Light input to crustacean neurosecretory cells

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Light Spectra Affect the Growth and Molting of Scylla paramamosain by Changing the Chitin Metabolism

Light is an essential ecological factor that has been demonstrated to affect aquatic animals' behavior, growth performance, and energy metabolism. Our previous study found that the full-spectrum light and cyan light could promote growth performance and molting frequency of Scylla paramamosain while it was suppressed by violet light. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism that influences light spectral composition on the growth performance and molting of S. paramamosain. RNA-seq analysis and qPCR were employed to assess the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of eyestalks from S. paramamosain reared under full-spectrum light (FL), violet light (VL), and cyan light (CL) conditions after 8 weeks trial. The results showed that there are 5024 DEGs in FL vs. VL, 3398 DEGs in FL vs. CL, and 3559 DEGs in VL vs. CL observed. GO analysis showed that the DEGs enriched in the molecular function category involved in chitin binding, structural molecular activity, and structural constituent of cuticle. In addition, the DEGs in FL vs. VL were mainly enriched in the ribosome, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, lysosome, apoptosis, and antigen processing and presentation pathways by KEGG pathway analysis. Similarly, ribosome, lysosome, and antigen processing and presentation pathways were major terms that enriched in FL vs. CL group. However, only the ribosome pathway was significantly enriched in up-regulated DEGs in VL vs. CL group. Furthermore, five genes were randomly selected from DEGs for qPCR analysis to validate the RNA-seq data, and the result showed that there was high consistency between the RNA-seq and qPCR. Taken together, violet light exposure may affect the growth performance of S. paramamosain by reducing the ability of immunity and protein biosynthesis, and chitin metabolism.

CasEcR and CasMIH Genes in the Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus: A Temporal Evaluation and Melatonin Effects

Environmental cues synchronize endogenous rhythms of many physiological processes such as hormone synthesis and secretion. Little is known about the diurnal pattern of hormones and gene expression of the Callinectes sapidus molt cycle. We aimed to investigate in the eyestalk and hepatopancreas of premolt and intermolt C. sapidus the following parameters: 1) the diurnal expression of the ecdysteroid receptor CasEcR isoforms, and the molt inhibiting hormone CasMIH; 2) the diurnal hemolymph ecdysteroid and melatonin levels; and 3) melatonin effects on the transcripts of the above-mentioned genes in intermolt C. sapidus. Ecdysteroid levels were higher in the premolt than the intermolt animals at all time points evaluated (ZTs). Premolt crabs displayed a variation of ecdysteroid concentration between time points, with a reduction at ZT17. No difference in the melatonin level was seen in either molt stage or between stages. In the eyestalk of intermolt animals, CasEcR expression oscillated, with a peak at ZT9, and premolt crabs have a reduction at ZT9; CasMIH transcripts did not vary along 24 h in either molt stage. Moreover, the evaluated eyestalk genes were more expressed at ZT9 in the intermolt than the premolt crabs. In the hepatopancreas, CasEcR expression showed a peak at ZT9 in premolt crabs. Exogenous melatonin (10⁻⁷ mol/animal) reduced the expression of both genes in the eyestalk at ZT17. In the hepatopancreas, melatonin markedly increased the expression of the CasEcR gene at ZT9. Taken altogether, our results are pioneer in demonstrating the daily oscillation of gene expression associated to molt cycle stages, as well as the daily ecdysteroid and melatonin levels and the remarkable influence of melatonin on the molt cycle of C. sapidus.

Immunocytochemical Localization of Enzymes Involved in Dopamine, Serotonin, and Acetylcholine Synthesis in the Optic Neuropils and Neuroendocrine System of Eyestalks of Paralithodes camtschaticus

Identifying the neurotransmitters secreted by specific neurons in crustacean eyestalks is crucial to understanding their physiological roles. Here, we combined immunocytochemistry with confocal microscopy and identified the neurotransmitters dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and acetylcholine (ACh) in the optic neuropils and X-organ sinus gland (XO-SG) complex of the eyestalks of Paralithodes camtschaticus (red king crab). The distribution of Ach neurons was studied by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunohistochemistry and compared with that of DA neurons examined in the same or adjacent sections by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry. We detected 5-HT, TH, and ChAT in columnar, amacrine, and tangential neurons in the optic neuropils and established the presence of immunoreactive fibers and neurons in the terminal medulla in the XO region of the lateral protocerebrum. Additionally, we detected ChAT and 5-HT in the endogenous cells of the SG of P. camtschaticus for the first time. Furthermore, localization of 5-HT- and ChAT-positive cells in the SG indicated that these neurotransmitters locally modulate the secretion of neurohormones that are synthesized in the XO. These findings establish the presence of several neurotransmitters in the XO-SG complex of P. camtschaticus.

Diurnal rhythm in the levels of the serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in the crayfish eyestalk

The crayfish eyestalk (ES) has been postulated as a possible circadian clock. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) has been shown to play the role of a neurotransmitter or a modulator in the ES. However, little is known about the 5-HT receptors in the ES. The purpose of this work is to determine the specific binding sites using [(3)H]8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)tetralin ([(3)H]8-OH-DPAT), a specific agonist of the 5-HT(1A) receptor, and to characterize the diurnal rhythm in the binding by an autoradiography procedure in the crayfish ES. Data show the presence of a circadian rhythmicity in the level of the 5-HT(1A) receptors, principally in two regions: (a) the complex retina (R)-lamina ganglionaris (LG), with the acrophase at dusk and (b) the medulla terminalis (MT), where it was in antiphase. It is suggested that (1) the expression of levels of 5-HT(1A) receptors is modulated by light-dark (LD) cycles, (2) the level of 5-HT(1A) receptors in the R-LG and MT are in antiphase during the 24-h cycle, and (3) there is a different mechanism of action of LD cycles in each of these two anatomical regions of the crayfish ES.

Serotonin modulation of caudal photoreceptor in crayfish

The sixth abdominal ganglion (6th AG) of the crayfish contains two photosensitive neurons. This caudal photoreceptor (CPR) displays spontaneous electrical activity and phasic-tonic responses to light pulses. In this paper, we analyzed the presence of serotonin in the 6th AG and its effects in the modulation of the activity of CPR. In the first part of our study, we identified serotonergic neurons in the 6th AG by immunostaining using an antibody against serotonin. Next, we quantified the serotonin contents in the 6th AG by using liquid chromatography. Finally, we searched for serotonergic modulation of the CPR electrical activity by using conventional extracellular recordings. We found 13 immunopositive neurons located in the ventral side of the 6th AG. The mean diameter of their somata was 23+/-9 microm. In addition, there was immunopositive staining in neuropilar fibers and varicosities. The contents of serotonin and its precursors in the 6th AG varied along the 24-h cycle. Its maximum value was reached by midday. Topic application of serotonin to ganglia kept in darkness increased the CPR spontaneous firing rate and reduced its light responsiveness. Both effects were dose-dependent within ED(50) approximately 1 microM and were blocked by the 5-HT antagonist methysergide. These observations support the role of serotonin as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the CPR of the two species of crayfish Procambarus clarkii and Cherax quadricarinatus.

Molt-inhibiting hormone immunoreactive neurons in the eyestalk neuroendocrine system of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus

The production of ecdysteroid molting hormones by crustacean Y-organs is negatively regulated by a neuropeptide, molt-inhibiting hormone. It is generally agreed that molt-inhibiting hormone is produced and released by the eyestalk neuroendocrine system. In the present study, immunocytochemical methods were used to detect molt-inhibiting hormone immunoreactive neurons in eyestalk ganglia of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. The primary antiserum used was generated against molt-inhibiting hormone of the green shore crab, Carcinus maenas. A preliminary Western blot analysis indicated the antiserum binds molt-inhibiting hormone of Callinectes sapidus. Using confocal and conventional immunofluorescence microscopy, molt-inhibiting hormone immunoreactivity was visualized in whole mounts and thin sections of Callinectes sapidus eyestalk ganglia. Immunoreactivity was detected in 15-25 neurosecretory cell bodies in the medulla terminalis X-organ, their associated axons and collateral branches, and their axon terminals in the neurohemal sinus gland. The cellular organization of molt-inhibiting hormone immunoreactive neurons in blue crabs is generally similar to that reported for other crab species. The combined results suggest the cellular structure of the molt-inhibiting hormone neuroendocrine system is highly conserved among brachyurans.

Serotonin activates a Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) current in identified peptidergic neurons from the crayfish

The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were investigated in red pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH)-containing neurons isolated from the X-organ of the crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Under current-clamp conditions and using the gramicidin-perforated-patch configuration, 5-HT elicited a prolonged hyperpolarization that suppressed neuronal firing concomitant with an increase in membrane conductance. Under voltage-clamp conditions, 5-HT evoked an outward current at a holding potential of −50 mV. This current reversed at an E(K) of −90 mV, which shifted by 30 mV when the extracellular K(+) concentration was increased from 5.4 to 19 mmol l(−1). The effect of 5-HT was dose-dependent within the range 1–100 micromol l(−1) and followed simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics, with a half-maximal response being elicited at 10 micromol l(−1). Preincubation with charybdotoxin (100 nmol l(−1)), tetraethylammonium (500 micromol l(−1)) or methysergide (100 micromol l(−1)) was effective in blocking the response to 5-HT. These results suggest that 5-HT is an inhibitory mediator of the release of red pigment concentrating hormone by acting on a Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) current.

Glutamate and GABA activate different receptors and Cl(-) conductances in crab peptide-secretory neurons

Responses to rapid application of glutamic acid (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), 0.01-3 mM, were recorded by whole-cell patch clamp of cultured crab (Cardisoma carnifex) X-organ neurons. Responses peaked within 200 ms. Both Glu and GABA currents had reversal potentials that followed the Nernst Cl(-) potential when [Cl(-)](i) was varied. A Boltzmann fit to the normalized, averaged dose-response curve for Glu indicated an EC(50) of 0.15 mM and a Hill coefficient of 1.05. Rapid (t(1/2) approximately 1 s) desensitization occurred during Glu but not GABA application that required >2 min for recovery. Desensitization was unaffected by concanavalin A or cyclothiazide. N-methyl-D-aspartate, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid, quisqualate, and kainate (to 1 mM) were ineffective, nor were Glu responses influenced by glycine (1 microM) or Mg(2+) (0-26 mM). Glu effects were imitated by ibotenic acid (0.1 mM). The following support the conclusion that Glu and GABA act on different receptors: 1) responses sum; 2) desensitization to Glu or ibotenic acid did not diminish GABA responses; 3) the Cl(-)-channel blockers picrotoxin and niflumic acid (0.5 mM) inhibited Glu responses by approximately 90 and 80% but GABA responses by approximately 50 and 20%; and 4) polyvinylpyrrolydone-25 (2 mM in normal crab saline) eliminated Glu responses but left GABA responses unaltered. Thus crab secretory neurons have separate receptors responsive to Glu and to GABA, both probably ionotropic, and mediating Cl(-) conductance increases. In its responses and pharmacology, this crustacean Glu receptor resembles Cl(-)-permeable Glu receptors previously described in invertebrates and differs from cation-permeable Glu receptors of vertebrates and invertebrates.

Regulation of crustacean neurosecretory cell activity

1. The X organ-sinus gland system is a conglomerate of 150-200 neurosecretory cells in the eyestalk of crustaceans. It is the source of a host of peptide neurohormones which partake in the control of a wide range of physiological functions. Distinct families of X organ peptides have been chemically characterized: (a) two chromatophorotropic hormones of small sizes, one of 8 residues and the other of 15-20 residues; and (b) three metabotropic hormones of high molecular weight (70-80 residues), related to the control of blood sugar levels, molting, and gonad activity. Some of these hormones have been identified only in crustaceans; others are common to various arthropod groups. A number of peptides orginally described in other zoological groups are also present in the X organ-sinus gland system; such is the case for members of the FMRF-amide family, enkephalins, and other peptides. 2. Cells specifically containing each hormone have been located in the X organ and some information is available on the cellular and molecular substrate of the biosynthesis, transport, storage, and release of various hormones. The electrical activity of X organ neurons has been recorded at the cell soma, arborizations, axons, and neurosecretory terminals. Conspicuous regional differences have been defined for the various patterns of activity, as well as the distribution of their underlying ion currents. 3. The release of hormones and the electrical activity of X organ neurons are regulated by environmental and endogenous influences, such as light and darkness, stress, and circadian rhythms. These influences appear to be mediated by a host of neurotransmitters/modulators, most noticeably, gamma-aminobutyric acid, 5-hydroxytryptamine and other amines, and enkephalins. Each of these mediators acts upon a definite ionic substrate(s) and exerts specific regulatory effects on X organ cell activity. A given neuron may be under the control of more than one neurotransmitter, and a transmitter may mediate different and even opposite influences on different neurons.

Neuronal pathways of classical crustacean neurohormones in the central nervous system of the woodlouse, Oniscus asellus (L.)

Neuropeptide-immunoreactive neurons have been mapped by immunocytochemistry in whole-mount preparations and sections of the central nervous system of Oniscus asellus . We tested rabbit antisera against decapod crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH), moult inhibiting hormone (MIH ), pigment dispersing hormone (PDH) and red pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH). four CHH- and three PDH-immunoreactive neurons localized in the superior median protocerebrum of the brain constitute neurosecretory pathways to the neurohaemal sinus gland. No immunoreactive structures have been detected with an antiserum against MIH of Carcinus maenus . Another, newly identified neurosecretory pathway is formed by a group of RPCH-immunoreactive neurons in the mandibular ganglion. These neurons project to the neurohaemal lateral cephalic nerve plexus, further PDH- and RPCH-immunoreactive neurons and fibres occur in the brain and the ventral nerve cord (VNC). Two groups of PDH-immunoreactive neurons supply brain and optic lobe neuropils, the bases of the ommatidia, and probably give rise to descending fibres innervating all VNC-neuropils. Two groups and five individuals of RPCH-immunoreactive neurons that innervate several brain neuropils or occur as ascending neurons in the VNC have been reconstructed. The CHH-immunoreactive neurons, and distinct types of PDH- and RPCH-immunoreactive neurons obviously belong to classical hormone-producing neurosecretory pathways. At least the CHH-immunoreactive cells seem to be part of an isopod homologue of the decapod X-organ. The existence of other PDH- and RPCH-immunoreactive interneurons suggests additional functions of these peptides as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators, which is in agreement with similar observations in the decapod central nervous system.

Excitatory action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on crustacean neurosecretory cells

1. Intracellular and voltage-clamp recordings were obtained from a selected population of neurosecretory (ns) cells in the X organ of the crayfish isolated eyestalk. Pulses of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) elicited depolarizing responses and bursts of action potentials in a dose-dependent manner. These effects were blocked by picrotoxin (50 microM) but not by bicuculline. Picrotoxin also suppressed spontaneous synaptic activity. 2. The responses to GABA were abolished by severing the neurite of X organ cells, at about 150 microns from the cell body. Responses were larger when the application was made at the neuropil level. 3. Topical application of Cd2+ (2 mM), while suppressing synaptic activity, was incapable of affecting the responses to GABA. 4. Under whole-cell voltage-clamp, GABA elicited an inward current with a reversal potential dependent on the chloride equilibrium potential. The GABA effect was accompanied by an input resistance reduction up to 33% at a -50 mV holding potential. No effect of GABA was detected on potassium, calcium, and sodium currents present in X organ cells. 5. The effect of GABA on steady-state currents was dependent on the intracellular calcium concentration. At 10(-6) M [Ca2+]i, GABA (50 microM) increased the membrane conductance more than threefold and shifted the zero-current potential from -25 to -10 mV. At 10(-9) M [Ca2+]i, GABA induced only a 1.3-fold increase in membrane conductance, without shifting the zero-current potential. 6. These results support the notion that in the population of X organ cells sampled in this study, GABA acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter, opening chloride channels.

Electrotonic coupling between neurosecretory cells in the crayfish eyestalk

Electrical coupling is described among neurosecretory cells in the crayfish X organ. By simultaneous impalements from pairs of neurons, only 30% were found to be coupled. All of them showed non-rectifying junctions. In all cases, electrical coupling corresponded to dye-coupling, as explored with intracellular injection of Lucifer yellow to one of the recorded cells. Some neurons were coupled to more than one neighbour. From dye fills it was apparent that the coupling site could be located far away from the cell body, immediately before the axonal branchings in the neuropile. The input resistance of the coupled neurons was consistently lower (24 +/- 16 M omega) than that of the non-coupled neurons (58 +/- 18 M omega). Synchronous synaptic activity was commonly recorded from coupled neurons, thus suggesting a functional significance of coupling in the integration of neurosecretory activity.

The circadian system of crustaceans

Crustaceans exhibit a variety of overt circadian rhythms. Observations on intact animals suggest the existence of more than one circadian pacemaker in the nervous system. Ablation experiments so far have been inconclusive in pin-pointing the location of putative pacemakers. However, various structures, most notably the optic peduncle, have been shown to sustain circadian rhythmicity in vitro. Retinal sensitivity and neurosecretory activity display circadian rhythms in the isolated optic peduncle, but they are also responsive to synchronizing influences from other regions of the central nervous system, most notably the supraesophageal ganglion. A model based on a number of circadian pacemakers distributed in the central nervous system best fits the experimental results at present. Coupling of rhythmicity between independent circadian pacemakers is likely to occur, and a neuroendocrine stage of integration has been proposed for several rhythms. Various entraining agents have been identified, and more than one may play a part in the synchronization of a given rhythm.

Continuous light increases N-acetyltransferase activity in the optic lobe of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii de Man (Crustacea: Decapoda)

Giant freshwater prawns, Macrobrachium rosenbergii de Man, were reared under three different lighting conditions: continuous darkness (DD), 12 hr of light and 12 hr of darkness (LD 12:12) and continuous light (LL). After one month, the prawns were sacrificed and optic lobes isolated from the eyestalks were determined for N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activities and melatonin concentrations. Gonads were weighed and examined under light microscopy. The optic lobes from LL prawns contained significantly higher activities of NAT than those from LD 12:12 prawns. The melatonin concentrations and size and histological features of the gonads from the three groups of prawns did not differ. The results indicate that continuous light increases NAT activities in the optic lobe of M. rosenbergii but has no drastic effect on gonadal growth.

Dye coupling and gap junctions between crustacean neurosecretory cells

Neurosecretory cells in the X organ-sinus gland system of the crayfish were impaled and Lucifer Yellow was intracellularly iontophoresed. In some neurons the injected dye was transferred to neighboring neurons. The interneuronal dye transfer was between adjacent somata. Coupling was also observed between neurons and smaller cells, possibly glia. Gap junctions were identified by freeze-fracture in neuron somata and glial cells in the X organ and also in neurosecretory axons in the sinus gland.