ENDOCRINE AND NEUROENDOCRINE REGULATIONS IN EMBRYOS AND LARVAE OF CRUSTACEANS

This review deals with the studies which have been conducted for the p ast 30 years on the endocrine and neuroendocrine regulations in embryo s and larvae of crustaceans, mostly in decapods. Y-organs, mandibular organs and the X-organ sinus gland complex of the eyestalks are presen t in the first post-embryonic instar of most investigated species. Y-o rgans, the X-organs and the sinus glands have also been located in emb ryos of a few species. Larval molting appears to be regulated in a way similar to that in adults involving a MIH-ecdysteroid system. Evidenc e points to a control of metamorphosis through the eyestalks. Experime ntal evidence points to a neuroendocrine control of changes in pigment ation and of osmoregulation. Progress in the isolation and characteriz ation of the hormones and neurohormones controlling these metabolic ch anges in adults should help and promote further research on regulation during the embryonic and early postembryonic development.