Serotonergic regulation of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone secretion in the crayfish, Procambarus clarkii

These studies investigate if crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) is involved in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced hyperglycemia. Eyestalk ganglia with intact X-organ-sinus gland complex were dissected from the crayfish Procambarus clarkii and incubated under various experimental conditions. Incubation media were then analyzed for the presence of released hyperglycemic factor using an in vivo bioassay. The results show that 5-HT enhanced release of hyperglycemic factor in a dose-dependent manner. This stimulatory effect of 5-HT was significantly decreased by adding ketanserin or methysergide (both 5-HT receptor antagonists) into incubation of eyestalk ganglia. Further, activity of the 5-HT-released hyperglycemic factor could be eliminated by adsorption of incubation media with anti-CHH serum but not by preimmune or anti-5-HT serum. These results confirm the hypothesis that 5-HT enhances release of CHH, which in turn elicits hyperglycemic responses. It is probable that 5-HT activates an excitation-secretion coupling mechanism by interacting with receptors located on the X-organ neurosecretory cells.