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Neurotransmitters in hermatypic coral, Acropora spp., and its contribution to synchronous spawning during reproductive event

Journal Article · · Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
; ; ; ;  [1]
  1. Department of Bioresource Technology, Okinawa National College of Technology, 905 Henoko, Nago-City, Okinawa, 905-2192 (Japan)
Highlights: • Analytical method of neurotransmitters in hermatypic corals was established by LC/MS in the selective ion mode. • The method can be a widely performed investigation of the marine vertebrate or invertebrate life cycle or environmental stress. • Neurotransmitters together with H{sub 2}O{sub 2} play a significant role in the synchronous reproduction of hermatypic corals. Synchronous spawning as mass reproduction is well known to occur in many hermatypic corals, which is one of the mysterious life birth events. However, its contributing mechanism has not yet been clarified. This study placed focus on elucidating a neurotransmitter as endocrine signals that contribute to the synchronous spawning. First, the determination method of the neurotransmitters in coral was established by LC/MS in the selective ion mode together with a solid phase extraction method. As a result, the similar contents of the neurotransmitters for dopamine (DA), adrenaline (AD) and noradrenaline (NR) were detected in both the hermatypic corals of Acropora intermedia and Acropora digitifera. More interestingly, these neurotransmitters increased through the reproductive event during the synchronous spawning of A. intermedia, particularly, remarkable changes in the NR and DA were observed. In addition, hydrogen peroxide is known as the spawning stimulant and the metabolic by-product of the neurotransmitters, which was exposed to A. digitifera, then the neurotransmitters increased as well as those of the synchronization of spawning. All of the results suggested that the neurotransmitters contribute to the synchronous spawning in the hermatypic corals.
OSTI ID:
23137066
Journal Information:
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Journal Name: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 501; ISSN 0006-291X; ISSN BBRCA9
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English