Evidence for retinoic acid involvement in the regulation of vitellogenesis in the fresh water edible crab, Oziotelphusa senex senex

The possible involvement of 13-cis retinoic acid (CRA) in the regulation of ovarian development in Oziotelphusa senex senex was investigated. Injection of CRA, into avitellogenic crabs significantly increased ovarian index, oocyte diameter and ovarian vitellogenin levels. Injection of CRA also resulted in a significant increase in the secretory rates of mandibular organs and Y-organs and circulatory levels of the methyl farnesoate and ecdysteroids. Further, administration of CRA into avitellogenic crabs produced higher amounts of Retinoid X Receptor, Ecdysteroid Receptor, E75 and vitellogenin mRNAs in the hepatopancreas. Mandibular organ and Y-organ explants isolated from avitellogenic crabs secreted more of methyl farnesoate and ecdysteroids respectively when incubated with CRA. Taken together, these observations led us to hypothesize that CRA stimulates ecdysteroidogenesis and methyl farnesoate synthesis, up-regulates EcR, RXR and E75 expression in hepatopancreas, which then induces vitellogenin gene expression. Vitellogenin is subsequently taken up from hemolymph by ovaries ensuing in ovarian maturation.