Alteration of starfish oocyte adenylate cyclase properties in gametogenesis

Abstract

1. The properties of the oocyte membrane adenylate cyclase system of the starfish Aphelasterias japonica at different stages of gametogenesis were studied.

2. The adenylate cyclase activity of fully grown oocytes was insensitive to catecholamines whereas activity in growing oocytes was increased.

3. Forskolin and NaF stimulated catalytic activity of growth and fully grown oocytes to various degrees. The stimulated effect of these modifiers was more considerable in grown oocytes.

4. We believe that the interaction between components of the adenylate cyclase system is altered in gametogenesis.