Role of Arachidonic Acid and COX Inhibitors in the Regulation of Reproduction in Freshwater Crab Oziothelphusa senex senex

Abstract

Induced reproduction of cultured species helps to produce quantity and quality seed an important component for upright yield in crustacean aquaculture. The present study was aimed to investigate the role of arachidonic acid in the regulation of ovarian development in the freshwater crab, Oziothelphusa senex senex. Injection of AA significantly (p<0.001) increased the ovarian index, oocyte diameter and ovarian vitellogenin levels. Injection of COX inhibitors such as indomethacin and aspirin alone, and in combination with AA resulted in significant (p<0.001) reduction in ovarian index, oocyte diameter and ovarian vitellogenin levels in crabs. The results of the present study provide evidence that arachidonic acid and COX inhibitors involved in the regulation of female reproduction in the freshwater crab, Oziothelphusa senex senex.