Is there really actin around Xenopus laevis yolk platelets?

Our previous immunofluorescence experiments (1) on actin localization in Xenopus development showed a fluorescent halo around Xenopus yolk platelets. This fact suggests the presence of a sort of actin covering of the yolk platelet; we have called this structure the 'actin-shell'. In this work, by the use of a DNase I-fluorochrome complex, we were able clearly to demonstrate the presence of the actin-shell around Xenopus yolk platelets. A proposal about the function of the actin-shell is made; its presence could mark the difference between autosynthetic and heterosynthetic eggs.