Ovarian protein synthesis in the South American white shrimp,Penaeus vannamei, during the reproductive cycle

Abstract

Summary Ovarian development was induced by eyestalk ablation in the South American white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei. During the gonadotrophic cycle, ovarian protein increased from virtually undetectable levels in undeveloped ovaries to >400 mg in mature ovaries. Total protein was separated by SDS-PAGE and high molecular weight polypeptides of ~175–200 kDa were abundant in vitellogenic ovaries but absent in previtellogenic ovaries. These polypeptides are probably the yolk polypeptides. We determined in vitro protein synthesis rates for the ovary and hepatopancreas during ovarian development. Tissues from animals at the onset of vitellogenesis incorporated radiolabelled amino acids at the most active rate. Using autoradiography, we demonstrated that the ovary synthesized many polypeptides, including the major, putative yolk polypeptides. We did not detect synthesis of these polypeptides by the hepatopancreas.