Localisation of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone in late embryonic and first larval stage of Nephrops norvegicus (Astacoidea, Nephropidae)

Abstract

We report here on immunohistochemical studies of embryos of the Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus at 90% development, the stage being assessed according to eye index. The sinus gland was readily identified as a teardrop shaped structure about 45 μm in length in 90% embryos and as an oval structure about 50 μm in length in post‐hatched larvae. Silver enhanced immuno‐gold staining used with heterologous antiserum against Astacus lepto‐dactylus crustacean hyperglycemic hormone showed immuno‐positive axon endings in the late embryo and newly hatched larva. In contrast, there was no immuno‐positive reaction with anti‐serum against Homarus americanus gonad inhibiting hormone. This paper represents the first demonstration of early functional differentiation of sinus gland in N. norvegicus and only the second in decapod crustaceans.

Key words:

• Immunocytochemistry
• Neuropeptides
• Development
• Decapoda
• Endocrinology