In vitro ovulation of trout oocytes: effect of prostaglandins on smooth muscle-like cells of the theca.

Ovulation (active expulsion of oocyte from the mature follicle) of trout follicles matured in vivo can be induced in vitro by adding PGF2alpha at doses of 1 and 5 mug/ml. PGE2 is ineffective. The in vitro induction of ovulation by PGF2alpha is inhibited in a calcium free medium or by inhibitors of calcium influx, particularly by Mn++ and La+++, suggesting the ovulation process implies active contraction of the smooth muscle cells of the theca. A significant but partial inhibition is also observed with cytochalasin B (1 and 5 mug/ml) demonstrating that contraction of other cell types than muscle, containing actin-like filaments, may also participate in the process.