Inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate injection mimics fertilization potentials in sea urchin eggs.

The effects of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and of diacylglycerol (DAG) and its analogues on the membrane potential of eggs from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus were examined. Injection of IP3 into eggs resulted in a change in membrane potential that was similar in magnitude and time course to the fertilization potential elicited by sperm attachment. In low-calcium seawater, IP3 injection elicited a partial response. DAG and its analogues phorbol myristyl acetate and 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol did not affect membrane potential either when applied by perfusion or when injected. The results indicate that IP3, but not DAG or its analogues, may be involved in the generation of the fertilization potential triggered by the interaction of sperm with sea urchin eggs.