Identification and characterization of vitellin in a hermaphrodite shrimp, Pandalus kessleri

Abstract

1. A female specific protein (FSP, vitellogenin) in hemolymph and its related ovarian protein (vitellin) of Pandalus kessleri were studied by means of electrophoretical and immunological procedures.

2. The vitellin was purified from vitellogenic ovaries using hydroxylapatite, DEAE cellulose and Sepharose 6B columns, consecutively.

3. The vitellin had a molecular weight of approximately 560 kD and was composed of two subunits, 81 and 110 kD, respectively.

4. The vitellogenin concentrations in the hemolymph increased as vitellogenesis in the ovarian oocytes advanced and dropped markedly after the release of mature eggs.