Immunocytochemical localization of actin and tubulin in the integument of land crab (Gecarcinus lateralis) and lobster (Homarus americanus).

摘要: The crustacean integument consists of the exoskeleton and underlying epithelium associated tissues. epithelium, which is composed a single layer cells, responsible for cyclical breakdown synthesis with molting (ecdysis). During premolt (proecdysis) epithelial cells lengthen secrete two outermost layers (epicuticle exocuticle) new while partially degrading innermost (endocuticle membranous layer) overlying old exoskeleton. This increased cellular activity protein change in cell shape from cuboidal to columnar. cytoskeleton, microfilaments (actin) microtubules (tubulin), plays important roles intracellular organization motility eukaryotic cells. Immunoblot analysis shows that land crab contains actin, tubulin, actin-related proteins (Varadaraj et al. 1996. Gene 171:177-184). In present study, immunocytochemistry lobster showed both were localized various types, including epithelia, connective tissue, tendinal blood vessels. Muscle immunostained actin myosin, but not tubulin. (the other examined) endocuticle also reacted specifically anti-beta-actin anti-alpha-tubulin monoclonal antibodies, an anti-myosin heavy chain antibody. proecdysis immunolabeling decreased probably due degradation. staining intensity tubulin proecdysial was similar intermolt (anecdysial) suggesting there net accumulation proportional increase volume. These results support previous biochemical analyses and, more specifically, localize exoskeletal structures, they may serve extracellular functions crustaceans. J. Exp. Zool. 286:329-342, 2000.