Earticle

Leucosia anatum , also known as the pebble crab, is a species of crab that belongs to the family Leucosiidae. Crabs are the most conspicuous and abundant components of the epibenthic macrofauna of the mangrove ecosystems. The present investigation was carried out with the objective of enlightening the reproductive system of L.anatum through histological and histochemical studies. Histological analysis of the epithelial cells of vas deferens, the luminal size and shape of the vas deferens was carried out, since the spermatophore material is secreted and molded by the vas deferens. Histochemical analysis of the blood plasma, testis, proximal vas deferens, middle vas deferens, distal vas deferens, seminal plasma and spermatophore was done to reveal the possible transformation of their secretory materials into the spermatophoric components. Biochemical components present in the blood plasma, testis, proximal vas deferens (PVD), median vas deferens (MVD) and distal vas deferens (DVD) regions seminal plasma and spermatophore of pebble crab were analyzed to find out the quantity of free sugars, proteins, and fats. Thus the current study focuses on the histological and histochemical analysis of Testis and Vas Deferens and their secretions in L.anatum .

The sesarmid crab Muradium tetragonum , inhabiting the mangrove, are considered as a key consumer of litter and thereby play an important role in the detritus food chain and energy flow in the mangrove ecosystem. The present investigation was carried out with objectives to enlighten the reproductive system of Muradium tetragonum through histological and histochemical studies. Histological organization of the testis of M. tetragonum revealed that each testis has a lobular structure consisting of several testicular lobules arranged around the collecting duct. Histology of the deferens of M. tetragonum revealed it to be composed of three-layer of tissues along the entire length:the outer connective tissue, the middle muscular and the inner epithelial layer. Based on the histological architecture these three regions are recognized as proximal vas deferens (PVD), middle vas deferens (MVD) and distal vas deferens (DVD). Histological characteristics of the ovary of M. tetragonum during different phases of ovarian development were studied. Based on the colour changes of the ovary and diameter of the oocytes five stages of ovarian development can be pronounced. Histochemical analysis of the male reproductive tissues of M. tetragonum signifies the secretion of a different biomolecule by specifying their origin in the reproductive tissue and their possible transformation into spermatophores. In the female reproductive tissues, histochemical evaluation envisaged the secretory products during different stages of ovarian development The secretory substances of the spermatheca expound on the significance of its secretion in dehiscing the spermatophore wall and in nourishing as well as protecting the spermatozoa.

The follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) is a glycoprotein hormone, that belongs to the GPCR superfamily. FSHR plays a major role in reproduction. The aberrant activation of FHS receptor leads to infertility and several reproductive disorders. The recently recognized roles of the FSHR in diverse extragonadal tissues is also closely related to Alzheimer’s disease and cancers. Analysing the structural characteristics of the receptor is important in understanding the pathophysiology of diseases associated with the receptor. In this present study, homology modelling of FSHR-TM domain was developed using four different templates. Totally 20 models were developed using single template-based approach and selected three based on the validation of RC plot, RMSD, ProSA, QMEAN and ERRAT values. The developed models would be useful for further research on the structural characteristics and binding characteristics of the FSHR-TM domain.

P2X receptors are ATP-activated ion channels in the plasma membrane. P2X receptors have a role in a diverse range of disorders, making them a valuable therapeutic target. Hence, the present investigation employed homology modelling of the P2X receptor based on the crystal structure of 5SVJ, 6AH4, 5YVE and 5SVL. Twenty models, using both single- and multiple template-based methods, were developed, and the best model was chosen based on the validation result. We observed that a strategy based on multiple templates provided greater accuracy. Future studies involving binding site and docking analysis can make use of the produced structures.