No abstract

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of polyamines, was measured in the brain and the liver of adrenalectomized rats after an acute s.c. treatment with glucocorticoids. The effects of corticosterone and dexamethasone were compared in three brain areas, the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. These structures have similar concentrations of cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor, as measured by an in vitro exchange assay using a specific glucocorticoid ligand, [3H]RU 26988, but contain different amounts of mineralocorticoid receptor. Corticosterone and dexamethasone increased ODC activity in the liver and brain areas in a dose-dependent manner, dexamethasone being more active than corticosterone in all tissues. Moreover, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone were inactive. Aldosterone, at high doses, increased brain ODC activity. Glucocorticoids, selected for their weak binding, or lack of binding to the mineralocorticoid receptor, were tested and found to be highly active in inducing brain and liver ODC, thus showing that ODC induction by steroids is specific for glucocorticoids. These results are among the first to suggest biochemically a central action of glucocorticoids following an acute treatment and confirm that the brain is a glucocorticoid target organ.

No abstract

The shrimp Penaeus stylirostris is currently produced on a commercial scale in Tahiti and New Caledonia. Both super‐intensive (80 animals m−2) and semi intensive (25 m−2) systems are promoted. Locally produced commercial feed contains 380–400 g kg−1 crude protein (CP) without special consideration for environmental impact. The need for a ‘low pollution’ diet implies reconsideration of the optimum dietary protein level for this species. Under experimental conditions, six isoenergetic practical diets ranging from 270 g kg−1 to 440 g kg−1 CP were formulated and fed to satiation for 30 days to juvenile P. stylirostris; average growth rates were between 5.5 and 7.5 g per month with survival rates > 90%. The lowest protein levels 270–310 g kg−1, gave significantly (P < 0.05) poorer growth (5.5 g per 30 days) than was observed with 330–430 g kg−1 CP; 330 g kg−1 CP may be recommended, and as it is lower than levels in diets used currently, there is a possibility of reducing nitrogenous waste. In addition to growth response, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value and food conversion (feed/gain) all supported a recommended dietary protein level of 330 g kg−1. Future prospects for practical feeds with even lower CP levels are considered.