Presence of estriol (E₃) in the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus / by Elizabeth Winchester Sasser.
| Author/creator | Sasser, Elizabeth W. author. |
| Other author | Singhas, Charles A., degree supervisor. |
| Other author | East Carolina University. Department of Biology. |
| Format | Theses and dissertations |
| Production | 1990. |
| Description | v, 47 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm |
| Supplemental Content | Access via ScholarShip |
| Subjects |
| Summary | Previous studies have mentioned the presence of an estrogen-like compound associated with tissues from several invertebrate species. At the present time, little is known regarding its role, if any, in invertebrate growth and reproduction, or of its existence in the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. The purpose of this study was: 1) to identify and characterize an estrogen-like steroid from the hemolymph of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus; 2) to identify some of the organs associated with its presence; and 3) to correlate circulating levels of this hormone with growth and sexual maturation. Specimens of Callinectes sapidus were collected from the Pamlico River estuary near Aurora, North Carolina and the Fort Macon area near Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. Crabs were immediately sampled for hemolymph, hepatopancreas, eyestalk, and gonadal tissues. All samples were maintained frozen prior to extraction and assay. Duplicate samples were subjected to radioimmunoassay (RIA) and select ed samples were prepared for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to confirm RIA findings. Results of these experiments indicated detectable levels of the steroid estriol in hemolymph, hepatopancreas, eyestalk, and gonadal tissues of both male and female blue crabs. Immunoreactive estriol levels in female crabs increased in the hemolymph, but decreased in ovarian tissues during sexual maturation suggesting that estriol may exert an effect during gonadal development in immature blue crabs. In male crabs, estriol levels were detected in hepatopancreas, eyestalk, gonadal tissue or hemolymph; but a relationship could not be established between size and sexual maturation of the crab, and hormone levels. Further investigations are needed to determine the role of estriol in the male blue crab. Evidence confirming the presence of estriol in the blue crab contributes to our understanding of how the neuroendocrine system regulates growth and reproduction in decapod Crustacea. Future investigations into the source, biosynthesis, and mode of action of this hormone may assist in a more complete understanding of those factors responsible for regulating the reproductive status of this economically important species. |
| General note | Submitted to the faculty of the Department of Biology. |
| General note | Advisor: Charles A. Singhas |
| Dissertation note | M.S. East Carolina University 1990 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 32-34). |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
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