Partial characterization of a gonadotropic, mitogenic factor from the optic gland and hemolymph of the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis L.

Abstract

1. 1. A putative gonadotropic, mitogenic hormone, that stimulates follicle cell multiplication in the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis L., has been partially characterized. 2. 2. It stimulates two bioassays of mitotic activity, namely [ 3H]thymidine incorporation and specific aspartate transcarbamylase activity in dispersed gonad cell suspensions. 3. 3. It is present in the optic glands and the hemolymph and has an apparent molecular weight of 4–5 kDa. 4. 4. It is thermolabile and its activity is diminished by trypsinization, suggesting that it is a peptide.