The content of
ascorbic acid and tocopherol in the tissues and eggs of wild Macrobrachium
rosenbergii during maturation
R.O.
Cavalli, M. Tamtin, P. Lavens, P. Sorgeloos, H.J. Nelis, A.P. De
Leenheer-2001
Journal of Shellfish Research, 20(3): 939-943
(from Current Contents)
Abstract :
Variations in the concentrations of ascorbic acid
(AA) and tocopherols in association with the gonadal development of the
freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii were investigated in females
captured in the Mae Klong River, Thailand. Mean ovarian AA levels ranged
from 210 to 540 mug/g dry weight (dw) and were at least 11-fold higher than
midgut gland (MG) levels. Variations in ovarian AA levels are believed to be
related to the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, the formation of collagen,
and the deposition of egg yolk compounds. alpha-Tocopherol (alpha-T) was the
predominant form of vitamin E in prawn tissues and eggs. The level of
alpha-T in the MG was constant, whereas in the ovaries, it ranged from 143
to 425 mug/g dw. The incorporation of a-T into the ovary was highly
correlated (r(2) = 0.87) to ovarian lipid levels, which probably reflects
the role of this vitamin as a major antioxidant agent. The present results
provide further evidence of the essentiality of these vitamins in crustacean
reproduction.
(Laboratory of
Aquaculture &
Artemia Reference Center, University of Ghent, Rozier 44, B-9000 Ghent,
Belgium, tel: +32/9/264.37.54, fax: +32/9/264.41.93, e-mail: Patrick.Sorgeloos@rug.ac.be)