Sperm-egg interactions in the shrimp Rhynchocinetes typus

Abstract

Sperm-egg interaction in Rhynchocinetes typus was studied with the phase-contrast and scanning electron microscopes. R typus spermatozoa present in the vas deferens have the shape of a round-headed nail. After contact with seawater it is possible to observe the unfolding of the rays or stellate arms, giving the spermatozoon the appearance of an inverted umbrella. From the center of the flat face of the umbrella emerges a spike with longitudinal striations. Ovarian eggs and spermatozoa were mixed in vitro by agitating them for two minutes in Millipore-filtered seawater. The first gamete contact was established by the spermatozoon through the tip of the spike, which exerted a lytic action on the egg envelopes. After the rigid spike was completely inside the egg, the rays became aligned parallel to each other and began to enter the eggs. Toward the final stages of ray entry, it was possible to observe fusion of the ray membranes with one another, and later the fusion process continued toward the tip of the radial spines. Concomitantly, the egg surface that surrounds the sperm swelled in a circular fashion and formed a fertilization cone. After the spermatozoon entry was complete, a scarlike mark appeared at the place on the egg surface through which penetration occurred. The whole penetration process was completed within 45-60 minutes.