Triacylglycerol synthesis in the premolt field crab Paratelphusa hydrodromus (Milne-Edwards) (Crustacea).

Triacylglycerol synthesis was investigated in the hepatopancreas of the premolt field crab Paratelphusa hydrodromus using uniformally labelled [14C] acetate. Maximum incorporation occurred after 180 min into the triacylglycerol fraction of the hepatopancreas in both the sexes. Sexual dimorphism was indicated by a greater accumulation of labelled acetate in the triacylglycerol fraction of the hepatopancreas of the female than that of the male crab. The conversion of labelled acetate to triacylglycerol was greater in fed- than starved crabs. Haemolymph seemed to contain factor(s) which enhanced the lipogenic capacity of the hepatopancreas.