Localization of pyrokinin-like immunoreactivity in the brain of the crayfish Astacus leptodactylus (Crustacea)

Pyrokinins are members of the pyrokinin/PBAN family of neuropeptides, which have been found in many insect species, and recently also in the crustacean Litopenaeus vannamei. Members of this family regulate reproductive processes in insects, including pheromone biosynthesis. Pyrokinin-like immunoreactivity has been studied in insects, but not in crustaceans. In this study, a polyclonal antibody against pyrokinin 1 of Litopenaeus vannamei was used to demonstrate the presence of pyrokinin-like material in the brain of the crayfish Astacus leptodactylus. Immunoreactivity was found in cells of the tritocerebrum, indicating that pyrokinin-like peptides are present in crayfish.