Characterization of Ca2+ transients induced by intracellular photorelease of InsP3 in mouse ovarian oocytes

Constitutive IP3R1-mediated Ca2+ release reduces Ca2+ store content and stimulates mitochondrial metabolism in mouse GV oocytes

In mammals, fertilization initiates Ca²⁺ oscillations in metaphase II oocytes, which are required for the activation of embryo development. Germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes also display Ca²⁺ oscillations, although these unfold spontaneously in the absence of any known agonist(s) and their function remains unclear. We found that the main intracellular store of Ca²⁺ in GV oocytes, the endoplasmic reticulum ([Ca²⁺]_ER), constitutively 'leaks' Ca²⁺ through the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor. The [Ca²⁺]_ER leak ceases around the resumption of meiosis, the GV breakdown (GVBD) stage, which coincides with the first noticeable accumulation of Ca²⁺ in the stores. It also concurs with downregulation of the Ca²⁺ influx and termination of the oscillations, which seemed underpinned by the inactivation of the putative plasma membrane Ca²⁺ channels. Lastly, we demonstrate that mitochondria take up Ca²⁺ during the Ca²⁺ oscillations, mounting their own oscillations that stimulate the mitochondrial redox state and increase the ATP levels of GV oocytes. These distinct features of Ca²⁺ homeostasis in GV oocytes are likely to underpin the acquisition of both maturation and developmental competence, as well as fulfill stage-specific cellular functions during oocyte maturation.

The thiol reagent, thimerosal, irreversibly inhibits meiosis reinitiation in mouse oocyte when applied during a very early and narrow temporal window: a pharmacological analysis

The effect of the sulfhydryl reagent, thimerosal (TMS) on meiosis resumption in germinal vesicle (GV)-stage denuded mouse oocytes was studied. It irreversibly inhibits both GV breakdown (GVBD) and the first polar body (pb1) extrusion in concentration- and time-dependent manners, the most striking result being the very early and narrow temporal window during which denuded primary oocytes released from their follicle are susceptible to a pulse of the drug. This inhibition is bypassed by dithiothreitol (DTT) with an efficiency declining with time, while thiosalicylic acid (TA), an analog of TMS devoid of the mercury atom, has no effect on meiosis reinitiation. These results strongly suggest that the inhibitory effect of TMS is a consequence of its sulfhydryl group oxidising activity. The molecular target(s) of this inhibitory oxidation should however be identified. In contrast to DTT, okadaic acid (OA), known to bypass the inhibitory effect of drugs interfering with protein kinase activities, only induces chromatin condensation and GVBD in TMS-pulsed oocytes with a delay of about 8 hr as compared to the control situation. This confirms that a very early thiol oxidation induced by TMS exerts a much more dramatic effect on resumption on meiosis than any pharmacological manipulation of protein kinase activities leading to activation of MPF.

Sperm factor initiates capacitance and conductance changes in mouse eggs that are more similar to fertilization than IP(3)- or Ca(2+)-induced changes

We used patch clamp electrophysiology and concurrent imaging with the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye, fura-2, to study the temporal relationship between membrane capacitance and conductance and intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) during mouse egg fertilization. We found an approximately 2 pF step increase in egg membrane capacitance and a minor increase in conductance with no change in [Ca(2+)](i) at sperm fusion. This was followed approximately 1 min later by a rise in [Ca(2+)](i) that led to larger changes in capacitance and conductance. The most common pattern for these later capacitance changes was an initial capacitance decrease, followed by a larger increase and eventual return to the approximate starting value. There was some variation in this pattern, and sub-microM peak [Ca(2+)](i) favored capacitance decrease, while higher [Ca(2+)](i) favored capacitance increase. The magnitude of accompanying conductance increases was variable and did not correlate well with peak [Ca(2+)](i). The intracellular introduction of porcine sperm factor reproduced the postfusion capacitance and conductance changes with a similar [Ca(2+)](i) dependence. Raising [Ca(2+)](i) by the intracellular introduction of IP(3) initiated fertilization-like capacitance changes, but the conductance changes were slower to activate. Capacitance decrease could be induced when [Ca(2+)](i) was increased modestly by activation of an endogenous Ca(2+) current, with little effect on resting conductance. These results suggest that net turnover of the mouse egg surface membrane is sensitive to [Ca(2+)](i) and that sperm and the active component of sperm factor may be doing more than initiating the IP(3)-mediated release of intracellular Ca(2+).

Effects of aging on inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate-induced Ca(2+) release in unfertilized mouse oocytes

We previously demonstrated in the mouse oocyte that in vivo postovulatory aging significantly suppresses activity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+)-ATPase (Igarashi et al. 1997. Mol Reprod Dev 48:383-390). We undertook the present study to further examine the effects of oocyte aging on Ca(2+) release from the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (InsP(3))-sensitive Ca(2+) channels of the ER membrane, because not only Ca(2+) reuptake, but also Ca(2+) release from the ER, substantially affect Ca(2+) oscillations in fertilized oocytes. A transient increase in cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was induced by photolysis of caged InsP(3) microinjected into the cytoplasm in both fresh (14 hr post hCG) and aged (20 hr or 24 hr post hCG) oocytes, where the maximum rate of increase in [Ca(2+)](i) significantly decreased in the aged oocytes. Reduced ER Ca(2+) release in the aged oocyte may not be attributable to aging-related desensitization of the InsP(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) channels in the ER because concentrations of caged InsP(3) for half maximal [Ca(2+)](i) increase were identical for fresh and aged oocytes. The peak [Ca(2+)](i) response following administration of 5 microM thapsigargin, a specific ER Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor, was significantly reduced in the aged oocyte, suggesting reduction of the ER Ca(2+) stores. We conclude from these results that reduction of Ca(2+) release from the InsP(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) stores in the aged oocyte arises from depletion of the ER Ca(2+) stores with aging. These aging-related changes in Ca(2+) release and reuptake may account for alterations in Ca(2+) oscillations in aged fertilized oocytes.

Extracellular Ca2+ entry and Ca2+ release from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive stores function at fertilization in oocytes of the marine bivalve Mytilus edulis

An oocyte of the marine bivalve Mytilus edulis, which is arrested at metaphase I, reinitiates meiosis at fertilization. The fertilized oocyte shows increases in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) comprising three different phases: an initial large [Ca2+]i transient, a subsequent low but sustained [Ca2+]i elevation, and repetitive small [Ca2+]i transients. In this study, we have investigated the sources and mechanisms of the sperm-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Application of methoxyverapamil (D-600), an inhibitor of voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx, suppressed the initial [Ca2+]i transient but did not affect the following two phases of [Ca2+]i changes. Injection of heparin, an antagonist of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor, inhibited the later two phases without much affecting the initial transient. Combined application of D-600 and heparin almost completely abolished the three phases of the sperm-induced [Ca2+]i changes. Furthermore, Ca2+ influx caused by seawater containing excess K+ was blocked by D-600 but not by heparin, and IP3-induced Ca2+ release caused by photolysis of injected ‘caged’ derivatives of IP3 was blocked by heparin but not by D-600. These results strongly suggest that two types of Ca2+ mobilization systems, the extracellular Ca2+ entry responsible for an initial [Ca2+]i transient and the IP3 receptor-mediated Ca2+ release responsible for the following two phases of [Ca2+]i changes, function at fertilization of Mytilus oocytes.

Phospholipase C in mouse oocytes: characterization of beta and gamma isoforms and their possible involvement in sperm-induced Ca2+ spiking

This study involved an investigation of the role of phospholipase C (PLC) in generating repetitive Ca2+ spikes at fertilization. Using a PCR-based strategy we have demonstrated that mouse oocytes have mRNA coding for PLC beta 1, PLC beta 3 and PLC gamma isoenzymes. Furthermore, immunodetection of PLC gamma 1 using monoclonal antibodies reveals that PLC gamma 1 protein is present in mature mouse oocytes, ruling out the possibility that mRNA was being transcribed but not expressed. We were unsuccessful at detecting the presence of PLC beta protein, but the presence of this isoform can be inferred from functional studies. The PLC inhibitor, U73122, exerted an inhibitory effect on oocytes activated by spermatozoa or acetylcholine at concentrations of 10 and 30 microM respectively, while its inactive analogue had no effect. The soluble tyrosine kinase inhibitors, genistein (100 microM), herbimycin (10 microM) and geldanamycin (0.6 microM) which could affect signalling through PLC gamma hindered but never completely inhibited Ca2+ spiking in response to fertilization. We conclude that the activation of PLC to generate InsP3 may play a critical role in fertilization.

Dieldrin modifies the hydrolysis of PIP2 and decreases the fertilization rate in Bufo arenarum oocytes

Carbachol treatment in Bufo arenarum oocytes decreases the radioactivity in [32P]PIP2 in the following 20 min after stimulation and increases the [3H]glycerol labeling of 1,2-DAG at 1 min of stimulation. On the contrary, in Dieldrin treated oocytes carbachol stimulation produces an increase in [32P]PIP2 labeling without changes in [3H]1,2-DAG radioactivity. The sustained hydrolysis of PIP2 observed in Control oocytes is necessary to generate the intracellular second messengers which initiate the fertilization pathway. The lack of response to muscarinic stimulation in Dieldrin treated oocytes, may be associated with an early activation of PIP2-PLC by the insecticide, producing a depletion of the PIP2 pool previous to the stimulation with carbachol. These changes take place simultaneously with a decrease in the ability of Bufo arenarum oocytes to be fertilized in vitro, suggesting a correlation between impairment in the PIP2 cascade and a decrease in the fertilization rate.

Slow kinetics of InsP3-induced Ca2+ release: differences between uni- and bi-directional 45Ca2+ fluxes

The effects of a long-lasting stimulation with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) have been studied in monolayers of permeabilized A7r5 cells. When measured under unidirectional 45Ca2+ efflux conditions, i.e. in the presence of 2 microM thapsigargin, an initial fast release was observed which then progressively slowed down into a slow phase which persisted for up to 20 min. When measured under bidirectional 45Ca2+ flux conditions with functional Ca2+ pumps, a transient phase of re-uptake occurred between the initial fast and the subsequent slow release phase. These kinetics are compatible with intrinsic inactivation of the InsP3 receptor. However, this inactivation did not prevent the slow release component. The slow component was not due to the accumulation of an InsP3 metabolite nor to a GTP-dependent translocation of Ca2+ between stores. The slow release phase was more pronounced when the Ca2+ pumps were active than when they were inhibited. This observation is compatible with other findings indicating that the InsP3 receptor is controlled by luminal Ca2+. The decreasing effectiveness of a 20 min lasting InsP3 challenge in mobilizing Ca2+ from less filled stores is most likely due to a progressive depletion of the store and cannot be considered as an experimental artifact caused by a preferential emptying of InsP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores. We conclude that the InsP3 receptor can intrinsically inactivate but that this inactivation is unable to prevent the slow release, which is especially pronounced when Ca2+ pumps are active.

Characteristics of the signal transduction system activated by ATP receptors in the hepatoma cell line N1S1-67

The transmembrane transduction mechanism coupled to purinergic receptors has been studied in a rat hepatoma cell line (N1S1) at the single cell level by a combination of microfluorimetric and electrophysiological techniques. ATP in the micromolar range causes release of Ca2+ from internal stores and consequent opening of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels, leading to membrane hyperpolarization. The order of potency of the various nucleotides tested is UTP = ATP = ADP >> AMP, and ATP > beta, gamma-CH2 ATP, indicating that these receptors belong to the P2U subtype. The Ca2+ rise induced by various amounts of ATP exhibits an all-or-none behaviour already observable at 10 microM ATP. Intracellular injection of (10-20 microM) InsP3 or of its non-metabolizable analogue 3-F-InsP3 through the patch pipette, does not always result in a Ca2+ rise. These results may be interpreted assuming that the InsP3 receptors-Ca2+ release channels involved in the purinergic/pyrimidinergic stimulation are located in a subcellular compartment not easily accessible from the bulk cytosol and that a positive feedback loop occurs in this restricted space.

Thapsigargin induces cytoplasmic free Ca2+ oscillations in mouse oocytes

The mechanisms of calcium signalling in mammalian oocytes during maturation and fertilization are controversial. In this study we measured intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) with the photoprotein aequorin microinjected into immature mouse oocytes. Immature mouse oocytes typically produced [Ca2+]i responses to muscarinic acetylcholine (ACh) stimulation with two types of component. The first component consisted of a broad transient rise in [Ca2+]i lasting about 1 min. The second component consisted of pulsatile oscillations which could occur before, during or after the broad transient, but typically occurred on the rising phase of the broad transient, with a duration of about 5 s. Removal of external Ca2+ ([Ca2+]o) abolished the Ca2+ responses to ACh. Exposure of oocytes to the specific microsomal Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitors thapsigargin (TG) and cyclopiazonic acid unexpectedly produced sustained oscillations in [Ca2+]i which were sensitive to the concentration of Ca2+ in the external milieu. The frequency of these oscillations was slow, and ceased, sometimes after several cycles, when Ca2+o was removed. Raised [Ca2+]o significantly increased the frequency in cells oscillating to TG and stimulated nonoscillating cells to begin oscillating. The majority of responsive oocytes which did not produce oscillations to ACh alone (70%), did so after TG treatment. Detailed data analysis indicated that these oscillations were identical to those generated by TG alone, with a similar sensitivity to changes in [Ca2+]o. Exposure of oocytes to ryanodine did not inhibit oscillatory behaviour. These results suggest that immature mouse oocytes possess a store which is insensitive to both TG and ryanodine and is capable of supporting [Ca2+]i oscillations.

Calcium and meiotic maturation of the mammalian oocyte

The role of calcium in the regulation of both the meiotic and mitotic cell cycles has been the subject of considerable investigation in the nonmammalian field. In contrast, the mechanisms for signalling meiotic maturation in the mammalian oocyte are not as well documented nor as clearly defined. In the mammalian oocyte, calcium is associated with both spontaneous and hormone-induced meiotic maturation. A transient release of endogenously stored calcium precedes germinal vesicle breakdown and can override cyclic AMP maintained meiotic arrest; it thus may signal the resumption of meiosis. Additionally, extracellular calcium is apparently required for meiotic progression past metaphase I. The time sequence for meiotic resumption and progression is very varied between species. The timing of cell cycle protein synthesis during meiosis suggests that cyclins may be expressed in oocytes of some species much earlier in their development than in others. A generic model is proposed for the mechanism for triggering meiotic resumption in the mammalian oocyte. In this model, the critical components of meiotic resumption involve the temporal relationship of cyclin synthesis and the subsequent activation of the MPF complex by the calcium signal generated, which accounts for differences among species.

A novel two-compartment culture dish allows microscopic evaluation of two different treatments in one cell culture simultaneously. Influence of external pH on Na+/Ca2+ exchanger activity in cultured rat cardiomyocytes

A new type of culture dish containing two separate compartments is described, that can be used in high-magnification microscopy. Using the dish, two halves of a single-cell culture, grown on a standard coverslip, can be exposed to different treatments simultaneously, allowing the effect of one treatment to be compared with that of the other treatment in the same culture. This way, the natural variability that might exist between different individual cultures is circumvented. In addition, by simultaneously conducting two experiments per dish, the number of experiments needed can be decreased. This both reduces the time to complete a series of experiments and allows the optimal use of specimens that are difficult to obtain, such as human material. We found there is an excellent barrier between the two compartments for lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds, and for low-molecular-mass cations. To illustrate the use of the dish we describe the influence of external pH on the activity of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in intact cultured neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. The intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the cardiomyocytes, measured using fura-2 and imaging fluorescence microscopy, was studied during sodium-free incubation. The resulting rise in [Ca2+]i at pH 7.4 in one compartment was compared with that in the other compartment in which the pH was either 6.0, 7.0, 7.4 or 8.0. It was found that below pH 7.4, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger activity was diminished, whereas at pH higher than 7.4 the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger activity was increased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mouse oocyte maturation is affected by lithium via the polyphosphoinositide metabolism and the microtubule network

The incubation of mechanically denuded mouse oocytes in medium containing LiCl delayed both germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and polar body extrusion in a dose-dependent and reversible manner. When myo-inositol alone was added to the culture medium, we observed that it accelerated GVBD and increased the rate of polar body extrusion, whereas, when combined with LiCl, the normal timing of GVBD was recovered. In the same way, when inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) was microinjected into the ooplasma, we observed an important improvement of the rate of GVBD, as compared to control oocytes, and prevention of lithium inhibition. However, neither myo-inositol nor InsP3 were able to rescue totally the oocytes from the negative effect of lithium on polar body extrusion. Moreover, lithium induced some important changes in microtubule and chromosome organizations. Before extrusion of the first polar body, the reduction of the spindle size or the appearance of short individualized chromosomes dispersed around a large aster of microtubules were often observed, whereas, after polar body extrusion, the spindle appeared smaller and chromosomes were often trapped in the midbody. Thus lithium affects mouse oocyte maturation at two different levels: GVBD and polar body extrusion. Whereas the former seems to be affected via polyphosphoinositide turnover, the latter is InsP3-independent and seems to be influenced negatively via underdevelopment of microtubular structures.

Fertilisation and thimerosal stimulate similar calcium spiking patterns in mouse oocytes but by separate mechanisms

Exposure of freshly ovulated mouse oocytes to a fertilising spermatozoon, thimerosal, Sr2+ or acetylcholine induced similar Ca2+ spiking responses. We propose that each of the four agents reduces the threshold for Ca2+ release from internal stores, but by different mechanisms. All agents except thimerosal stimulated oocyte activation, but thimerosal caused dissassembly of the meiotic spindle and thus prevented progress into interphase. Dithiothreitol (DTT) completely blocked and reversed the spiking responses induced by thimerosal, but facilitated and accelerated those induced by spermatozoa, Sr2+ and acetylcholine. The stimulatory effect of DTT was not simply a consequence of progress into interphase, but was attributable, at least in part, to an enhancement of divalent cation entry, as measured by Mn2+ quench analysis of fura-2 in both fertilised and unfertilised oocytes. Possible mechanisms by which DTT might achieve its effects are discussed.

Calcium signaling at fertilization

Calcium is well established as a second messenger in a diverse array of cell activities. Changes in intracellular Ca2+ activities range from localized releases to complex oscillations, which may encode specific cellular signals. The full variety of calcium responses is observed during the fertilization of different animal oocytes and eggs. Current research has focused on the cellular mechanisms that generate these Ca(2+)-activity changes.