The Unmasking of Aggressive Chemosignaling via the Crayfish Model: An in-depth Urinalysis using HPLC
Description
PURPOSE: It is well established in the scientific community that decapod crustaceans secrete molecules via nephropores to communicate with each other. These molecules have been shown by numerous conducted studies to affect animal behavior, especially aggression. However, studies in decapod crustaceans have yet to elucidate the chemical nature of aggressive chemosignals during agnostic/fight interactions. SUBJECTS AND HYPOTHESIS: The main goal of this study was to identify the chemical profile of crayfish urine via HPLC. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The urinalysis of stressed crayfish revealed 47 different chemicals present in the urine minutes after the stressful episode. ANALYSES: We were able to identify only four of ten chemicals of interest: uric acid, guanosine, L-tryptophan and N-acetyl-serotonin. CONCLUSION: It is still unclear whether there is one specific chemical or a combination of chemicals that convey information in the form of an aggressive chemosignal. The role of these specific chemicals in agnostic interactions are still under investigation.
The Unmasking of Aggressive Chemosignaling via the Crayfish Model: An in-depth Urinalysis using HPLC
PURPOSE: It is well established in the scientific community that decapod crustaceans secrete molecules via nephropores to communicate with each other. These molecules have been shown by numerous conducted studies to affect animal behavior, especially aggression. However, studies in decapod crustaceans have yet to elucidate the chemical nature of aggressive chemosignals during agnostic/fight interactions. SUBJECTS AND HYPOTHESIS: The main goal of this study was to identify the chemical profile of crayfish urine via HPLC. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The urinalysis of stressed crayfish revealed 47 different chemicals present in the urine minutes after the stressful episode. ANALYSES: We were able to identify only four of ten chemicals of interest: uric acid, guanosine, L-tryptophan and N-acetyl-serotonin. CONCLUSION: It is still unclear whether there is one specific chemical or a combination of chemicals that convey information in the form of an aggressive chemosignal. The role of these specific chemicals in agnostic interactions are still under investigation.