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In vitro secretion of ecdysteroids by Y-organs and lack of secretion by mandibular organs of the crayfish following molt induction

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Summary

The in vitro secretion of ecdysteroids by Y-organs taken from crayfish at different times after eyestalk removal was analyzed by radioimmunoassay. Analysis by thin layer chromatography of the immunoreactive secretion products suggests the presence of both ecdysone and ecdysterone, the former probably being the predominant product. The secretion rate exhibits a significant increase after 24 h and reaches a maximum 10–13 days after destalking. A marked decrease is observed after 17 days. A close correlation between the in vitro biosynthetic activity of the Y-organs and the in vivo level of hemolymph ecdysteroid exists until day 13. The level is maintained through day 17, in contrast with the decrease of the in vitro secretion rate of the Y-organs. Under the same conditions, mandibular organs do not secrete ecdysteroids detectable by radioimmunoassay. Selective sinus gland removal instead of destalking does not result in an activation of the Y-organs. Gastrolith deposition starts about 7 days after eyestalk removal and apolysis is completed after 12 days in most animals. At day 17, most animals were in the late D2-stage. Occasionally, the first ecdyses were observed at this time.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Zoophysiologie, Universität Bonn, Endenicher Allee 11-13, D-5300, Bonn, Germany

    Rainer Keller

  2. Abteilung Biologie I, Universität Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg, D-7900, Ulm, Germany

    Eberhard Schmid

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  1. Rainer Keller
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Dedicated to Professor P. Karlson on the occasion of his 60th birthday

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Keller, R., Schmid, E. In vitro secretion of ecdysteroids by Y-organs and lack of secretion by mandibular organs of the crayfish following molt induction. J Comp Physiol B 130, 347–353 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00689853

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