Isolation of Xenopus Oocytes

Abstract

Xenopus oocytes and oocyte extracts are the starting material for a variety of experimental approaches. Oocytes are obtained by surgical removal of the ovary from anesthetized females. Although oocytes may be used while they remain within their ovarian follicle, it is more practical to work with defolliculated oocytes. Defolliculation can be performed either manually or enzymatically. Here we present a protocol for the isolation and separation of Xenopus oocytes at various developmental stages, and guidelines for maintaining oocytes in culture.