemerteans were assessed for GVBD rates in the presence or absence of 5-HT after being treated with various modulators of cAMP, a well known transducer of 5-HT signaling and an important regulator of hormone-induced maturation in general. Unlike in many animals where high levels of intra-oocytic cAMP block maturation, treatment of follicle-free nemertean oocytes with agents that elevate cAMP (8-bromo-cAMP, forskolin or inhibitors of phosphodiesterases) triggered GVBD in the absence of added 5-HT. Similarly, 5-HT caused a substantial cAMP increase prior to GVBD in nemertean oocytes that had been pre-injected with a cAMP fluorosensor. Such a rise in cAMP seemed to involve G-protein-mediated signaling and protein kinase A (PKA) stimulation, based on the inhibition of 5-HT-induced GVBD by specific antagonists of these transduction steps. Although the downstream targets of activated PKA remain unknown, neither the synthesis of new proteins nor the activation of MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) appeared to be required for GVBD after 5-HT stimulation. Alternatively, pre-incubation in roscovitine, an inhibitor of maturation-promoting factor (MPF), prevented GVBD, indicating that maturing oocytes eventually need to elevate their MPF levels, as has been documented for other animals. Collectively, this study demonstrates for the first time that 5-HT can cause immature oocytes to undergo an increase in cAMP that stimulates, rather than inhibits, meiotic maturation. The possible relationship between such a form of oocyte maturation and that observed in other animals is discussed.

Meiosis-activating sterol-mediated resumption of meiosis in mouse oocytes in vitro is influenced by protein synthesis inhibition and cholera toxin

To explore the possible signaling pathways of meiosis-activating sterol (MAS)-induced oocyte maturation and to elucidate whether the MAS pathway involves transcription or translation, arrested immature mouse oocytes were cultured with either the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide or the heteronuclear RNA inhibitors alpha-amanitin or actinomycin D, respectively. Moreover, the possible involvement of a G protein-coupled receptor mechanism in MAS-mediated oocyte maturation was explored by influencing oocyte maturation with cholera toxin (CT). MAS-induced oocyte maturation was completely blocked by the addition of 50 microg/ml cycloheximide 4 h before the addition of MAS. Simultaneous addition of MAS and the protein synthesis inhibitor also significantly reduced the meiotic resumption compared to that in MAS-treated controls. In contrast, neither of the treatment regimens to inhibit transcription of DNA to RNA was observed to have any effect on the MAS-induced resumption of meiosis. CT was observed to inhibit MAS-induced, but not spontaneous, oocyte maturation in vitro, suggesting a putative involvement of G protein-coupled receptor mechanism in the MAS mode of action. In conclusion, protein synthesis was found to be an essential requirement for maintaining the oocytes' responsiveness to MAS-induced resumption of meiosis, in contrast to transcription.

Role of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases in resumption of meiosis

In the follicles of the mammalian and amphibian ovary, oocyte maturation is arrested at the prophase of the first meiotic division. Prior to ovulation, oocytes reenter the cell cycle, complete the meiotic division, and extrude the first polar body. Work from several laboratories including ours has provided evidence that the cAMP-mediated signal transduction pathway plays an important role in regulation of meiosis, the cyclic nucleotide acting as a negative regulator of maturation. Since cAMP can be regulated both at the level of synthesis and degradation, our laboratory is investigating the role of phosphodiesterases (PDE) in the control of cAMP levels of oocytes. Using pharmacological and molecular tools, we have determined that a PDE3 is the enzyme involved in the control of cAMP levels in the oocytes. In vitro and in vivo studies have established that inhibition of the oocyte PDE3 blocks resumption of a PDE is per se sufficient to cause resumption of meiosis in an amphibian oocyte model. The pathways regulating this PDE isoform expressed in the oocyte is under investigation, as they may uncover the physiological signals controlling meiosis.

Phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitors suppress oocyte maturation and consequent pregnancy without affecting ovulation and cyclicity in rodents

During each reproductive cycle, a preovulatory surge of gonadotropins induces meiotic maturation of the oocyte in the preovulatory follicle followed by ovulation. Although gonadotropins stimulate cAMP production in somatic cells of the follicle, a decrease in intra-oocyte cAMP levels is required for resumption of meiosis in oocytes. Based on the observed compartmentalization of the cAMP-degrading enzyme, phosphodiesterase, in follicular somatic and germ cells, inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 3 were used to block meiosis in ovulating oocytes in rodents. By this strategy, we demonstrated that fertilization and pregnancy could be prevented without disturbing follicle rupture and normal estrous cyclicity. In contrast to conventional contraceptive pills that disrupt ovarian steroidogenesis and reproductive cycles, the present strategy achieves effective contraception by selective blockage of oocyte maturation and development without alterations in ovulation and reproductive cyclicity.

Cumulus cells secrete a meiosis-inducing substance by stimulation with forskolin and dibutyric cyclic adenosine monophosphate

The role of the cumulus cells in initiating the resumption of meiosis after exposure to forskolin and dbcAMP was studied in the mouse. The resumption of meiosis was monitored by the percentage of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and polar body formation (PB). The cumulus-enclosed oocytes (CEO) and denuded oocytes (DO) were cultured with and without hypoxanthine (HX) in the culture medium. Three types of experiments were performed: (1) Effect of forskolin on spontaneous resumption of meiosis, i.e. cultures without HX, and two experiments in which HX is present throughout the culture: (2) Effect of transient exposure to forskolin or dibutyric-cyclic adenosinemonophosphate (dbcAMP) on GVBD prior to continued culture without forskolin or dbcAMP (oocyte priming). (3) Priming of CEO with forskolin for 2 hr, separation of cumulus cells and oocytes, followed by coculture of rejoined cumulus cells and oocytes, or coculture of the cumulus cells and new, unprimed DO. (1) Forskolin inhibited a spontaneous resumption of meiosis in a dose-dependent manner during the first 5 hr of culturing. After 22 hr all controls and CEO resumed meiosis, whereas only half of the DO did. (2) At least 1 hr of priming the CEO with forskolin is needed to induce GVBD and PB formation, but forskolin inhibited the resumption of meiosis when present for 24 hr. Similar results were obtained with a high concentration of dbcAMP. (3) A separation and rejoining of oocytes and cumulus cells after priming induced the resumption of meiosis in a significantly greater number of oocytes than in the control oocytes which were not primed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Luteinizing hormone: its role, mechanism of action, and detrimental effects when hypersecreted during the follicular phase

OBJECTIVE

To review studies that have examined the role of LH, its mechanism of action, and its detrimental effects when hypersecreted during the follicular phase.

DESIGN

Important published studies related to this topic were identified through a computerized bibliographic search.

PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS

Review of the need for LH during the follicular phase is based on animal models and women with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The association of hypersecretion of LH during the follicular phase with low rates of fertilization and high rates of pregnancy loss is based on clinical studies conducted in patients treated by IVF and ET and by induction of ovulation. The possible mechanism by which the effects occur is based on in vitro studies.

RESULTS

The results of the studies cited in this review are consistent with the two-cell two-gonadotropin hypothesis implying that synergistic action of both FSH and LH is required for appropriate steroidogenesis. It also seems that, whatever the underlying mechanism, a raised serum LH concentration during the follicular phase confers a substantial risk of infertility and early pregnancy loss.

CONCLUSION

By reviewing the literature it appears that LH exhibits an important role in the development of the growing follicle and maturation of the oocyte. It also seems that hypersecretion of LH during the follicular phase implies adverse effects on the fertility process. To further test this hypothesis, we now need systemic assessment of the methods of therapy used for treating patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, in relation to LH secretion and outcome of pregnancy.

Modulation of meiotic arrest in mouse oocytes by guanyl nucleotides and modifiers of G-proteins

Guanyl nucleotide binding-proteins, or G-proteins, are ubiquitous molecules that are involved in cellular signal transduction mechanisms. Because a role has been established for cAMP in meiosis and G-proteins participate in cAMP-generating systems by stimulating or inhibiting adenylate cyclase, the present study was conducted to examine the possible involvement of G-proteins in the resumption of meiotic maturation. Cumulus cell-free mouse oocytes (denuded oocytes) were maintained in meiotic arrest in a transient and dose-dependent manner when microinjected with the nonhydrolyzable GTP analog, GTP gamma S. This effect was specific for GTP gamma S, because GppNHp, GTP, and ATP gamma S were without effect. Three compounds, known to interact with G-proteins, were tested for their ability to modulate meiotic maturation: pertussis toxin, cholera toxin, and aluminum fluoride (AlF4-). Pertussis toxin had little effect on maturation in either cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes or denuded oocytes when meiotic arrest was maintained with dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) or hypoxanthine. Cholera toxin stimulated germinal vesicle breakdown (GVB) in cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes during long-term culture, but its action was inhibitory in denuded oocytes. AlF4- stimulated GVB in both cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes and denuded oocytes when meiotic arrest was maintained with hypoxanthine but was much less effective in dbcAMP-arrested oocytes. In addition, AlF4- abrogated the inhibitory action of cholera toxin in denuded oocytes and also that of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes. Cholera toxin or FSH alone each stimulated the synthesis of cAMP in oocyte-cumulus cell complexes, whereas pertussis toxin or AlF4- alone were without effect. Both cholera toxin and AlF4- augmented the stimulatory action of FSH on cAMP. These data suggest the involvement of guanyl nucleotides and G-proteins in the regulation of GVB, although different G-proteins and mediators may be involved at the oocyte and cumulus cell levels. Cholera toxin most likely acts by ADP ribosylation of the alpha subunit of Gs and increased generation of cAMP, whereas AlF4- appears to act by antagonizing a cAMP-dependent step.

Role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in vitro on bovine oocyte maturation

This experiment attempted to determine the effect of cAMP on maturation of bovine oocytes in chemically-defined, serum-free medium. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were incubated in modified DME/Ham F-12 medium containing dbcAMP at 0 (control), 10(-6), 10(-4) and 10(-2) M. After 18 and 24 hours of culture, the percentage of oocyte maturation between 0 (control) and 10(-2) M dbcAMP-treated groups were significant. Some oocytes were cultured with dbcAMP (10(-2) M) for 6, 12 and 24 hours followed by incubation in control medium to test the reversibility of inhibition or of any harmful effect of dbcAMP. The inhibitory effect of 10(-2) M dbcAMP on bovine oocyte maturation was reversed by transferring cumulus-oocyte complexes to the control medium. In addition, forskolin (0.12 and 0.24 mM) was effective (P < 0.01) in preventing the resumption of meiosis. The cAMP content of oocytes cultured with forskolin was not increased, although cumulus cells responded to forskolin with an increase in cAMP content. These results indicate that elevated levels of cAMP in the culture medium are important in regulating resumption of meiosis of bovine oocytes in vitro.

Effects of follicle stimulating hormone and purines on rat oocyte maturation

The presented data demonstrate a dose-dependent inhibition of spontaneous meiosis of cumulus-enclosed rat oocytes by guanosine, hypoxanthine, and adenosine. The inhibition by adenosine was transient whereas guanosine and hypoxanthine exerted a persistent effect over 24 h of incubation. The order of potency of the substances was guanosine greater than hypoxanthine greater than adenosine and the inhibition was reversible. The inhibitory effect was reduced when the cumulus cells around the oocyte were removed. The inhibition during the first 12 h of incubation was potentiated by FSH. However, at 24 h of incubation FSH partially overcame the inhibitory effect by hypoxanthine but did not influence the inhibitory effect by guanosine. Also 8BrcAMP potentiated the inhibitory effect observed by guanosine, hypoxanthine, and adenosine, suggesting that the potentiating effect of FSH was mediated via cAMP. Our data demonstrate that adenosine, hypoxanthine, and guanosine synergized with FSH in inhibiting spontaneous rat meiosis, as previously shown in mouse. FSH could partially overcome the inhibitory effect exerted by hypoxanthine but did not counteract the inhibitory effect of guanosine.

Structure of the cumulus oophorus at the time of fertilization

Ultrastructural and morphometric techniques were employed to examine the ovulated cumulus oophorus of hamsters and rats. Observations on cumuli prepared in a variety of ways including different chemical fixation techniques and cryofixation freeze substitution were compared. It was concluded that the cumulus mucus is not arranged in lamellae or granules as has previously been suggested but is composed of molecules which form very fine filaments when properly fixed. Morphometric analysis of cumuli fixed either in situ or after being explanted into medium revealed that the distance between neighboring cumulus cells was greater with increasing distance from the oocyte. Morphometry revealed that, when placed into medium, the cumulus expands possibly due to hydration. Thus physiological experiments carried out on cumuli should be performed very shortly after cumuli are isolated. From their ultrastructure cumulus cells appear to be actively involved in protein synthesis and secretion as well as steroid production.

Resumption of rat oocyte meiosis is paralleled by a decrease in guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) and is inhibited by microinjection of cGMP

The aim of the present study was to measure the level of cyclic GMP (cGMP) compared with the level of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in rat oocytes during resumption of meiosis I (oocyte maturation) and to microinject these cyclic nucleotides into the oocyte to study their effects on oocyte maturation. Immature oocytes were obtained from prepubertal rats primed with pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin. OOcytes were isolated adn short-term cultured under conditions enabling spontaneous maturation. The levels of cGMP and cAMP decreased in the oocyte during spontaneous maturation (from 0.41 to 0.25 and from 0.64 to 0.42 fmol per oocyte respectively). The decrease was observed during the first hour of culture, and no further decline was seen after 2 h. Microinjection of cGMP or cAMP into isolated immature oocytes delayed the spontaneous maturation, cGMP being slightly more effective than cAMP, whereas 2-deoxy-cAMP (which does not stimulate protein kinase A) did not. These results demonstrate for the first time that the level of cGMP decreases in the oocyte parallel to spontaneous meiosis, as already shown for cAMP. This suggests that cGMP, as well as cAMP, may be of importance for regulating this process. This assumption is further supported by data demonstrating a delay in the maturation of oocytes injected with cGMP.

Temporary inhibition of meiosis resumption in vitro by adenylate cyclase stimulation in immature bovine oocytes

This experiment was designed to analyze the effect of adenylate cyclase stimulation on cumulus-enclosed immature oocytes. More than 1400 selected (complete and unexpanded cumulus) oocytes from follicles 1 to 5 mm in diameter were recovered from ovaries obtained at slaughter and cultured for 24 h in TCM-199+10% fetal calf serum (FCS), with or without the adenylate cyclase stimulator, and in the presence or absence of bovine follicular fluid (BFF, 50%), or in complete BFF. In a second set of experiments, oocytes treated for 24 h were further cultured for a second 24 h with TCM-FCS alone. Oocytes were classified as germinal vesicle (G); intermediate (I; up to Metaphase I); matured (M; Anaphase I to Metaphase II); or degenerated (D), and cumulus expansion was evaluated. Products used were sodium fluoride (NaF), isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), adenosine (ADE) and forskolin (FK), all known to stimulate accumulation of cAMP in cells without the involvement of a hormone receptor except for adenosine, which acts as a substrate or as an agonist. The results indicate that NaF (0.01 M), IBMX (0.2 mM), FK (0.1 mM) and complete BFF can significantly reduce the proportion of oocytes reaching the mature state. Combination of NaF or FK to BFF (50%) are also effective at the significant level. Cumulus expansion was always limited when meiotic progress was affected or when adenosine was present in the culture media. When oocytes were cultured for a second 24 h in the control media, only NaF had a significant residual effect, but many oocytes were showing degenerative changes after the second incubation period. This method provides a new means to block oocyte nuclear maturation.

Preendocytotic alterations in cumulus cell gap junctions precede meiotic resumption in the rat cumulus-oocyte complex

Cumulus cells in the mammalian ovary are normally connected to each other and to their enclosed oocyte by an extensive network of gap junctions (GJs). We have shown that the loss of cumulus cell GJs is correlated temporally with meiotic resumption in the intact preovulatory rat follicle (Larsen et al., 1986). Here we describe morphological changes in GJ particle packing patterns (PPPs) that occur prior to GJ loss and meiotic resumption in hormonally stimulated rat cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). In the PMSG-primed rat, 89% of the cumulus cell GJ area detected by freeze-fracture electron microscopy consists of tightly packed junctional particles: 4% exhibit loose PPPs of randomly dispersed particles; and 7% contain a mixture of both tight and loose PPPs. One to 2 hr after stimulation with hCG, the area of GJs containing tight PPPs drops by 50%-60%, while junctions exhibiting loosely organized and mixed patterns increase concomitantly. These shifts in PPPs are accompanied by the appearance of unusual particle-free areas of puckered or ruffled nonjunctional membrane at the GJ periphery. Cumulus cell GJs from isolated COCs incubated in FSH-containing medium demonstrate a similar shift in PPPs prior to meiotic resumption. The appearance of fusing areas of particle-free nonjunctional membrane at the GJ periphery in vitro is correlated with GJ loss and is not seen in COCs treated with dihydrocytochalasin B to inhibit endocytotic removal of cumulus GJs. The structural and temporal nature of these morphological observations supports the hypothesis that interruption of junctional communication plays a role in meiotic maturation of the preovulatory oocyte.

Involvement of microtubules and microfilaments in the control of the nuclear movement during maturation of mouse oocyte

We confirm that the centrifugal migration of the chromosomes in maturing mouse oocytes depends on a microfilament-mediated process. We investigated the role of the cytoskeleton in the germinal vesicle (GV) behavior of oocytes prevented from resuming meiosis by either activators of protein kinase A or activators of protein kinase C. A time-lapse microcinematography study demonstrates that GV immobilization by isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) is overcome by colcemid (COL), nocodazole (NOC), and taxol and that cytochalasin D (CCD) reversibly immobilizes the GV of oocytes treated with either IBMX + COL (or NOC) or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), an activator of protein kinase C, known to allow a programmed GV cortical translocation. An immunofluorescence analysis shows that the disorganization of a perinuclear microtubule network is the very first cytological clue of maturation. IBMX promotes its persistence while NOC, COL, and taxol induce its immediate disappearance. It is concluded that elements of the cytoplasmic microtubular complex (CMTC) are passively involved in the control of the setting up of a "centrifugal displacement property" (CDP) by counteracting a motive force provided by the microfilament cytoskeleton. Finally, TPA induces a clearcut reorganization instead of a total disorganization of the CMTC. This reorganization is, however, sufficient to allow the microfilaments to drive the GV displacement.

Starfish oocyte maturation: evidence for a cyclic AMP-dependent inhibitory pathway

Oocyte maturation (meiosis reinitiation) in starfish is induced by the natural hormone 1-methyladenine (1-MeAde). Cyclic AMP seems to play a negative role in maturation since 1-MeAde triggers a decrease of the oocyte cAMP concentration and since intracellular microinjections of cAMP delay or inhibit maturation. Cyclic GMP is also inhibitory but other nucleotides such as cCMP, cIMP, and cUMP are inactive. The involvement of cAMP and cGMP in the control of oocyte maturation has been further investigated by the use of the stereoisomers of the phosphodiesterase-stable adenosine and guanosine 3',5'-phosphorothioates (cAMPS and cGMPS). The Sp isomers of cAMPS and cGMPS respectively activate cAMP-dependent protein kinase and cGMP-dependent kinase, while the Rp isomers inhibit the kinases. Extracellular addition of these cAMPS and cGMPS isomers has no effect on the oocytes. Intracellular microinjection of the kinase-activating (Sp)-cAMPS and (Sp)-cGMPS delays or inhibits 1-MeAde-induced maturation in a concentration-dependent manner (I50, 30 and 300 microM, respectively). Microinjections of (Rp)-cAMPS and (Rp)-cGMPS have no inhibitory effects and neither trigger nor facilitate maturation. Using various analogs, we found that the delaying or inhibiting effect is restricted to the compounds activating cAMP-dependent kinase, while the compounds inactive on or inhibiting the kinase have no effects on maturation. The inhibitory effect of (Sp)-cAMPS can be reversed by comicroinjection of the heat-stable inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, by comicroinjection of the antagonist (Rp)-cAMPS, or by an increase in the 1-MeAde concentration. The negative effects of (Sp)-cAMPS or (Sp)-cGMPS are observed only when these isomers are microinjected during the hormone-dependent period. These results suggest that a cAMP-dependent inhibitory pathway participates in the maintenance of the prophase arrest of oocytes and that 1-MeAde acts both by inhibiting this negative pathway (dis-inhibitory pathway) and by stimulating a parallel activatory pathway leading to oocyte maturation. The generality of this mechanism is discussed.

Meiotic resumption and gap junction modulation in the cultured rat cumulus-oocyte complex

Intercellular communication within the ovarian follicle has been implicated in the control of meiotic arrest and maturation in the mammalian oocyte. We have shown that a rapid down-regulation of cumulus cell gap junctions is correlated temporally with meiotic resumption in the intact rat follicle [Larsen et al., Dev Biol, 113:517-521]. Here this relationship has been analyzed further by incubating isolated rat cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) with agents known to influence germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) or that have been shown to modulate gap junction turnover in vitro. Quantitative freeze-fracture analysis revealed that cumulus cell gap junction membrane decreased significantly prior to the initiation of GVBD in COCs incubated in medium lacking serum or other additives. The addition of serum and follicle-stimulating hormone, an experimental condition that delayed GVBD, accelerated and augmented gap junction loss at both the cumulus cell and oocyte surface. The continuous elevation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels, which stimulates gap junction formation in other systems, maintained meiotic arrest but did not interfere with gap junction loss. Conversely, the complete inhibition of junctional loss by a microfilament destabilizing agent, dihydrocytochalasin B, did not alter the course of GVBD normally seen in its absence. Subsequent freeze-fracture analysis and dye coupling experiments confirmed that cumulus and oocyte gap junctions in these preparations were intact and functional during the period of meiotic resumption. These findings suggest that factors other than cumulus and oocyte gap junction turnover are required for the control of meiotic arrest and maturation in the isolated COC. However, these results do support our earlier suggestion that gap junction loss within the cumulus oophorus is instrumental in isolating the oocyte from the regulatory influence of its underlying membrana granulosa cells during meiotic maturation in the intact preovulatory follicle [Larsen et al., Dev Biol, 122:61-71].

Adenosine potentiates forskolin-induced delay of meiotic resumption by mouse denuded oocytes: evidence for an oocyte surface site of adenosine action

Adenosine is present in the mouse follicular fluid and has been shown to interfere with oocyte maturation in vitro. To clarify the mechanism of adenosine action on meiotic arrest, we have characterized the synergistic action of this purine with forskolin on the meiotic resumption of mouse denuded oocytes. Forskolin delays meiotic resumption by approximately 1 hour; adenosine at concentrations ranging between 30-750 microM has no significant effect. Conversely, adenosine treatment together with forskolin produces a further delay in the resumption of meiosis. This adenosine effect is dose-dependent and mimicked by adenosine analogs like N6-phenylisopropyl adenosine (PIA), 2-chloroadensoine (2-CLA), 5'-N-ethylcarboxamide (NECA). Dipyridamole, which inhibits adenosine transport, does not prevent the meiosis-arresting synergistic effect of adenosine with forskolin. Adenosine causes a 50% increase of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the oocyte. However, this increase is not directly responsible for the observed delay in oocyte maturation for the following reasons: (1) the dose response of inhibition of meiotic resumption does not correlate with the doses of adenosine producing an increase in ATP; (2) dipyridamole blocks the increase in intracellular ATP, but it has no effect on the adenosine inhibition of maturation; (3) adenosine analogs inhibit oocyte maturation but do not affect intracellular ATP levels. These results suggest that the synergism of adenosine with forskolin on meiotic arrest does not require uptake of the nucleoside nor its conversion to ATP and that the adenosine effects are exerted at the level of the oocyte plasma membrane.

Gonadotropin-induced murine oocyte maturation in vivo is not associated with decreased cyclic adenosine monophosphate in the oocyte-cumulus cell complex

The cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) content of intact oocyte-cumulus cell complexes at various times after the induction of oocyte maturation in mice in vivo was correlated with the time of commitment by the oocytes to undergo germinal vesicle breakdown (GVB) and metabolic coupling between the oocyte and cumulus cells. Seventy-nine percent of the oocytes either underwent GVB or were committed to do so by 2 h after injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This occurred without a decrease in the coupling between cumulus cells and the oocyte and with increasing cAMP levels in the oocyte-cumulus cell complex. Maintenance of threshold levels of cAMP within mammalian oocytes appears essential for the maintenance of meiotic arrest, but data presented here suggest that oocyte maturation in mice is induced by gonadotropins in nonatretic follicles in vivo by some mechanism other than one which decreases the cAMP content of the intact oocyte-cumulus cell complex.

Cytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes

The ultrastructural localization of adenylate cyclase was studied in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes. Adenylate cyclase was observed on the plasma membrane of the oocyte and occasionally on the plasma membrane of cumulus cells. The cytochemical observations presented demonstrate that there is more adenylate cyclase in cumulus-oocyte complexes after in vitro stimulation with forskolin. The presence of adenylate cyclase upon the oocyte was more pronounced. In addition adenylate cyclase appeared to be localized on the cumulus cells, especially between junctional complexes of cumulus cells and on cumulus cell processes contacting the oocyte. The cumulus cells never showed the presence of adenylate cyclase in the absence of forskolin. No changes in the presence of adenylate cyclase were observed during in vitro meiotic maturation.

Starfish oocyte maturation: 1-methyladenine triggers a drop of cAMP concentration related to the hormone-dependent period

Oocyte maturation (meiosis reinitiation) in starfish is induced by the natural hormone 1-methyladenine (1-MeAde). Oocytes of Evasterias troschelii contain 0.43 pmole cyclic AMP/mg protein and 0.47 pmole cyclic GMP/mg protein. Upon stimulation by 1-MeAde the oocytes undergo a moderate (10-30%) decrease in their cAMP concentration. The concentration of cGMP remains unaltered. Oocytes treated with forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, increase their cAMP concentration over 35-fold, up to 16 pmole cAMP/mg protein. When stimulated by 1-MeAde these forskolin-pretreated oocytes undergo a major (50-70%) decrease in their cAMP concentration. A similar decrease is triggered by mimetics of 1-MeAde, such as dithiothreitol, arachidonic acid (AA), and 8-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (8-HETE), but not by adenine which is inactive. 1-MeAde-stimulated oocytes of Pisaster ochraceus also undergo a decrease in cAMP content, the size of which is increased by forskolin. Although a decrease in cAMP begins at sub-threshold 1-MeAde concentrations, the maximal decrease occurs at the same concentration of 1-MeAde needed for maturation induction and a further 1000-fold increase of the 1-MeAde concentration has no further effect. Upon removal of 1-MeAde, the cAMP concentration immediately increases to its original level. Sequential addition and removal of 1-MeAde triggers a sequential decrease and increase of the cAMP concentration, illustrating the continuous requirement for 1-MeAde for eliciting the decrease. Successive additions of 1-MeAde, however, do not trigger further decreases of the cAMP concentration. The temperature dependences of the cAMP concentration decrease and of the hormone-dependent period (HDP; the time of contact with 1-MeAde required for induction of maturation) are closely related. Forskolin, which increases the cAMP concentration, also increases the duration of the HDP (2.5-fold), delays the time course of protein phosphorylation burst and germinal vesicle breakdown, and inhibits AA- and 8-HETE-induced maturation. We conclude that 1-MeAde triggers a drop in cAMP concentration, which is tightly associated with the hormone-dependent period of oocyte maturation.

Effects of protein kinase C activators on germinal vesicle breakdown and polar body emission of mouse oocytes

Protein phosphorylation mediated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase is instrumental in maintaining meiotic arrest of mouse oocytes. To assess whether protein phosphorylation mediated by calcium/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) might also inhibit the resumption of meiosis, we treated oocytes with activators of this enzyme. The active phorbol esters 12-O-tetra-decanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and 4 beta-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4 beta-PDD) inhibited germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), as did a more natural activator of protein kinase, C, sn-1,2-dioctanoylglycerol (diC8). An inactive phorbol ester, 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4 alpha-PDD), did not inhibit GVBD. We then examined whether protein kinase C activators inhibit a step in the cAMP-modulated pathway that regulates resumption of meiosis. TPA did not inhibit the maturation-associated decrease in oocyte cAMP. Microinjected heat-stable protein inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase failed to induce GVBD in the presence of TPA. Both TPA and diC8 partially inhibited specific changes in oocyte phosphoprotein metabolism that are tightly correlated with resumption of meiosis; these agents also induced the apparent phosphorylation of specific oocyte proteins. These results suggest that protein kinase C activators may inhibit resumption of meiosis by acting distal to a decrease in cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity, but prior to changes in oocyte phosphoprotein metabolism that are presumably required for resumption of meiosis. Finally, we compared the effects of db-cAMP and protein kinase C activators on polar body emission following GVBD. TPA, 4 beta-PDD or diC8, but not 4 alpha-PDD or db-cAMP, inhibited polar body emission in a dose-dependent manner. The morphology and cytology of oocytes in which polar body emission was inhibited by TPA or 4 beta-PDD differed from that of oocytes treated with diC8. Thirty to 60% of the former were round in shape and exhibited a clump of chromosomes but no spindle; the remainder were distended in shape and exhibited a metaphase I spindle. All oocytes treated with diC8, however, were round, had dispersed chromosomes, and no spindle. These results suggest that, in contrast to resumption of meiosis, polar body emission is inhibited by activation of protein kinase C but not cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

Involvement of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and protein phosphorylation in regulation of mouse oocyte maturation

We report the results of experiments which support the hypothesis that, in mouse oocytes, a decrease in intraoocyte cyclic AMP (cAMP) initiates meiotic maturation; oocytes microinjected with cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) underwent germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), which inhibited GVBD both in oocytes not injected with PDE and in oocytes injected with heat-inactivated PDE. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PK) has been proposed to mediate maintenance of meiotic arrest by cAMP. In support of this hypothesis is the observation that 2'-deoxy cAMP, which does not activate PK, did not maintain meiotic arrest as did cAMP; this result was obtained both by microinjection of these compounds and by incubating oocytes in the presence of their membrane-permeable N6-monobutyryl derivatives. Furthermore, microinjection into oocytes of the heat-stable inhibitor of PK, PKI, induced GVBD in the presence of either dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) or IBMX. Meiotic arrest was maintained in the absence of dbcAMP or IBMX, however, by microinjected catalytic subunit of PK, but not by catalytic subunit coinjected with PKI. In addition, specific changes in oocyte phosphoproteins that preceded resumption of meiosis were induced, in the presence of dbcAMP, by microinjected PKI; these changes were also tightly coupled with commitment of oocytes to resume meiosis. These results are discussed in terms of our model for regulation of meiotic arrest and maturation.

Mammalian fertilization as seen with the scanning electron microscope

For several years we have been looking at mammalian gametes and their interactions with the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Examining the images produced by the SEM has given us a three-dimensional view of sperm, eggs, and egg investments. We are particularly impressed with the structural variation among gametes of different mammalian species. In this short report we examine the structure of mammalian spermatozoa, eggs, zonae pellucidae, and cumuli. Our observations and those of others have led us to believe that variation in gamete structure and function may have evolved as a mechanism for reproductive isolation of mammalian species.

cAMP in ovine oocytes: localization of synthesis and its action on protein synthesis, phosphorylation, and meiosis

In the first series of experiments, the source of cAMP in the sheep oocyte was studied. Cholera toxin was shown to be a potent stimulator of cAMP in isolated sheep oocytes, demonstrating the presence of adenyl cyclase. There was no evidence for transmission of cAMP from stimulated myocardial cell monolayers to cumulus-enclosed oocytes even though the existence of a concentration gradient of cAMP and of intercellular communication were demonstrated. However, gonadotrophin-stimulated follicle shells were able to induce a rise in the cAMP content of denuded or cumulus-enclosed oocytes in the same dish, independently of cell contact. Further experiments were designed to study the effects of a cholera toxin-stimulated rise in cAMP on the maturation of oocytes. When applied to cumulus-oocyte complexes, cholera toxin did not block germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), nor the accompanying changes in protein synthesis and phosphorylation, although there was evidence for a delaying effect. There were, however, indications that the toxin was inducing abnormalities that became gross when the concentration was raised to 1 microgram/ml. This high concentration of cholera toxin was able to block the maturation of oocytes in intact, gonadotrophin-treated follicles, although once again abnormalities were evident. We conclude that the role of cAMP in the maturation of the sheep oocyte is different from that proposed in the mouse.

Hypoxanthine is the principal inhibitor of murine oocyte maturation in a low molecular weight fraction of porcine follicular fluid

Studies were carried out to identify and quantify the porcine follicular fluid (PFF) component(s) responsible for inhibition of murine oocyte maturation. A low molecular weight fraction of PFF (less than 1000) was prepared by dialysis and used in all experiments. This PFF fraction contained an inhibitor(s) of mouse oocyte maturation that absorbed maximally in the ultraviolet (UV) range at 250-260 nm. When the PFF fraction was charcoal-extracted, significant loss of absorbance at 250, 260, and 280 nm resulted, which corresponded to loss of inhibitory activity. Four major components of PFF were separated by ion-exchange chromatography and characterized according to their UV spectral characteristics and inhibitory activity. When individual fractions demonstrating identical spectra were pooled and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, the first pooled fraction (A) was found to be impure, but adenine comprised 80% of the UV-absorbing material. Fractions B, C, and D were characterized as pure uracil, hypoxanthine, and 7-methylinosine, respectively. The concentrations of these compounds in PFF were estimated to be 0.06 mM adenine, 0.44 mM uracil, 1.41 mM hypoxanthine, and 0.19 mM 7-methylinosine. Comparison of the potencies of commercial preparations of these compounds established that hypoxanthine is the major inhibitory component of the low molecular weight PFF fraction. Moreover, a commercial preparation of hypoxanthine mimicked the action of PFF on mouse oocyte maturation in that it produced a transient inhibition of oocyte maturation that was significantly potentiated by follicle-stimulating hormone and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate. When the inhibitory efficacies of purine and pyrimidine bases and nucleosides were compared, their relative potencies in decreasing order were purine bases greater than purine nucleosides greater than pyrimidine bases = pyrimidine nucleosides. We conclude that hypoxanthine is the predominant low molecular weight component of PFF that inhibits mouse oocyte maturation but that other purines/pyrimidines may also play a role in vivo in maintaining meiotic arrest.

Adenylate cyclase activity in zona-free mouse oocytes

Zona-free mouse oocytes, prepared by either chemical or enzymatic treatment, possess adenylate cyclase activity, since forskolin elevated cAMP to similar levels in either these oocytes or in oocytes with intact zonae. In addition, it was shown that oocyte isolation conditions can affect 'basal' cAMP levels.

Inhibition of denuded mouse oocyte meiotic maturation by tumor-promoting phorbol esters and its reversal by retinoids

Two tumor-promoting phorbol esters, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), when added to the culture medium of denuded mouse oocytes prevent their spontaneous meiotic maturation, whereas phorbol 13-acetate, which is inactive as a tumor promoter, does not inhibit this process. Retinoids appear to antagonize this inhibitory action of tumor promoters. However, the inhibitory effect of forskolin on meiotic maturation is not prevented, but is potentiated by retinal. These data indirectly suggest a role for calcium and/or phospholipids in the regulation of meiotic maturation. They also suggest that forskolin and phorbol esters mediate their effects through different pathways.

Regulation of mouse oocyte maturation: involvement of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase and calmodulin

A decrease in mouse oocyte cAMP occurs during commitment to resume meiosis (R. M. Schultz, R. R. Montgomery, and J. R. Belanoff, 1983, Dev. Biol. 97, 264-273). Experiments described in this report were performed to ascertain if oocyte cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) is involved in this decrease. PDE activity was found in extracts of mouse oocytes. The activity appeared soluble and not membrane bound. For each of three different PDE inhibitors, a positive correlation was found between the ability of increasing concentrations of each compound to inhibit PDE in oocyte extracts and to inhibit germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). Moreover, the more potent the PDE inhibitor, the more effectively it inhibited GVBD. The possibility that calmodulin (CaM) plays a role in maturation was examined since CaM modulates PDE activity in other systems. About 0.3% of total oocyte protein is CaM as determined by radioimmunoassay and activation of exogenous PDE. A CaM-dependent step in maturation was suggested since the CaM inhibitors trifluoperazine and calmidizolium inhibited GVBD in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the CaM inhibitors W7 and W13 inhibited GVBD at lower concentrations than the less-active corresponding congeners W5 and W12. Oocyte extracts contained a CaM-modulated PDE. Activity was inhibited about 50% by addition of EGTA, and fully restored by addition of exogenous CaM and excess calcium. cAMP hydrolysis was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by either trifluoperazine, calmidizolium, or W7; maximal inhibition was also about 50%. CaM-modulated PDE, however, did not appear to be the target for the effects of CaM inhibitors on GVBD, since concentrations of W7 that inhibited maturation did not inhibit cAMP hydrolysis in the oocyte. Results from these studies suggest that oocyte PDE is involved in the decrease in cAMP associated with resumption of meiosis, but that the CaM-dependent step occurs subsequent to or concurrently with the drop in cAMP.

Regulation of murine oocyte meiosis: evidence for a gonadotropin-induced, cAMP-dependent reduction in a maturation inhibitor

We have developed an assay that can detect relative changes in the amount of a non-cAMP inhibitor of maturation present in cumulus cells (Eppig et al., 1983, Dev. Biol., 100:39-49). Using this assay in which accelerated maturation of a group of treated cumulus cell-oocyte complexes relative to untreated complexes indicates a decrease in the amount of inhibitor, results of the experiments described here suggest a possible relationship between elevation of cAMP levels and subsequent decreased amounts of a non-cAMP inhibitor. Mouse oocytes obtained from cumulus cell-oocyte complexes treated with luteinizing hormone (LH) resumed meiosis prior to oocytes obtained from untreated complexes; the degree of acceleration of maturation was dependent on LH concentration. A similar result was obtained with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Correlated with LH- or FSH-acceleration of maturation was an LH- or FSH-induced elevation of cumulus cell cAMP levels. Inhibiting LH-induced elevation of cumulus cell cAMP levels inhibited LH-induced acceleration of maturation. An initial incubation of complexes in medium containing dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) also promoted acceleration of maturation. In contrast, maturation of denuded oocytes was not altered by treatment with either LH, FSH, or dbcAMP. Complexes initially incubated in dbcAMP-containing medium still demonstrated acceleration of maturation after a subsequent 2 h incubation in dbcAMP-free medium. Relative to untreated complexes, none of these treatments disrupted intercellular communication between cumulus cells and the oocyte. Elevating follicle cAMP levels with cholera toxin induced maturation of follicle-enclosed oocytes when cumulus cell-oocyte coupling was still fully maintained. These results are interpreted to indicate that gonadotropin-mediated acceleration of maturation is via a cAMP-dependent reduction in the level of a maturation inhibitor present in granulosa/cumulus cells.