IMR Press / FBE / Volume 2 / Issue 4 / DOI: 10.2741/E202

Frontiers in Bioscience-Elite (FBE) is published by IMR Press from Volume 13 Issue 2 (2021). Previous articles were published by another publisher on a subscription basis, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with Frontiers in Bioscience.

Article
The circadian biology of the marbled crayfish
Show Less
1 Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, University of Goettingen, D-37073 Goettingen, Germany
Front. Biosci. (Elite Ed) 2010, 2(4), 1414–1431; https://doi.org/10.2741/E202
Published: 1 June 2010
Abstract

The parthenogenetic marbled crayfish (Procambarus spec.) has recently been introduced as a new preparation for neuroethological studies. Since isogeneity apparently limits inter-individual variation, this otherwise typical decapod species may be especially valuable for circadian studies. Locomotor activity of isolated marbled crayfish and agonistic activity of small social groups maintain circadian rhythmicity in constant darkness. As potential signals of circadian time information, levels of 5HT, N-acetylserotonin and melatonin were determined in brains of marbled crayfish at different daytimes. However, location and structural organization of crustacean circadian pacemakers are still elusive. Immunocytochemical and backfill studies in the marbled crayfish revealed neural structures that may correspond to portions of circadian pacemaker systems in the insect optic lobe. Position and additional chemical contents in two pigment-dispersing hormone-expressing neuron groups resembled insect pigment-dispersing factor-expressing cells in the lamina and the accessory medulla, a neuropil discussed as center for integration of timing information. Here, we discuss new findings about the possible organization of the circadian system of the marbled crayfish in the light of current knowledge about circadian clocks in crustacea.

Share
Back to top