Etude Comparative de l'Ultrastructure des Glandes Androgenes de Crabes Normaux et Pedonculectomises Pendant la Vie Larvaire ou apres la Puberte chez les Especes: 'Rhithropanopeus harrisii' (Gould) et 'Callinectes sapidus' Rathbun. (Comparative Study of the Ultrastructure of the Androgenic Glands of Normal and Pedonculectomized Crabs during the larval Stage...).

摘要

Removal of both eyestalks from zoeae of the crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould) and megalops of Callinectes sapidus Rathbun leads to an hypertrophy of the androgenic glands of juvenile animals. This hypertrophy involves hyperplasia and increase in size of cells. Presence of lipid droplets and thinning down of the basal lamina have also been noted in R. harrissi; these last features are not found again after removal of the eyestalks of C. sapidus megalops. Ultrastructural modifications joined to observations showing precocious acquiring of the male physiology seem in favor of an acceleration of the endocrine activity of the hypertrophied androgenic glands. Removal of both eyestalks from mature males of R. harrisii leads to a slight hypertrophy of the androgenic glands which is essentially due to hyperplasia. Ultrastructural study of these glands does not show any significant modification in comparison with those of normal crabs. Further, spermatogenesis remains constant. So, destalking experiments do not seem to affect the activity of the androgenic glands in the males of this species. Effects of eyestalk extirpations on larvae and mature crabs of the considered species are compared with those realized during juvenile or mature stage in other crustacean species.