The Ascidian Sperm Reaction

SYNOPSIS. Ascidian sperm are simplified by omission of the midpieceand proximal centriole with the single mitochondrion locatednext to the nucleus in the head. Small acrosome- like vesiclesappear in some species but their distribution is unclear. Spermstructure correlates well with the location of fertilization;members of the orders Phlebobranchiata and Stolidobranchiatawith external fertilization have sperm with short heads andlong tails, while sperm from the exclusively internally fertilizingAplousobranchiata have relatively longer heads and shorter tails. The mitochondrion swells when the sperm contacts the chorion,then translocates along the tail as it enters the chorion tobe discarded when the tail disappears inside. Structural changesalso occur in the anterior sperm head that have been interpretedas an acrosome reaction. Proteolytic enzymes are involved inpenetration of the chorion. The mitochondrial transformationis under control of intracellular pH and Ca²⁺ levels with thesperm releasing H⁺ and taking up Ca²⁺ during the sperm reaction.Acid release is from inactivation of a Na⁺ requiring acidificationsystem and triggering of a Cl^– releasing HCO₃ requiringacid release system. An increase in intracellular pH increasesthe permeability to Ca²⁺, resulting in increased intracellularCa²⁺, the proximal trigger to the mitochondrial reaction.     

Evidence for Follicle Wall Involvement in Ovulation and Progesterone Production by Frog (Rana pipiens) Follicles in vitro

Involvement of different cellular investments of the amphibian ovarian follicle wall in the ovulatory process, progesterone production, and oocyte maturation was investigated. Following microdissection, to selectively remove one or more layers (surface epithelium, theca, follicle cells) of the follicle wall, dissected and undirected ovarian follicles were treated with frog pituitary homogenate (FPH) or progesterone. Intact follicles ovulated in response to pituitary homogenate and this was associated with contractions of the follicle wall. Ovulation and follicular contractions were not observed following removal of the surface epithelium without removing the thecal layer. Oocyte maturation occured in response to FPH following removal of the surface epithelium alone or together with the theca, but not in the absence of the follicle cells. Intact follicles were most responsive to FPH with respect to progesterone production, and removal of all somatic cells from oocytes obliterated FPH stimulated progesterone production. Oocytes, regardless of wether any or all follicular wall layers were removed, matured but did not ovulate following exposure to progesterone. The results suggest that the surface epithelium, but not the theca, is required for FPH-induced extrusion (ovulation) of the oocyte from ovarian follicle wall. Additionally, the somatic tissue rather than the oocyte appears to be the cells producing progesterone following FPH treatment. The results indicate that separate cellular layers (individually and/or as a result of interactions) of the follicle wall carry out different functions during follicular differentiation and mediation of ovulation. Data provide functional evidence for a role of the surface epithelium in controlling the process of ovulation and follicular contraction.     

Free Vehicles and Deep-Sea Biology

SYNOPSIS. A free vehicle is a timed and weighted device releasedfrom a ship in a free fall to the ocean bottom. Instrumentscarried on the free vehicle have been built to take biologicalsamples, sediment samples, water samples, and photographs, andto measure currents, tides, and temperature. The instrumentthen returns to the surface where it is recovered by the ship.A free vehicle system for biological sampling in the deep seais described in detail. It consists of a mast assembly, flotation,hookline and traps, and a magnesium release attached to weights.Different types of magnesium links used include a rod, a wireon pliers, and a series of diamond-shaped beads that drop througha hole after dissolving. A deck plan for launching the freevehicle and its retrieval at sea are described.     

A Lecithinase from the Amoeba Hartmannella rhysodes*

SYNOPSIS A lipogenic toxin produced by the amoeba Hartmannella rhysodes, Fernald strain, made mammalian cells in culture round up and fill with fat droplets. From this toxin an enzyme was obtained with lecithinase and lysolecithinase activities. This enzyme is different from any isolated elsewhere. When purified enzyme was added to strain L mouse fibroblasts in culture, the cells rounded up and became fatty. Much of the lipogenic activity of the original toxin can be ascribed to this enzyme.