The International Journal of Developmental Biology

Int. J. Dev. Biol. 39: 545 - 548 (1995)

Vol 39, Issue 3

Sexual differentiation of reproductive tissue in bivalve molluscs: identification of male associated polypeptide in the mantle of Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk

Published: 1 June 1995

A T Mikhailov, M Torrado and J Méndez

Institute of Sciences of the Health, University of La Coruña, Spain.

Abstract

We have addressed the question of sexual reproductive tissue dimorphism in bivalve molluscs, Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk, which is a stable gonochoric species although with no apparent differences in gonad morphology of both sexes. At all periods of the annual cycle the proteins specific of male/female gonads were identified. One of these proteins, "male-associated polypeptide" with apparent MW 39 kDa (MAP-39), has been biochemically and immunochemically characterized. MAP-39 concentration in male mature gonads achieved up to 10% of the total soluble protein while in female ones only traces of this protein could be detected. In male mantle, MAP-39 expression was associated with the process of gonad development and maturation as well as gamete spawning, although this polypeptide has been localized in fibroblast-like cells, membrane of follicles and connective tissue matrix of the mantle but not in germinal cells.

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