General and comparative endocrinologyMay 13, 2015

Changes in prostaglandin E2 levels in prawn ovaries linked to egg development and cell growth

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Updated Apr 4, 2026

Abstract

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels were significantly higher in the early ovarian stages of the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii.

Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of PGE2, cyclooxygenase1 (COX1), and prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) in the ovarian tissues.
Intense immunoreactivities for PGE2, COX1, and PGES were observed in previtellogenic oocytes but absent in late vitellogenic oocytes.
Quantitative analysis showed elevated PGE2 concentrations in early ovarian stages compared to late stages.
Administration of PGE2 may stimulate ovarian maturation by shortening the ovarian cycle and increasing ovarian-somatic index.
PGE2 treatment is associated with enhanced oocyte proliferation and higher vitellogenin levels in the hemolymph.

Simplified

Prostaglandins (PGs) are important bioactive mediators for many physiological functions. In some decapod crustaceans, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been detected in reproductive organs, and may play a role in the control of ovarian maturation. However, in the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, the presences of PGE2 and key enzymes for PGE2 biosynthesis, as well as its effects on ovarian maturation have not yet been investigated. In this study we reported the presence of PGE2, cyclooxygenase1 (COX1) and prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) in the ovarian tissues of M. rosenbergii, using immunohistochemistry. Intense immunoreactivities of PGE2 (PGE2-ir), COX1 (Cox1-ir) and PGES (PGES-ir) were detected in previtellogenic oocytes (Oc1 and Oc2), while the immunoreactivities were absent in the late vitellogenic oocytes (Oc4). This finding supports the hypothesis that the PGE2 biosynthesis occurs in the ovary of this prawn. To ascertain this finding we used LC-MS/MS to quantitate PGE2 concentrations during ovarian developmental cycle. The levels of PGE2 were significantly higher in the early ovarian stages (St I and II) than in the late stages (St III and IV). Moreover, we found that administration of PGE2 stimulated the ovarian maturation in this species by shortening the length of the ovarian cycle, increasing ovarian-somatic index, oocyte proliferation, and vitellogenin (Vg) level in the hemolymph.

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Changes in prostaglandin E2 levels in prawn ovaries linked to egg development and cell growth

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