ISSN:
0148-7280
Keywords:
acrosome reaction
;
fertilization
;
sea urchin
;
spermatozoa
;
surfactants
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
The effects of seven surfactants on spermatozoa of the sea urchin, Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus, were studied. All these surfactants induced the acrosome reaction and inhibited the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa. There was a statistically significant correlation between the concentrations that induce the acrosome reaction and inhibit fertilization. The critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of surfactants in sea water were almost even and these values, which are inherent physical properties of surfactants, did not provide a direct measure of their inhibitory effect of fertilization. Among seven surfactants, p-menthanyl-phenol polyoxyethylene (8.8) ether (TS-88) with a characteristic hydrophobes was the most potent both in the induction of acrosome reaction and in the inhibition of fertilization. Various ethylene oxide adducts to p-menthanyl-phenol were also tested for the purpose of comparison. It is suggested that the effects of surfactants on sea urchin spermatozoa at low concentrations reflect their activity associated with the hydrophobic group inherent in each surfactant.
Additional Material:
5 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mrd.1120090110
