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Cytochemical evidence of an organized microtubular cytoskeleton in Xenopus laevis oocytes: Involvement in the segregation of mitochondrial populations
Author(s) -
Tourte Monique,
Besse Colette,
Mounolou JeanClaude
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.1080300410
Subject(s) - biology , microtubule , cytoskeleton , microbiology and biotechnology , cytoplasm , vitellogenesis , mitochondrion , tubulin , oocyte , centrosome , microtubule organizing center , xenopus , mitosis , cell , genetics , cell cycle , embryo , gene
An organized microtubular cytoskeleton was discovered in the cytoplasm of Xenopus laevis oocytes. The microtubules were observed in 10‐ to 30‐m̈m cryostat sections by indirect immunoperoxidase labeling using an antibody to tubulin. A gradual extraction of cells with a nonionic detergent was essential for good penetration of the antibody into the cells. In the cytoplasm of all previtellogenic oocytes, a dense network of criss‐crossed long microtubules was associated in a basket‐like structure surrounding the mitochondrial mass. At the beginning of vitellogenesis, the network meshes enlarged, while clusters of mitochondria migrated, in close association with microtubule bundles. At the beginning of vitellogenesis, the reorganization of the microtubular network, mostly in the vegetal hemisphere, occurred during the segregation of the mitochondrial populations. Reorganization is characterized by (1) a temporary enlargement of the network and close association of mitochondrial clusters with microtubular bundles, and (2) a progressive organization of a ring‐shaped microtubular structure in the crown elaboration area. It is hypothesized that these modifications of the microtubular cytoskeleton contribute to the maintenance of cell shape and the polarized organization of the cell.