Ca2+ oscillations at fertilization in mammals. (1st October 2003)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Halet, G.; Marangos, P.; FitzHarris, G.; Carroll, J.
• Is Part Of: Biochemical Society transactions. Volume 31:Number 5(2003)
• Page Start: 907
• Page End: 911
• Publication Date: 2003-10-01
• Subjects: cell cycle -- fertilization -- green fluorescent protein -- nucleus -- phospholipase C -- protein kinase C (PKC) -- sperm; Biochemistry -- Congresses; 572
• DOI: 10.1042/bst0310907
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-5127

Abstract

Abstract : The mouse egg provided the first direct measurement of Ca 2+ oscillations in any cell type. These sperm-induced Ca 2+ oscillations occur at a relatively low frequency, and can be detected up to 18–20 h after sperm–egg fusion. The Ca 2+ oscillations consist of two series of transients; the first lasts about 4 h, from metaphase II until interphase of the first cell cycle, and the second lasts the duration of the first mitotic division. This cell-cycle-regulated aspect to the pattern of Ca 2+ signalling at fertilization is reflected in the role of the Ca 2+ transients in stimulating exit from metaphase arrest. Recent developments have started to shed light on the mechanism initiating Ca 2+ oscillations at fertilization, on how the frequency of the oscillations is set, and on what determines their temporal pattern.