Cyclic AMP mediates the negative regulation of Y-organ ecdysteroid production

The putative neuropeptide, molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH), regulates crustacean growth by periodically suppressing the secretion of ecdysteroid molting hormone from peripheral glands (Y-organs). A mediating role for cyclic AMP (cAMP) in MIH action was evaluated with isolated Y-organs of the crab, Cancer antennarius. MIH activity in eyestalk extracts inhibited ecdysteroid secretion but increased cAMP levels dose-dependently in 24-h incubations. The cAMP rise preceded the onset of ecdysteroid suppression. Dibutyryl cAMP, activators of adenylate cyclase (forskolin, choleragen), and an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (IBMX), but not AMP or cGMP, mimicked the inhibitory action of MIH.