The site of vitellogenin synthesis in Chinese mitten-handed crab Eriocheir sinensis

The objective of this study was to investigate the synthesis site of vitellogenin in the Chinese mitten-handed crab, Eriocheir sinensis. Using the RT-PCR techniques, the cDNA fragments isolated from the ovaries of vitellogenic female crab, we found that its deduced amino acid sequence had a high identity with that from other decapods crustacean vitellogenin. This cDNA fragments were used as probes to examine the transcription of mRNAs encoding the Vg. The mRNA expression was observed in vitellogenic female hepatopancreas, which was not detected in any other tissues including muscle, heart, and subepidermal tissues. The positive immunocytological staining with antibody against vitellin were found in ovaries and hepatopancreas of vitellogenic female, which was determined by immunological and immunohistochemical techniques. These results suggest that both ovaries and hepatopancreas are capable of synthesizing vitellogenin. Therefore, it was concluded that hepatopancreas is the extraovarian site of vitellogenin synthesis in E. sinensis.