Studies on the Differentiation of Chromatophorotropins of the Crab Ocypode Macrocera H. Milne Edwards

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Abstract
Evidence is given in the present paper to indicate that each of the techniques of differential solubility analysis adopted by previous authors to study the crustacean chromatophorotropins was consistent only in itself and that the data[long dash]concerning the solubility characteristics of the hormones in particular[long dash]obtained with different techniques are not identical. The chromatophorotropins exist in the nervous tissues of the crab O. macrocera mostly in an inactive (precursor) state and are not readily soluble in water and alcohol. A thorough treatment with 100% ethyl alcohol results in the activation of hormones and renders them soluble in alcohol and water. By extracting the eye-stalk ganglia of the crab O. macrccera with alcohol, it is possible to isolate very high titers of the hormones that disperse the black, red, and white chromatophores of Ocypode. These pigment-dispersing hormones are not soluble in acetone. The hormones that concentrate the red and white chromatophores of Ocypode are soluble in acetone and alcohol.