Organic and inorganic compound variations in haemolymph, epidermal tissue and cuticle over the molt cycle in Scyllaserrata (Decapoda)

Abstract

Analysis of organic and inorganic compounds in haemolymph, epidermal tissue and cuticle, allowed the correlation of their content variation during the molt cycle in Scylla serrata (Decapoda). The extrusion of carbohydrate, chitin, H 2O- and NaOH-soluble proteins of the epidermal tissue from D2 stage on suggested an early formation of the organic fraction in the new cuticle. The additional secretion of HCl-soluble protein, glycosaminoglycans, calcium, phosphorus and sulfur in D2–D3 stages suggests mineral nucleation shortly before or at ecdysis. This is consistent with the dominant content of proteins and chitin associated with peaks of carbohydrates and GAG-sulfur groups detected in the cuticle immediately after ecdysis. Furthermore, the maximal phosphorus content at this moment suggests calcium, magnesium and manganese phosphate deposits. After an intense accumulation of calcium, chitin and sharp decrease of protein from A to B stages, a constant rate of their deposition in intermolt and dissolution in premolt occurred. The variations concerning proteins, carbohydrates, glycosaminoglycans, calcium, magnesium and sulfur in the haemolymph, before and after ecdysis, suggest a transitory phenomenon for calcium binding and releasing. Other major elements such as, sodium, potassium and chloride may function as osmotic regulators in the haemolymph and in epidermal compartments. The copper profile presented an indicator role for variations of osmolality over the molt cycle.