Document Detail


The lipid composition of hypodermal membranes from the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) changes during the molt cycle and alters hypodermal calcium permeability.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  14990220     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Crustaceans are covered by a cuticle that does not grow. In order for an individual to grow, the cuticle must periodically be shed (ecdysis). Replacement of the old cuticle with a new one depends on processes that require precise timing and control, yet the nature and location of these controls remain unclear. A candidate site for them is within the hypodermal microvilli. These cellular structures extend through pore canals deep into the acellular cuticular matrix. Changes in the lipid composition of hypodermal microvilli could modulate water and ion fluxes and enzyme activities during critical stages of the molt cycle; however, the lipid composition of these structures has not been assessed during the molt cycle. Data presented here show that phospholipids isolated from hypodermal microvilli of Callinectes sapidus initially have elevated levels of n-6 fatty acids that decline steadily beginning just after ecdysis. Experiments with liposomes reveal that n-6 fatty acids decrease the calcium permeability of membranes, suggesting that the initially elevated levels in the cuticle may function to reduce calcium flux from the cuticle into the hypodermis. In addition, the ratio of cholesterol to phospholipid and the proportion of oleic acid in membrane phospholipids are maximal at 6 h post-ecdysis. It is known that changes in cholesterol and oleic acid content alter membrane permeability to water. It is, therefore possible that water flux through hypodermal membranes is also modulated in the early post-molt cuticle. Changes in microvillar lipid composition might serve importantly to control biomineralization in the post-ecdysal cuticle.
Authors:
E Eugene Williams; Matthew J Anderson; T Justin Miller; Shaun D Smith
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part B, Biochemistry & molecular biology     Volume:  137     ISSN:  1096-4959     ISO Abbreviation:  Comp. Biochem. Physiol. B, Biochem. Mol. Biol.     Publication Date:  2004 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2004-03-01     Completed Date:  2004-11-29     Revised Date:  2006-11-15    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9516061     Medline TA:  Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  235-45     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD, 21801 USA. eewilliams@salisbury.edu
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format     Download EndNote     Download BibTex
MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Biological Transport, Active / physiology
Brachyura / growth & development*,  metabolism*
Calcification, Physiologic*
Calcium / metabolism*
Lipid Metabolism*
Membranes / metabolism
Permeability
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
7440-70-2/Calcium

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


Previous Document:  Hepatic metallothionein in a teleost (Prochilodus scrofa) exposed to copper at pH 4.5 and pH 8.0.
Next Document:  Adenosine deaminase 2 from chicken liver: purification, characterization, and N-terminal amino acid ...