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

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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