Abstract

Ashish Geete, Sunita Rani Chimania and Mohammad Ovais

Effect of 24 amino acids on the isolated scale melanophores of C. mrigala has been examined. Three amino acids viz. DL-2-Amino-n-Butyric acid, L-Cystine and L-Hydroxy Proline failed to induce any significant aggregation or dispersion In the melanophores. The other group of three amino acids i.e., L-Arginine HCI L-Glutamic acid and DL-Threonine induced dose related aggregation in this fish melanophores. While, the rest of the eighteen amino acids like DL-β- Phenyl Alanine, DLDopa and DL-Tryptophan etc.,induced dose related dispersion in the melanophores. Aggregatory responses of the melanophores were blocked by phentolamine but the dispersal responses were not affected by propranolol or ketamine. It is concluded that the aggregatory responses of the C. mrigala melanophores to the three amino acids are mediated through the activation of alpha adrenergic receptors by the neurotransmitter substance released from the melanophore nerve terminals under the influence of these amino acids However, the dispersal responses of this fish melanophores to the 18 amino acids may be of direct in nature.

Melanophores; L-Cystine; Amino; Melanophores

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