Isolation, characterization and physiological specificity of the crustacean hyperglycemic factors from the sinus gland of the lobster,Homarus americanus(Milne-Edwards)

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Abstract
A two-step high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation system, based on ion exchange and hydrophobic properties, was developed in order to isolate and purify several neuropeptides from the sinus gland of the lobster Homarus americanus. With this system, most of the thus far reported neurohormonal activities, such as hyperglycemia, gonad and pigment controlling factors are detectable. Special attention is given to two pairs of closely related peptides, all reacting with a polyclonal rabbit antiserum raised against the hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) of the crayfish Astacus leptodactylus. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-urea-PAGE) of these substances reveals two peptides of about 6.5 kDa, and two more of about 8 kDa. A hyperglycemic response is provoked by both 6.5 kDa peptides and the second 8 kDa component. A stimulatory effect on the oocyte growth is associated with the elution time of both 8 kDa peptides. Furthermore, the presence of two factors with an inhibitory effect on the growth of the oocytes is demonstrated.