Injection of exogenous RNA in amphibian oocytes leads to RNA level fluctuations which are sensitive to cordycepin, an RNA chain elongation terminator.

Using an in vivo heterologous system to study the stability of Xenopus laevis RNA injected into axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) fertilized eggs, we have previously observed unexpected fluctuations in RNA level during early development [Andéol et al., Differentiation 63 (1998) 69-79]. In this study, we further characterize this phenomenon and establish its existence during axolotl and Xenopus oogenesis, suggesting a phylogenetically conserved mechanism. The phenomenon can occur with a variety of exogenous sense and antisense substrates. RNase protection experiments establish that most of the molecules have the same polarity as the initially injected RNA. In addition, trace amount of complementary RNA (cRNA) can be detected the injected samples. Cordycepin prevent increases in RNA levels indicating the involvement of an RNA synthesis. These results indicate the existence of an in vivo post-transcriptional RNA amplification mechanism during the early development of amphibians.