Fertilization of newt coelomic eggs in the absence of jelly envelope material

Abstract

Fertilization ofCynops pyrrhogaster (Japanese newt) coelomic eggs was studied in the absence of jelly envelope material or synthetic high polymer. An undiluted sperm fluid from the vas deferens fertilized coelomic eggs in the absence of the jelly envelope material or synthetic high polymer. The fertilized eggs developed beyond gastrulae and formed tail bud embryos. These results indicate that the fertilization process does not depend upon the presence of jelly envelope material or synthetic high polymer and that the sperms within the vas deferens are already capable of fertilizing the eggs inC. pyrrhogaster. The sperm suspension in Holtfreter's balanced salt solution (H-sperm) fertilized the coelomic eggs without the jelly envelope material or synthetic high polymer. These eggs had been suspended in Holtfreter's balanced salt solution (H) or in 1/20 strength H (1/20 H) prior to insemination (H-eggs or 1/20 H-eggs). In contrast, the sperm suspension in 1/20 H (1/20 H-sperm) did not fertilize 1/20 H-eggs, but dit H-eggs. In the latter case, H surrounding the eggs may affect sperms, allowing them to be fertilized. The 1/20 H-sperms regained their ability to fertilize 1/20 H-eggs on re-exposure to H. The 1/20 H-sperm also fertilized jelly eggs. The results of the dejellied egg experiment showed the same pattern. These results indicate that the sperms within the vas deferens lose their capacity to fertilize 1/20 H-eggs on exposure to low ionic strength solution (1/20 H); this capacity is restored by exposure to high ionic strength solution (H) or to jelly envelope.

Keywords: Amphibia; Coelomic egg; Dejellied egg; Fertilization.