title: A mechanism of action for the inhibition of black pigment dispersion in the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator, by naphthalene.
abstract: The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, naphthalene, inhibits the circadian dispersion of epidermal black pigment in the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator, by inhibiting the release of black pigment dispersing hormone. Naphthalene caused no permanent neural damage in Uca pugilator. Naphthalene did not cause a chemically-induced phase shift in the circadian rhythm of black pigment dispersion but reduced the daytime peak of that dispersion. Black pigment concentration, which occurs at night, was not affected by exposure to naphthalene. Black pigment dispersing hormone in naphthalene-exposed crabs can be released by an injection of norepinephrine. Given the points above, and previously published data, it is concluded that naphthalene inhibits circadian black pigment dispersion in Uca pugilator by inhibiting the release of the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003386:Brachyura / Q000378:metabolism*; D002856:Chromatophores / Q000378:metabolism; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D007447:Invertebrate Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010860:Pigments, Biological / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D006728:Hormones; D007447:Invertebrate Hormones; D009281:Naphthalenes; D010860:Pigments, Biological; C031721:naphthalene; C005973:black pigment dispersing hormone