Thermal stress induced hyperglycemia in the blue swimmer crab, Portunus pelagicus

Hyperglycemia is a stress responsible mechanism induced in crustaceans through the secretion of Crustacean Hyperglycemic Hormone (CHH). The effect of thermal shock on the hemolymph CHH levels was studied in P. pelagicus. Crabs were exposed to varying temperatures for 3 h and were then transferred to ambient temperature (28 degrees C). A higher CHH level of 47.30 +/- 2.26 fmol/ml was observed on exposure of crabs to 24 degrees C, over a recovery period of 3 h. This was reflected with increase in hemolymph glucose causing hyperglycemia and subsequent decrease in hepatopancreas glycogen levels. The results suggest the modulatory role of CHH in producing the energy required for the physiological reparation faced by the crabs during thermal stress.

Automated summary

The study showed that exposure to high temperatures led to an increase in CHH levels in P. pelagicus, causing hyperglycemia and a subsequent decrease in hepatopancreas glycogen levels. These results suggest the modulatory role of CHH in providing energy for crabs undergoing physiological repairs during thermal stress.