Localization of oestrogen hormone receptors in the reproductive tract of giant African land snail (<i>Archachatina marginata</i>) and potential role of Mucuna pruriens on level of expression

Abstract

This study determines localization of oestrogen hormone receptors in selected parts of the reproductive tract of giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata) and potential role of Mucuna pruriens on levels of expression. Thirty (30) snails were used for this experiment, with average weight of 100-150g. The snails were allotted to three dietary treatments which includes concentrate (CON), concentrate + Mucuna pruriens (CON+MSP) and Mucuna pruriens seed powder only (MSP). Each treatment contains 10 Replicate each. After eight weeks, five snails were randomly selected from each dietary treatment and dissected. Organs removed were oviduct, albumen gland, ovo-testis and the spermatheca. RNA and DNA extractions were carried out with commercial kits. Gel electrophoresis on 1% agarose was also carried out to evaluate the expression. Primers sequence used were the forward and reverse β oestrogen primer which was designed to detect the expression of the gene encoding oestrogen receptor in the reproductive tract of the giant African Land Snail (Archachatina marginata) were: Forward: 5’-GCT TCG AGC TCA GCC TG-3’ Reverse: 5’-AGG ATC ATG GCC TTG ACA CAG A-3’. Result showed that receptors for estrogen were present in oviduct, albumen gland, ovo-testis and spermatheca for both RNA and DNA analysis considering CON and MSP. While oviduct was also moderately expressed for CON and MSP. But combination of concentrate and Mucuna seed powder (CON+MSP) showed no visible expression for estrogen receptor. It was however concluded that combination of concentrate and mucuna seed powder (CON+MSP) down-regulate expression of estrogen receptor gene expression. It was recommended that feed to be combined for snail production must be free from substance(s) that has the potential to block the expression of reproductive hormone function.