Control of methyl farnesoate synthesis in the mandibular organ of the crayfish<i>Procambarus clarkii:</i>Evidence for peptide neurohormones with dual functions

Abstract

Summary Red pigment-concentrating hormone stimulates the mandibular organ of Procambarus clarkii to synthesize methyl famesoate. The mandibular organs of male crayfish were more active than those of females. Hormonal stimulation can be mimicked by calcium ionophore A23187 and the activity of the gland can be reduced by replacing calcium in the media with lanthanum. Mandibular organ synthetic activity is inhibited by pigment-dispersing hormone.