Eyestalk factor modulation of chemically stimulated feeding in sand fiddler crabs Uca pugilator (Bosc 1802)

Abstract: Uca pugilator (Bosc 1802) is a deposit-feeding semiterrestrial crab. Feeding is mediated by dactyl chemoreceptors and stimulated by hexose sugars. Eyestalk ablation increasessensitivity of crabs to hexose stimulants. Here, the potential for endocrine control of feeding responses to external chemical stimuli was examined. Injection of extracts from the sinus gland region of the eyestalk into ablated crabs reduced chemically stimulated feeding responses to levels found in intact crabs. Feeding inhibitory factor was found in the sinus gland region of shrimp and crabs. The active factor is 5000-10000 Da in molecular size, and is sensitive to heat and trypsin. These results suggest that the sinus gland contains a proteinaceous factor that can control feeding. © 1991 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author Daniel Rittschof Marine Science and Conservation