Aspartate racemase and D-aspartate in starfish; possible involvement in testicular maturation

D-Aspartate, aspartate racemase activity, and D-aspartate oxidase activity were detected in tissues from several types of starfish. Aspartate racemase activity in male testes of Patiria pectinifera was significantly elevated in the summer months of the breeding season compared with spring months. We also compared aspartate racemase activity with the gonad index and found that activity in individuals with a gonad index ≥6% was four-fold higher than that of individuals with a gonad index <6%. The ratio of the D-form of aspartate to total aspartate was approximately 25% in testes with a gonad index <6% and this increased to approximately 40% in testes with a gonad index ≥6%. However, such changes were not observed in female ovaries. Administration of D-aspartate into male starfish caused testicular growth. These results indicate the possible involvement of aspartate racemase and D-aspartate in testicular maturation in echinoderm starfish.