Growth and silk formation of silkworm larvae influenced by phytoecdysones

The fourth and fifth instar larvae of the silkworm were reared on artificial diets containing ponasterone A, ecdysterone, and inokosterone. The growth of the larvae and their silk glands, fibroin-synthesizing activity, and silk formation have been investigated. With a diet containing ponasterone A, the fourth instar larvae grew slowly and only a few larvae could ecdyse, while the growth of the fifth instar larvae was disturbed and they died with a darkening of the skin. Ponasterone A also inhibited the growth of the silk glands during the fifth instar. In contrast, the other two phytoecdysones did not greatly influence larval growth. The fourth instar larvae grew rapidly and their ecdysis was advanced with a diet which contained 10 μg of inokosterone/1 g of dry diet. The diet which contained 5 μg of ecdysterone or 10 μg of inokosterone/1 g of dry diet accelerated maturation, while that containing 10 or 20 μg of ecdysterone, or 40 μg of inokosterone, delayed maturation of the fifth instar larvae.Only phytoecdysones caused a decrease in growth of the silk glands in the early half of the instar, and a large amount of phytoecdysones accelerated their growth during the last part of the fifth instar. The fibroin-synthesizing activity was levelled up by feeding ecdysterone and inokosterone, and inokosterone appreciably stimulated activity. Assay of in vitro fibroin synthesis showed that ponasterone A competed with ecdysterone in a stimulative action. Silk formation was much lower in larvae fed the diet containing 5 μg of ecdysterone or 10 μg of inokosterone/1 g of dry diet and was far greater in larvae fed the diet containing 40 μg of inokosterone than in the controls.     

Fertility of sows injected with exogenous oestradiol and/or gonadotrophins to control post-weaning oestrus

In the first of two experiments 28 multiparous sows were allocated to one of the following treatments 2 days after weaning at approximately 35 days post partum: (1) untreated; (2) i.m. injection 10 μg oestradiol benzoate (OB)/kg body weight (b.wt.); and (3) i.m. injection 20 μg OB/kg b.wt. Sows were bred at first post-weaning oestrus and ovulation rate assessed at slaughter. The mean interval from weaning to oestrus in each group was: (1) 5.6 ± 0.2; (2) 4.7 ± 0.2; and (3) 4.7 ± 0.2 days; the mean ovulation rates in groups 1 and 2 (18.7 ± 0.6 and 17.4 ± 1.8, respectively) were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that of 12.0 ± 1.7 for treatment 3 sows. Two untreated and one each of the treated sows were not cycling at slaughter.In the second experiment 75 multiparous sows weaned at 28 ± 3 days post partum (day 0) were evenly allocated with respect to parity to one of four treatment groups: (1) untreated; (2) i.m. injection 10 μg OB/kg b.wt. on day 2; (3) PG600 (400 iu PMSG + 200 iu hCG) injection subcutaneous day 0; and (4) combined PG600/OB treatment as in (2) and (3) above. Sows were bred naturally at the first post-weaning oestrus and fertility assessed at farrowing. Control animals had a significantly longer (P < 0.05) weaning to oestrus interval (4.53 ± 0.25 days) compared to treatment 2 (4.03 ± 0.13) treatment 3 (3.97 ± 0.12) and treatment 4 (3.81 ± 0.07) sows. Sows treated with PG600 alone showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in numbers born live compared to pre-treatment values. A smaller and non-significant increase in numbers born live in control sows (probably related to increasing parity) was not observed in either OB- or PG600/OB-treated animals.These results suggest that with further modification of the treatments, a system may be developed for introducing fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) or mating as a means of controlling the reproductive performance of the weaned sow.     

The histology of inhibition of limb regeneration in the newt, Triturus, by actinomycin D

Adult newts, Triturus viridescens, were treated with from 1.0–10.0 μg/g body weight of actinomycin D one day before amputation of both forelimbs. Mean survival times ranged from over 50 days in newts treated with 1.0 μg/g to 13.2 days in animals given 10.0 μg/g body weight of actinomycin. Low doses little altered the course of regeneration, but animals treated with over 2.0 μg/g never formed blastemas. In another series, animals were given doses of 2.5 μg/g body weight of actinomycin D at intervals from 14 days before to 30 days after amputation. It was found that certain signs of toxicity (loss of equilibrium) are related to the time of administration of the drug whereas others (hemorrhage into the limb stumps) are restricted to a definite phase of the regenerative process. Early administration of actinomycin completely inhibits regeneration whereas later treatment results in a considerably lessened effect. The postamputational stages which are basically destructive in nature are not noticeably affected by actinomycin D, but the phases of dedifferentiation, blastema formation and redifferentiation are strongly inhibited.     

Effects of mannan oligosaccharide dietary supplementation on performances of the tropical spiny lobsters juvenile (Panulirus ornatus,Fabricius 1798)

The effects of dietary mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) (Bio-Mos^®, Alltech, USA) on the growth, survival, physiology, bacteria and morphology of the gut and immune response to bacterial infection of tropical rock lobsters (Panulirus ornatus) juvenile were investigated. Dietary inclusion level of MOS at 0.4% was tested against the control diet (trash fish) without MOS inclusion. At the end of 56 days of rearing period, a challenged test was also conducted to evaluate the bacterial infection resistant ability of the lobsters fed the two diets. Lobster juvenile fed MOS diet attained 2.86 ± 0.07 g of total weigh and 66.67 ± 4.76% survival rate which were higher (P < 0.05) than the lobsters fed control diet (2.35 ± 0.14 g total weight and 54.76 ± 2.38% survival rate, respectively) thus providing the higher (P < 0.05) specific growth rate (SGR) and average weekly gain (AWG) of lobsters fed MOS diet. Physiological condition indicators such as wet tail muscle index (Tw/B), wet hepatosomatic index (Hiw) and dry tail muscle index (Td/B) of the lobsters fed MOS supplemented diet were higher (P < 0.05) than that of the lobsters fed the control diet. Bacteria in the gut (both total aerobic and Vibrio spp.) and gut's absorption surface indicated by the internal perimeter/external perimeter ratio were also higher (P < 0.05) when the lobsters were fed MOS diet. Lobsters fed MOS diet were in better immune condition showed by higher THC and GC, and lower bacteraemia. Survival, THC, GC were not different among the lobsters fed either MOS or control diet after 3 days of bacterial infection while bacteraemia was lower in the lobsters fed MOS diet. After 7 days of bacterial infection the lobsters fed MOS diet showed higher survival, THC, GC and lower bacteraemia than the lobsters fed the control diet. The experimental trial demonstrated the ability of MOS to improve the growth performance, survival, physiological condition, gut health and immune responses of tropical spiny lobsters juveniles.     

The effect of experimental, long-term exposure to low-dose zearalenone mycotoxicosis on the histological condition of ovaries in sexually immature gilts

Farm animals are at risk of exposure to zearalenone (ZEA) in feedstuffs, which may lead to aberrations in their reproductive development, thereby adversely affecting production outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of long-term (48 days), per os administration of low ZEA doses (50% [20 μg ZEA/kg body weight (bw)] and 100% [40 μg ZEA/kg bw] NOAEL values) on anatomopathological changes in the ovaries of sexually immature gilts. The experiment involved 12 clinically healthy gilts aged 2 months with an initial body weight of about 40 kg and a determined immune status. The animals were randomly divided into two experimental groups (E1, E2) and a control group (C; all n = 4). Group E1 received per os 20 μg ZEA/kg bw for 48 days; group E2 received per os 40 μg ZEA/kg bw for 48 days; and group C received per os placebo for 48 days. Analytical samples of the mycotoxin were administered daily per os in gelatine capsules before morning feeding. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment. The results of anatomopathological examinations of the ovaries in immature gilts subjected to long-term, low-dose ZEA exposure showed that ZEA-induced experimental hyperoestrogenism lowered the proliferative ability of granulosa cells of the ovarian follicle walls and of the connective tissue of the ovarian stroma, in particular at the lower ZEA dose.     

Feed Intake of Young Double-Muscled Bulls Fed on Grass and Supplemented with Sugar-Beet Pulp

Daily dry matter intake in young growing double-muscled bulls, fed indoors on grass, was estimated based on forty-four intake data from 28 animals, ageing at least five months and weighing up to 400kg live weight. Intake was measured during five consecutive days using one of eighteen cuts of grass. Fresh meadow grass (mainly Lolium perenne ) was fed ad libitum and twokg dried sugar-beet pulp was offered per animal and per day. Animal live weight averaged 278 ± 82kg and mean total daily dry matter intake amounted to 5.05 ± 1.59kg or 73.6 ± 13.7g perkg metabolic weight, while pulp dry matter intake amounted to 1.49 ± 0.50kg per day. Regression analysis showed that animal as well as feed characteristics could explain up to approximately 90% of the variation in daily dry matter intake. The supplementation resulted in an extra daily dry matter intake of 0.68g perg pulp dry matter. Intake of double-muscled animals was considerably lower than previously reported for non-double-muscled cattle. An extra supplementation of young grazing double-muscled animals could be advised from these findings, while extra protein should also be considered.     

Hormonal control of testicular protein synthesis in developing Tenebrio molitor

During differentiation, the testes of Tenebrio molitor were found to exhibit increases in biosynthetic capacity reflected by changes in the testicular protein content. A gradual increase in testicular protein content was observed during the prepupal stage. The observed increase was more dramatic in the pupal stage and reached its maximum level between days 4 and 7 of pupal development. During the adult stage, the biosynthetic processes for producing protein were apparently reduced following the first few days after adult emergence.The incorporation of radioactive leucine into TCA-precipitable testicular protein was not affected by the administration of exogenous juvenile hormone alone (JH I, 1 μg/animal) during the pupal stage. However, the administration of exogenous ecdysterone (0.5 μg/animal) to pupal T. molitor resulted in an increase in radioactive leucine incorporated into TCA-precipitable testicular proteins, particularly during the first five days after pupal ecdysis.Simultaneous administration of both JH and ecdysterone to mealworm pupae at specific ages indicated that no apparent interaction, synergistic or antagonistic, occurred between these two hormones with respect to [³H]-leucine incorporation. Furthermore, the amount of [³H]-leucine incorporated approximated to that obtained following injection of ecdysterone alone in all the pupal ages studied.     

Selenium contentrations in human renal cortex, liver, and hair in Northern Poland

The aim of this study was to (1) determine the selenium concentration in the renal cortex, liver, and hair in 64 residents from northern Poland (Gdańsk region) aged 17–81 yr, who died suddenly, and (2) assess whether a correlation between the selenium concentration in hair and in the renal cortex and liver occurs. Selenium was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry using the hydride generation method. The mean selenium concentration in the renal cortex, liver, and hair in the investigated persons was 0.791±0.191 μg/g (wet weight), 0.289±0.084 μg/g (wet weight), and 0.443±0.128 μg/g, respectively. No age-dependent differences in selenium level in the investigated tissues was found. Also, no correlation between the selenium concentrations in hair and in renal cortex and liver was assessed.     

Control of cuticle formation by wing imaginal discs in vitro.

Wing discs from late final-instar Ephestia larvae form only pupal cuticle when immediately implanted into pupae which subsequently undergo metamorphosis. However, either pupal or adult structures are made in vitro depending on (1) the ecdysterone dose and/or (2) disc cell proliferation. Continuous culture in ecdysterone (0.5–5.0 μg/ml) results in the appearance of transparent cuticle. On the basis of several criteria, this untanned cuticle is postulated to be scaleless adult cuticle. Discs pulsed with 0.5 μg/ml ecdysterone for 48–120 hr, or with 5.0 μg/ml for 24 hr, formed tanned cuticle. Lower doses of ecdysterone (i.e., 0.5 μg/ml for 24 hr or continuous exposure to 0.05 μg/ml) trigger adult scale formation. Enhancement of [³H]thymidine incorporation by these latter doses suggests the occurrence of disc cell divisions and polyploidization. The choice between pupal and adult pathways by wing discs of this age can be controlled exclusively by ecdysterone; juvenile hormone need not be involved in vitro.     

Influence of ecdysterone, precocene and compounds with juvenile hormone activity on induction, termination and maintenance of diapause in the parasitoid wasp, Nasonia vitripennis

ABSTRACT. Using the Galleria bioassay, no difference could be found between the JH titre of diapausing and developing Nasonia larvae. Compared to the values found in some Lepidoptera, the JH titres in Nasonia larvae are low, c. 14 Galleria units/g live weight. Induction of diapause could not be brought about by topical application of JH I, JH analogues, precocene, or ecdysterone to the maternal generation, nor by treating eggs or larvae with compounds with JH activity. Diapause was easily terminated by topical application of ecdysterone, however. If ecdysterone treatment was preceded by JH-treatment, the percentage of larvae terminating diapause was reduced: JH II seems to be more potent than JH I or JH III in this effect if the interval between JH and ecdysterone treatment is 72 h.     

The Concentrations of Molybdenum and Zinc in Liver in Relation to Copper Accumulation in Normal and Copper Poisoned Sheep

The concentrations of copper, molybdenum and zinc were measured in the liver of normal grazing sheep and lambs from Eastern Norway, and in sheep dead of chronic copper poisoning. The following mean values were found: Normal sheep: 173 ± 130 μg Gu/g wet weight, 1.0 ±0.3 μg Mo/g, and 49 ± 10 μg Zn/g; lambs: 129 ± 59 μg Gu/g, 0.9 ± 0.3 μg Mo/g, and 46 ±9 μg Zn/g; sheep dead of copper poisoning: 429 ± 249 μg Gu/g, 0.4 ± 0.1 μg Mo/g, and 43 ± 2d μg Zn/g. Sheep with low liver copper (Gu < 10 μg/g) were also analyzed for molybdenum and zinc, with the following results: 1.0 ± 0.2 μg Mo/g, and 45 ± 8 μg Zn/g wet weight. The differences in liver copper between all the groups, and the differences in molybdenum concentrations between the normal sheep and the lambs and between the normal sheep and the poisoned sheep were significant (P < 0.001). No significant correlations between liver copper/liver molybdenum or liver copper/liver zinc were detected.     

Induction of atresia of the dominant follicle in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) by the local application of estradiol-17β

Estradiol-17β (E₂), administered systemically to rhesus monkeys during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, induces atretic changes in the microenvironment of the dominant follicle (DF), which results in its demise. It has been proposed that this effect of E₂ represents a direct action at the ovarian level. The present study was designed to test this hypothesis, using local treatment with E₂. After identification of the DF during laparoscopy on day 6 of the cycle, female monkeys were laparotomized and their ovaries exposed. Either corn oil (20 μl, controls) or E2 (100 μg ) in oil vehicle (experimentals) was injected into the ovary near the DF. In control animals, preovulatory release of gonadotropins and ovulation were normal in five of six animals, with cycle and luteal phase lengths of 27.8 ± 2.2 days and 14.6 ± 2.5 days, respectively (x? ± S.D.). Conversely, in only one of six animals in the experimental group did ovulation occur at the expected time (P < 0.05). In the other five treated animals, E₂ induced atresia of the DF and significantly extended cycles (35.4 ± 5.4 days) without affecting luteal phase lengths (12.0 ± 1.4 days). Concentrations of estrogen in peripheral sera of some animals were increased transiently at 6 h after injection of E₂ but returned to normal by 12 h; this duration of estrogen exposure is far less than the 24 h required to induce atresia of the DF in previous studies. At 6 h after injection of E₂, there was a statistical difference between controls and experimentals in concentrations of circulating estrogen; however, these changes were apparently not enough to alter pituitary secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone or luteinizing hormone. These data support the hypothesis that E₂ can induce atresia of the DF in rhesus monkeys by acting locally at the ovary.     

Interaction of cyclic nucleotides and ecdysterone in breaking the pupal diapause of the bertha armyworm, Mamestra configurata WLK.

Cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP have distinct and opposite effects upon the action of ecdysterone in diapausing pupae of the Bertha armyworm, $\text{Mamestra}$$\text{configurata}$. Cyclic GMP enhanced the effectiveness of suboptimal doses of ecdysterone in breaking diapause; the amount of cyclic GMP required to lower the ED50 of ecdysterone by half was 80 μg/g. Dibutyryl cyclic GMP had no apparent effect on the action of ecdysterone over a wide dose range (0.07 – 70 μg/g). On the other hand, cyclic AMP and dibutyryl cyclic AMP effectively blocked the diapause-breaking action of ecdysterone when administered simultaneously with the steroid hormone. The amount of cyclic AMP required to reduce the incidence of diapause termination from 100% to 50% was 60 μg/g; for dibutyryl cyclic AMP the amount required was only 14 μg/g. No cyclic nucleotide tested in the study could by itself break the pupal diapause of $\text{M.}$$\text{configurata}$. The concept that cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP provide at least different if not opposing regulatory influences in certain insect systems is discussed briefly in the light of these observations.     

Fetotoxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) for rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

The fetotoxic and teratogenic potential of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) for rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) was tested through oral administration to monkeys early in pregnancy. A single or divided dose, 1 μg of TCDD/kg of body weight, was followed by abortion in 13 of 16 pregnant monkeys treated between days 20 and 40 of gestation. One of four aborted at 0.2 μg/kg, and two of two at 5 μg/kg. None of the mothers given 0.2 μg/kg showed signs of toxicity. Eight of the monkeys aborting at 1 μg/kg showed clinical toxicity 44 to 111 days after aborting, and three died. Both given 5 μg/kg became toxic soon after abortion and died. No malformations except for two minor palatal abnormalities of questionable significance were found in the six fetuses that were not aborted at doses of 0.2 and 1.0 μg/kg. These results indicate (1) that TCDD is fetotoxic at doses that frequently have delayed toxicity to the mother, but that conclusions about teratogenicity cannot be drawn, and (2) that pregnant rhesus females are more sensitive to the toxic effects of TCDD than any species tested but the guinea pig.     

Behavior,Growth and Survival of Stage V Lobsters (Homarus Americanus) in Relation to Shelter Availability and Lobster Density

The effects of 2 levels of shelter availability (8 or 32 shelters) and of 3 levels of intraspecific density (5, 15, or 30 individuals per 0.5 m 2) on the behavior, survival and growth of stage V lobsters over a period of h 25 days were examined through controlled laboratory experiments. Dominance interactions were apparent in all treatments and only certain lobsters gained access to shelter in the medium- and high-density treatments. Lobsters spent more than 95% of their time in shelter when possible, and expressed significantly greater fidelity to one shelter in the 8-shelter treatment compared to the 32-shelter treatment. Shelter availability and lobster density had no effect on the incidence of molting or on the mean size of lobsters at experiment's end. The proportion of injured lobsters was independent of shelter availability, but was positively related to density. Lobsters were most likely to die after having molted and percent mortality was significantly greater at low density and in the 32-shelter treatment than in other treatments, probably due to a stronger and more consistent dominance hierarchy. Overall, the findings suggest that settlers may interact, that the frequency and intensity of interactions may be modified by relative shelter availability and lobster density, and that such interactions may contribute to determine a cohort's fate.     

Behavior, Growth and Survival of Stage V Lobsters ( Homarus Americanus ) in Relation to Shelter Availability and Lobster Density

The effects of 2 levels of shelter availability (8 or 32 shelters) and of 3 levels of intraspecific density (5, 15, or 30 individuals per 0.5 m 2 ) on the behavior, survival and growth of stage V lobsters over a period of ≤25 days were examined through controlled laboratory experiments. Dominance interactions were apparent in all treatments and only certain lobsters gained access to shelter in the medium- and high-density treatments. Lobsters spent more than 95% of their time in shelter when possible, and expressed significantly greater fidelity to one shelter in the 8-shelter treatment compared to the 32-shelter treatment. Shelter availability and lobster density had no effect on the incidence of molting or on the mean size of lobsters at experiment's end. The proportion of injured lobsters was independent of shelter availability, but was positively related to density. Lobsters were most likely to die after having molted and percent mortality was significantly greater at low density and in the 32-shelter treatment than in other treatments, probably due to a stronger and more consistent dominance hierarchy. Overall, the findings suggest that settlers may interact, that the frequency and intensity of interactions may be modified by relative shelter availability and lobster density, and that such interactions may contribute to determine a cohort's fate.     

The Concentrations of Copper,Zinc and Molyrdenum in Swine Liver and the Relationship to the Distrirution of Solurle Copper- and Zinc-Rinding Proteins

The concentrations of copper, zinc and molybdenum were measured in liver samples from 21 normal slaughter pigs (average age about 6 months) and in 36 sows (average age about 2 years). The following mean values were found: Slaughter pigs: 15 ± 8 µg Cu/g, 45 ± 7 μg Zm/g and 1.0 ± 0.2 μg Mo/g wet weight; sows: 46 ± 70 μg Cu/g, 70 ± 26 μg Zn/g and 1.3 ± 0.3 μg Mo/g wet weight. The concentrations of all 3 elements were significantly higher in the sows than in the young pigs. There was no correlation between the concentrations of copper, zinc or molybdenum. The recorded copper levels in the slaughter pigs were in accordance with the levels of non-supplemented pigs given in the literature. The soluble hepatic copper- and zinc-binding proteins were separated into 3 different fractions by gel filtration. With increasing copper and zinc levels in the liver, a higher relative amount of these elements were found in the low molecular weight fraction.     

In vivo antioxidant properties of vitamin e and chromium in cold-stressed Japanese quails

An experiment was conducted to determine if vitamin E (α-tocopherol acetate) and chromium (chromium picolinate, Cr Pic) supplementation attenuate the negative effects of cold stress on egg production, egg quality, serum metabolites, and antioxidant status in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). One hundred and fifty laying Japanese quails (50-day-old) were divided into five groups, 30 birds per group. The laying quails kept at 6°C for 12 h/d (08.00 p.m. to 08.00 a.m.) were fed either a basal diet (low temperature-basal diet, CS group) or the basal diet supplemented with either 400 μg of Cr/kg of diet (Cr group), 250 mg of α-tocopherol-acetate per kg of diet (Vit. E group) or 400 μg of Cr plus 250 mg of α-tocopherol-acetate per kg of diet (Vit. E + Cr group) while quails kept at 18°C were fed a basal diet (thermo-neutral-basal diet, TN group). Performance and egg quality were significantly reduced in CS group compared with TN group. Supplemental chromium and vitamin E significantly increased live weight change, egg production, and improved feed efficiency in cold-stressed laying hens compared with the group fed the basal diet at 6°C. Egg production and egg weight were also greater (P < 0.05) in each supplemental group compared with the CS group. However, a combination of vitamin E and chromium, rather than each separately, provided the greatest performance. Supplemental vitamin E and chromium also increased serum vitamin C and E but, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (P < 0.05); the combination of vitamin E and chromium resulted in the highest levels of serum vitamin C and E within the cold-stressed quails. Results of the present study indicate that combined antioxidant supplements increased performance, egg quality and serum antioxidant levels while lowering MDA in cold-stressed quails.     

Ecdysteroid levels during post-diapause development and 20-hydroxyecdysone-induced development in male pupae of Mamestra configurata Wlk.

Post-diapause development in male pupae of Mamestra configurata Wlk. was characterized by the appearance of large, transitory peaks of ecdysone (2.8 μg/g live wt) at day 8 and 20-hydroxyecdysone (2.2 μg/g) at day 12 which declined to low levels prior to adult eclosion at day 28.Treatment of diapausing pupae with 20-hydroxyecdysone elicited a progression of dose-dependent physiological and pathological effects, including termination of diapause, development, accelerated development, and accelerated development leading to malformation and death. At a dose of 7.5 μg 20-hydroxyecdysone/g, all treated pupae terminated diapause, developed with little mortality and produced a high proportion of morphologically perfect adults. However, there were no large peaks of ecdysone or 20-hydroxyecdysone in treated pupae, possibly due to feedback inhibition by 20-hydroxyecdysone.At doses greater than 7.5 μg/g, development was accelerated markedly, survival decreased precipitously (0% at 15 μg/g) and the proportion of malformed adults increased sharply. Pupae that received a lethal dose of 20-hydroxyecdysone died almost synchronously after undergoing accelerated development for 18–20 days, indicating that they encounter a common, hormone-induced developmental block. Pupae receiving 15 μg/g also showed no edcysone or 20-hydroxyecdysone peaks, but had a prolonged period of hyperecdysonism which likely caused their accelerated development and death.     

Changes in blood serum protein levels during the moulting cycle of the lobster, Homarus gammarus (L.)

The blood serum protein level of lobsters kept in a stable environment rose from a mean value of 36.5 μg protein/ml of blood shortly after moulting to about 70 μg/ml in the first 40 % of the moult cycle; in the next 30 % of the cycle there was little change but in the last 30 % the mean blood protein level rose to ≈ 85 μg/ml. It is concluded that the variation in blood protein level between lobsters is too great at any stage of the moulting cycle for the technique to give an indication of the onset of moulting.