[The role of cAMP in suppressing the maturation of follicle-enclosed oocytes in the common frog and the clawed toad after their treatment with actinomycin D]

Abstract

During maturation of the follicle-enclosed Rana temporaria and Xenopus laevis oocytes stimulated by pituitary suspension or human chorionic gonadotropin, respectively, the level of cAMP (follicle+medium) increased. When maturation was stimulated by low concentrations of gonadotropic hormones (inducing; however, maturation in 100% or close to 100% cases), the cAMP level increased 1.5-3 fold. Both the increased concentration of gonadotropic hormones and pretreatment of the follicles with actinomycin D stimulated further increase in cAMP level. These treatments in combination led to a significant increase of cAMP and inhibition of oocyte maturation.