Effect of dsRNA-induced disruption of plc-1 and plc-3 expression on sheath contractility. (A) Rates of basal sheath contraction in adult worms fed GFP, plc-1, or plc-3 dsRNA beginning at the L1 larval stage. Values are means ± SE (n = 7–29). *p < 0.01 compared with GFP dsRNA-fed worms. (B) Rates of basal and peak ovulatory sheath contractions in adult worms fed dsRNA for 16–24 h beginning in late-stage L4 larvae. Values are means ± SE (n = 8–13). *p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01 compared with GFP dsRNA-fed worms. (C) PLC-3::GFP expression pattern. Confocal differential interference contrast micrograph (left) and corresponding GFP fluorescence micrograph (right). GFP is expressed in proximal gonad sheath cells (arrowheads), spermatheca (Sp) and uterine sheath cells (arrow). DG, distal gonad; Int, intestine; Oo, oocyte.