Sexual dimorphism in N-acetyltransferase and melatonin levels in the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii de Man

Abstract

N-acetyltransferase (NAT) and melatonin were determined in the optic lobe of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii de Man. The prawns were divided into three groups: fast-growing 'jumper' males; slow- growing 'laggard' males; and females. Both NAT and melatonin levels in the jumper and laggard males were comparable, whereas those of the female were significantly lower. The results suggested a sexual dimorphism in the NAT and melatonin in the optic lobe of this species. It was also found that when one optic lobe was isolated, the level of NAT and melatonin in the contralateral optic lobe did not show a compensatory increase in either males or females. On the contrary, melatonin was suppressed in the remaining optic lobes in both sexes.