Meiotic Spindle Formation Following Inhibition of First Polar Body Formation in the Zhikong Scallop (Chlamys farreri Jones et Preston)

Fertilized Zhikong scallop (Chlamys farreri) eggs were treated with cytochalasin B (CB 0.5 mg/L) at 14–15 min postfertilization to inhibit first polar body formation. The eggs were then stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) -anti-α-tubulin and propidium iodide (PI) to examine their microtubule patterns and chromosome, respectively. Fluorescent microscope observations of treated eggs sampled every 2–3 min during meiotic maturation revealed meiotic apparatus assembly and correlated chromosome segregation. In CB-treated groups, meiosis I proceeded normally and produced two groups of dyads, with 19 in each group. Both dyad groups were retained in the eggs as they entered meiosis II. Two, three, or four asters (centrosome with microtubules around it) in meiosis II rearranged the spindle in several patterns: bipolar [24.0 ± 4.1 μm (long axis) × 18.3 ± 4.1 μm (diameter: metaphase plate)], tripolar (18.6 ± 3.9 μm × 9.9 ± 1.3 μm), separated bipolar (18.3 ± 2.8 μm × 11.2 ± 1.8 μm), and other unclassified spindle patterns. Corresponding chromosome segregation, including bipolar (18.9%), tripolar (38.9%), double bipolar (16.5%), and unclassified (25.6%), was observed during meiosis II in CB-treated eggs. The data indicated that chromosome segregation patterns determined by spindle patterns were critically influenced by the number of centrosomes in meiosis II eggs following inhibition of polar body 1 (PB1) formation with CB.

Managing the Oocyte Meiotic Arrest—Lessons from Frogs and Jellyfish

During oocyte development, meiosis arrests in prophase of the first division for a remarkably prolonged period firstly during oocyte growth, and then when awaiting the appropriate hormonal signals for egg release. This prophase arrest is finally unlocked when locally produced maturation initiation hormones (MIHs) trigger entry into M-phase. Here, we assess the current knowledge of the successive cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for keeping meiotic progression on hold. We focus on two model organisms, the amphibian Xenopus laevis, and the hydrozoan jellyfish Clytia hemisphaerica. Conserved mechanisms govern the initial meiotic programme of the oocyte prior to oocyte growth and also, much later, the onset of mitotic divisions, via activation of two key kinase systems: Cdk1-Cyclin B/Gwl (MPF) for M-phase activation and Mos-MAPkinase to orchestrate polar body formation and cytostatic (CSF) arrest. In contrast, maintenance of the prophase state of the fully-grown oocyte is assured by highly specific mechanisms, reflecting enormous variation between species in MIHs, MIH receptors and their immediate downstream signalling response. Convergence of multiple signalling pathway components to promote MPF activation in some oocytes, including Xenopus, is likely a heritage of the complex evolutionary history of spawning regulation, but also helps ensure a robust and reliable mechanism for gamete production.

Thioglycolic acid inhibits mouse oocyte maturation and affects chromosomal arrangement and spindle configuration

Previous studies have shown that thioglycolic acid (TGA) leads to potential reproductive toxicology. To clarify the exact effects of this compound on reproduction, mice oocytes were treated with different TGA doses. At the end of the culture period, the nuclear status of mice oocytes was assessed under an inverted microscope. After immunofluorescence staining, the chromosomal arrangement and spindle configuration of oocytes were evaluated. The results indicated that TGA decreases the percentage of first polar body formation but does not influence that of germinal vesicle breakdown. TGA induces abnormal chromosomal arrangement and spindle elongation. In conclusion, TGA inhibits in-vitro maturation of mice oocytes and affects chromosomal arrangement and spindle configuration. Furthermore, it probably interferes with biochemical changes that occur during meiosis, resulting in aberrant development.