A. Sujathamma and Y. Dayakar
Reproductive physiology is highly controlled and governed by the variety of hormonal factors. The present study have been investigated the role of estradiol and 17 α- hydroxyprogesterone in the reproduction of the fresh water field crab Oziotelphusa senex senex regulated by the nervous and endocrine systems. The crabs were divided into two experimental groups and injected with estradiol and 17 α- hydroxyprogesterone @10 mol/crab separately at different intervals in one month duration of experiment. The Gonado Somatic Index (GSI), Oocyte Diameter (OD) and ovarian indices were estimated in both control and experimental female crabs. All the parameters were increased significantly (P<0.01) when compared with controls, the estradiol was more effective than 17α- hydroxyprogesterone and both are influencing the gonadal growth and reproduction in female crab Oziotelphusa senex senex. Possible impact of steroids on reproduction of crustaceans is discussed.
