Diffusion of small molecules into medaka embryos improved by electroporation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Diffusion of small molecules into fish embryos is essential for many experimental procedures in developmental biology and toxicology. Since we observed a weak uptake of lithium into medaka eggs we started a detailed analysis of its diffusion properties using small fluorescent molecules.

Results

Contrary to our expectations, not the rigid outer chorion but instead membrane systems surrounding the embryo/yolk turned out to be the limiting factor for diffusion into medaka eggs. The consequence is a bi-phasic uptake of small molecules first reaching the pervitelline space with a diffusion half-time in the range of a few minutes. This is followed by a slow second phase (half-time in the range of several hours) during which accumulation in the embryo/yolk takes place. T

SUBMITTER: Jung G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3716799 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature