Abstract
The effects of propranolol, a β-adrenergic blocker, and epinephrine on cortical granule exocytosis and polyspermic penetration in the pig were determined. Pig oocytes precultured in medium containing 1 and 10 μM propranolol had an increased (P < 0.05) percentage of polyspermic penetration. The mean number of spermatozoa penetrating oocytes precultured in 1 and 10 μM propranolol was also higher (P < 0.01) than that in the control group. Cortical granule exocytosis in oocytes after sperm penetration was observed by either transmission electron or epifluorescence microscopy. Preculture of oocytes in media containing 1 and 10 μM propranolol significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the incidence of cortical granule exocytosis and increased abnormal patterns of cortical granule exocytosis. Preculture of pig oocytes with 1 and 10 μM epinephrine did not increase monospermic penetration and complete cortical granule exocytosis. However, combined pretreatment of oocytes with 10 μM propranolol and 10 μM epinephrine decreased polyspermic penetration and incomplete cortical granule exocytosis compared with that of oocytes precultured with 10 μM propranolol alone. These results suggest that the intracellular adrenergic system is involved in cortical granule reaction in the pig and that defects of the adrenergic system may be related to a high incidence of polyspermy in the pig.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
