Richard P. Smullen

Cytological and immunocytochemical study of the sinus gland in the Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus (L.)

Summary Light and transmission electron microscopic examination of the X-organ-sinus gland complex in adult Nephrops norvegicus reveals a high density of active neurosecretory axon endings (53%) abutting onto an undulatory-release surface. At least six different categories of neurosecretory granules and related vesicles have been identified on the basis of their texture, electron density, and diameter. Computer-aided three-dimensional reconstruction of N. norvegicus sinus gland defined by its fuchsinophilia on 2.5 μm serial sections shows a multilobed organ 1.25×10−2 mm3 in volume. Immunocytochemical studies were carried out using polyclonal antibodies raised against purified Astacus leptodactylus CHH (Gorgels-Kallen and Van Herp, 1981) and Homarus americanus GIH (Meusy and Soyez, 1991). Immunocytochemical localization of CHH and GIH (VIH) at the LM and EM level specifically locate the massive presence of CHH and a more superficial and scattered distribution of GIH in the axon endings. Under TEM, specific...

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.