The identification and distribution of progesterone receptors in the brain and thoracic ganglion in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura)

Abstract

The existence of progesterone receptors (PR) in the Scylla paramamosain (mud crab) was studied using immunological techniques. By Western blotting, PR with an apparent molecular weight of 70 kDa is identified in both the brain and the thoracic ganglion. By immunohistochemistry, PR immunoreactive neurons are detected mainly in the protocerebrum, the subesophageal ganglion and the leg ganglion. PR immunoreactivity is localized mainly in the nuclei of these neurons, while only a few neurons show such activities in their cytoplasm. Our results provide evidence that progesterone modulates the neuroendocrine system mainly via nucleus receptors.

Sexual dimorphism of mud crab, genusScyllabetween sexes based on morphological and physiological characteristics

“…The hepatopancreas is the site of progesterone biosynthesis, which is then transferred via vitellogenin (carried by haemolymph) to the ovary for stimulating vitellogenesis (Warrier et al, 2001). In the ovary, progesterone was recognized primarily in follicle cells and oocyte nuclei, further strengthening the evidence that progesterone played a vital role during ovary development (Ye et al, 2010).…”

“…The brain was located dorsal of the head between the eyestalks and linked to the thoracic ganglion. The thoracic ganglion comprised the suboesophageal, leg ganglion and abdominal ganglion while the brain of the mud crab consisted of the protocerebrum, deutocerebrum and tritocerebrum (Ye et al, 2010). Both thoracic ganglion and the brain acted as the centre of the neuroendocrine organ in the crabs (Zeng et al, 2011).…”

“…Sexual differentiation and reproductive development of crustaceans are controlled by progesterone either directly or indirectly stimulatory effect. The indirect mechanism involved transforming progesterone into other steroids (such as oestradiol or hydroxyprogesterone) through the complex enzymatic process (Ye et al, 2010). The hepatopancreas is the site of progesterone biosynthesis, which is then transferred via vitellogenin (carried by haemolymph) to the ovary for stimulating vitellogenesis (Warrier et al, 2001).…”

“…The receptor mediated the action of progesterone on the target cell. Such progesterone work through the feedback mechanism in the brain for modulating gonadal maturation in crabs (Ye et al, 2010). In addition, the progesterone receptor was also found in the ovary of S. paramamosain through the expression of Progestin Membrane Receptor Component (PGRMC1) (Gao et al, 2014).…”

The Effect of Glyphosate on the Reproduction of Estuarine Crabs: Neohelice granulata as a Study Model

“…Crustacean vitellogenesis is under hormonal control; to this respect, several neurohormones by the thoracic ganglion, brain, and the X organ–sinus gland complex located at the eyestalks are involved ( 12 ). These neurohormones, in turn, regulate the secretion of other hormones of non-peptidic nature; one of them is represented by vertebrate-like steroids such as 17-hydroxyprogesterone, likely secreted by the ovaries ( 11 , 13 ); moreover, progesterone receptors have been identified in the ovary and other tissues of shrimps and crabs ( 14 , 15 ). Besides, methyl farnesoate, the juvenile crustacean hormone secreted by the mandibular organ, as well as prostaglandins, have been reported as other stimulating hormones of crustacean reproduction ( 12 , 16 , 17 ).…”