Inhibiting and stimulating neuropeptides controlling reproduction in Crustacea

Abstract

Studies on the control of reproduction in crustaceans have, for the most part, dealt with the regulation of female reproduction. However, not a great deal of attention has been paid to cellular interactions of the neurohormones involved in this regulation. In this contribution recent data on inhibitory and stimulatory neuropeptides are discussed and reflections are made on their importance for further application-directed research. Attention is paid to: histophysiological events in the oocytes during vitellogenesis; biochemical aspects of the regulating neuropeptides and cytological localization of these neuropeptides in the neuroendocrine system. Opportunities for further research are identified and appraised in light of the knowledge reviewed.