A NEW LOOK AT THE ENDOCRINE REGULATION OF EGG MATURATION IN THE DECAPOD CRUSTACEANS

Female reproduction, especially the egg maturation in the ovary of dec apod crustaceans, is negatively controlled by an inhibitory neuropepti de from X-organ/sinus gland complex. Recent structural studies reveal that its primary structure is related to that of other eye stalk pepti des such as crustacean hyperglycemic hormone and molt-inhibitory hormo ne. This peptide seems to inhibit yolk synthesis and uptake into the o ocytes. Information on a gonad stimulatory hormone, purportedly origin ating from the neurosecretory cells of brain and thoracic ganglia, is still very preliminary. Recent evidence indicates that the methyl farn esoate, a sesquiterpenoid compound synthesized by the glandular mandib ular organ, could stimulate egg maturation, in much the same way the c orpora allata controls oogenesis in insects. Application potentials of endocrine manipulation to crustacean aquaculture are discussed.