© 2001 by The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
Hormones in the Lives of Crustaceans: An Overview1
1 Bodega Marine Laboratory, University of California, P.O. Box 247, Bodega Bay, California 94923
We present an overview of the isolation and characterization of three hormones (or hormone families) important for the growth and development of decapod crustaceans. These hormones include the ecdysteroids (steroid molting hormones), the hyperglycemic hormone neuropeptide family, and the terpenoid methyl farnesoate. Using examples primarily from our laboratory, we describe work on these hormones using various life stages of the lobster (Homarus americanus) as the principal model.