Aquaculture: Invertebrate Endocrinology/Physiology

Research by this group has involved biochemical and physiological aspects of hormone action in the growth, reproduction, and differentiation of arthropods. Molting hormone titers have been examined in both normal and eyestalk ablated lobsters at both low and high water temperatures by the use of a radioimmunoassay. Experiments have also been completed that demonstrate the presence of ecdysteroids (molting hormones) in the larvae of several crustacean species. Experiments have continued on lobster reproduction in order to characterize the yolk protein and the role of molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH) upon its control. We are also continuing our work on the control of spawning in the prawn, Sicyonia ingentis. In our continuing studies of an established Drosophila cell line as a model system, we have further characterized the juvenile hormone receptor, investigated hormone metabolism by the cells, and are characterizing the induction of latent viruses in the cells. George Trevelyan, a graduate student from the Animal Science Department at UC Davis, is working under the direction of Dr. Chang, examining mussel spawning and larval settlement.