Eicosanoid generation in the intertidal barnacle, Balanus perforatus - Effect of season and reproductive status

Citation

Maskrey BH, Bell JG & Rowley AF (2005) Eicosanoid generation in the intertidal barnacle, Balanus perforatus - Effect of season and reproductive status. Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Comparative Experimental Biology, 303A (10), pp. 904-916. https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.a.212

Abstract
The nature and quantity of the principal lipoxygenase (LO) products generated by the intertidal barnacle Balanus perforatus were examined at monthly intervals and their potential involvement in reproductive events was investigated. The main mono-hydroxy products generated were found to be formed through the action of an 8-lipoxygenase (8-LO) activity and were the mono-hydroxy fatty acids, 8-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (HEPE) and 8-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Generation of these products was found to be correlated with the environmental seawater temperature, although no change in either 8-LO activity or the precursor fatty acid levels in total phospholipids was found with the time of the year. Changes in fatty acid composition measured in animals collected from summer and winter conditions were found to follow the pattern expected by homeoviscous adaptation of a cold-acclimated animal. Oogenesis was found to occur in August and was linked to a significant reduction in 8-HEPE generation. Spermatozoa were found to be present year-round in the seminal vesicles although the testes became atrophic during the winter months.

Journal
Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Comparative Experimental Biology: Volume 303A, Issue 10

People

Professor Gordon Bell

Emeritus Professor, Institute of Aquaculture