MOTILITY OF THE OOCYTE OF HELISOMA (MOLLUSCA)

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 26  (1) , 5-10
Abstract
Mature oocytes isolated from the ovotestis of Helisoma showed amoeboid movement when treated in vitro with a homogenate of the cerebral ganglia (containing dorsal bodies). This movement ceased when either cytochalasin B or colchicine was added to the preparation. Actin filaments were only visualized in in vitro and in vivo preparation of mature oocytes. In order to ovulate, the oocyte probably uses its own contractile system to become amoeboid and is thereby separated from the envelope of the follicle cells. The ovulation factor(s) probably is present in the dorsal bodies. This factor may be responsible for the induction of microfilaments.