Serotonin induces ecdysteroidogenesis and methyl farnesoate synthesis in the mud crab, Scylla serrata

Jul 11, 2017Biochemical and biophysical research communications

Serotonin stimulates molting hormone and growth factor production in the mud crab

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Abstract

Serotonin administration elevated circulatory levels of methyl farnesoate and ecdysteroids in the giant mud crab Scylla serrata.

Serotonin is validated as a reproductive hormone in Scylla serrata.
Circulatory levels of methyl farnesoate and ecdysteroids increased after serotonin injection.
Expression levels of retinoid X receptor (RXR) and ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) rose significantly in the hepatopancreas and ovary following serotonin administration.
In vitro studies showed that serotonin stimulated ecdysteroid secretion from Y-organs without affecting methyl farnesoate synthesis in mandibular organs.
The increase in methyl farnesoate levels may occur indirectly by inhibiting a hormone release from eyestalks.

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In the current study, we have examined the role of serotonin in regulating the levels of methyl farnesoate and ecdysteroids in the giant mud crab Scylla serrata and validated that serotonin indeed is a reproductive hormone. Administration of serotonin elevated circulatory levels of methyl farnesoate and ecdysteroids in crabs. Since methyl farnesoate and ecdysteroid act through retinoid X receptor (RXR) and ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) respectively and these receptors are involved in the regulation of reproduction in crustaceans, we have determined the mRNA levels of RXR and EcR in hepatopancreas and ovary after serotonin administration. The expression levels of both RXR and EcR increased significantly in the hepatopancreas and ovary of serotonin injected crabs when compared to the controls. In vitro organ culture studies revealed that incubation of Y-orgas and mandibular organ explants in the presence of serotonin resulted in a significant increase in the secretion of ecdysteroids by Y-organs, but without alterations in MF synthesis in mandibular organs. From the above studies it is evident that serotonin stimulates Y organs resulting in increased ecdysteroidogenesis. Though the circulatory levels methyl farnesoate elevated after serotonin administration, organ culture studies revealed serotonin mediated methyl farnesaote synthesis is indirect probably by inhibiting release of mandibular organ inhibiting hormone from eyestalks.

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Serotonin induces ecdysteroidogenesis and methyl farnesoate synthesis in the mud crab, Scylla serrata

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