Effects of several inhibitors of macromolecule synthesis upon maturation of marine invertebrate oocytes

• Published in: Experimental cell research Vol. 78; no. 2; pp. 383 - 393
• Main Authors: Zampetti-Bosseler, F., Huez, G., Brachet, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.01.1973
• Subjects: Animals; Autoradiography; Cell Differentiation - drug effects; Chromosomes - drug effects; Cycloheximide - pharmacology; Deoxyadenosines - pharmacology; DNA - antagonists & inhibitors; DNA - biosynthesis; Female; Fusidic Acid - pharmacology; Histocytochemistry; Hydroxyurea - pharmacology; Leucine - metabolism; Marine Biology; Ovum - cytology; Ovum - drug effects; Ovum - growth & development; Protein Biosynthesis; Proteins - antagonists & inhibitors; Puromycin - pharmacology; RNA - antagonists & inhibitors; RNA - biosynthesis; Starfish - cytology; Starfish - drug effects; Tritium
• ISSN: 0014-4827; 1090-2422
• DOI: 10.1016/0014-4827(73)90083-9

Protein, RNA and DNA syntheses, during oocyte maturation in Asterias glacialis and Chaetopterus, have been studied with cytochemical and biochemical methods. The effects of several inhibitors of the biosynthesis of these macromolecules have been investigated. The results show that protein synthesis is required for maturation: fusidic acid and puromycin, which strongly inhibit protein synthesis, prevent maturation. However, a paradoxical effect of cycloheximide was observed in Chaetopterus oocytes: this drug, like KCl, induces activation of the eggs. DNA and RNA are synthesized during maturation, but studies with inhibitors show that these syntheses are not necessary for the completion of maturation. Protein synthesis was followed during maturation and activation of Chaetopterus oocytes. It was observed that protein synthesis, which stops at the end of maturation, is not readily restored by activation. The significance of these results is discussed.