Promotion of fertilizability ofSpisulaoocytes with 5-hydroxytryptamine

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Abstract
5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) at a final concentration of 5 μm triggered dissolution of germinal vesicle (GVBD) in Spisula oocytes suspended in natural sea water (NSW). The maturation inducing potency of 5-HT decreased with decreasing concentration and was ineffective at/or below 500 nm. Incubation of Spisula oocytes with low concentration of 5-HT (10 nm) increased fertilizability of oocytes by fresh motile Spisula sperm. The present findings suggest that the action of 5-HT is to sensitize Spisula oocytes to interact with sperm, to promote maturation and to facilitate fertilization.