Molecular characterization of a vitellogenesis-inhibiting hormone (VIH) in the mud crab (Scylla olivacea) and temporal changes in abundances of VIH mRNA transcripts during ovarian maturation and following neurotransmitter administration

Anim Reprod Sci. 2019 Sep:208:106122. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106122. Epub 2019 Jul 15.

Abstract

The vitellogenesis-inhibiting hormone (VIH), also known as gonad-inhibiting hormone, is a neuropeptide hormone in crustaceans that belongs to the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH)-family peptide. There is regulation vitellogenesis by VIH during gonad maturation in crustaceans. A full-length Scylla olivacea VIH (Scyol-VIH) was identified through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The open reading frame consists of 378 nucleotides, which encodes a 126-amino acid precursor protein, including a 22-residue signal peptide and a 103-amino acid mature peptide in which 6 highly conserved cysteine residues are present. There was expression of the Scyol-VIH gene in immature female Scylla olivacea in the eyestalk, brain and ventral nerve cord. The Scyol-VIH gene expression was localized to the eyestalk X-organ, brain neuronal clusters 6 and 11, and in multiple neuronal clusters of the ventral nerve cord. The relative abundance of Scyol-VIH mRNA transcript in the eyestalk was relatively greater in immature stage females, then decreased as ovarian maturation progressed. Furthermore, eyestalk Scyol-VIH increased after dopamine (5 μg/g BW) injection. The present research provides fundamental information about Scyol-VIH and its potential effect in controlling reproduction.

Keywords: Mud crab; Neurotransmitters neurohormone; Ovarian maturation; Vitellogenesis-inhibiting hormone.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Brachyura / genetics
  • Brachyura / physiology*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Dopamine / administration & dosage
  • Dopamine / pharmacology*
  • Dopamine Agents / pharmacology
  • Dopamine Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Dopamine Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Invertebrate Hormones / genetics
  • Invertebrate Hormones / metabolism*
  • Ovary / growth & development*
  • Ovary / metabolism
  • Phylogeny
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • Serotonin / administration & dosage
  • Serotonin / pharmacology
  • Serotonin Agents / administration & dosage
  • Serotonin Agents / pharmacology
  • Sexual Maturation
  • Spiperone / administration & dosage
  • Spiperone / pharmacology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Dopamine Agents
  • Dopamine Antagonists
  • Invertebrate Hormones
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Serotonin Agents
  • vitellogenesis inhibiting hormone
  • Serotonin
  • Spiperone
  • Dopamine