[The influence of ultrasound and constant magnetic field on gametes, zygotes, and embryos of the sea urchin]

Biofizika. 2008 May-Jun;53(3):513-8.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

The influence of constant magnetic field, power 7 T, and ultrasound, frequency 2, 4 and 8 MHz, on gametes, fertization, embryos and larvae of the sea urchin was studied. It was shown that magnetic field breaks the process of the gamete fusion but does not influence gametes, embryos, and larvae. Ultrasound impairs the motility of spermatozoa and larvae, prevents the fertilization, and breaks the embryonic development. It is assumed that the effect of the magnetic field is connected with the response of the cortical cytoskeleton, which consists of bundles of actin microfilaments. The rearrangement of the cortical cytoskeleton occurs during the first 20 minutes after the contact of sperm with the egg. Also there is effect of magnetic fields on calcium ions, which are liberated during the first seconds after gamete contact. The effect of the ultrasound is explained by a small increase in water temperature and cavitation process, which break celluar structures.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytoskeleton / physiology
  • Cytoskeleton / radiation effects
  • Electromagnetic Fields / adverse effects
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / physiology
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / radiation effects
  • Female
  • Fertilization
  • Germ Cells / physiology
  • Germ Cells / radiation effects*
  • Magnetics / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Sea Urchins / physiology
  • Sea Urchins / radiation effects*
  • Sperm Capacitation / physiology
  • Sperm Capacitation / radiation effects
  • Spermatozoa / physiology
  • Spermatozoa / radiation effects
  • Ultrasonics / adverse effects*
  • Zygote / physiology
  • Zygote / radiation effects*