Decrease in Total Proteins and Increase in Calcium in the Spotted Gonad of the Sea Urchin <i>Strongylocentrotus intermedius</i>

Abstract

A previous histopathological investigation of the spotted gonads of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius revealed a degradation of germinal tissues and deposition of a large amount of calcium as many spicules. In the present study , the contents of proteins (total proteins and water-soluble proteins) and calcium of the spotted gonads taken from S . intermedius were measured to identify the biochemical changes involved in protein and calcium metabolism.The total proteins (TP) of the ovaries decreased as spot development progressed , although changes in the actual amount of water-soluble proteins (WSP) were minimal. This tendency was negligible in the testes. The calcium content in both gonads increased with the development of spotting . The decrease in TP is probably caused by germinal tissue degradation. The increase in calcium content indicates excess calcium caused by cessation of protein synthesis in the vitellogenesis or excess calcium influx due to tissue degradation.

Tissue Parameters of the Sea Urchin (Paracentrotus Lividus): The Effects of Magnesium and Transport Stress

“…This cessation of protein synthesis was reflected by a concomitant increase of Ca 2 + content in the gonad (Figure 3e ). Similar findings were reported in the spotted gonad of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius (Shimidzu and Sakurai, 1994).…”

“…Similar findings were reported in the spotted gonad of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius (Shimidzu and Sakurai, 1994).…”