Effects of ovariectomy of the dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula L. on circulating levels of androgen and oestradiol and on pituitary gonadotrophin content

Levels of androgens and oestradiol in dogfish, Scyliorhinus canicula , plasma, measured by radioimmunoassay, decrease markedly after ovariectomy (OVX). The magnitude and latency of these responses varies according to length of captivity preceding the operation and the time of year at which ovariectomy is performed. Androgens are cleared more rapidly than oestradiol from plasma following OVX, and levels of both steroids are reduced after laparotomy (LAP) in November but not in March. An extract of ventral lobes of the dogfish pituitary induces a significant increase in the circulating androgen levels in LAP fish but not in OVX fish, indicating that the ovary is the major site of androgen production in response to stimulation by dogfish gonadotrophin. Intramuscular injections of oestradiol benzoate (2.5 mg per fish) into LAP fish produce a significant reduction in the gonadotrophin content of the pituitary ventral lobe, measured in the quail testicular cell bioassay, when compared to LAP and unoperated controls. However, no significant changes in the gonadotrophin content of the ventral lobe were seen five days after OVX in June.     

Sperm production and steroidogenesis in testes of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., at different stages of maturation

Testes from carp, Cyprinus carpio L., at five different maturational stages from immature through to spermiation and regression were incubated with or without addition of carp hypophysial homogenate (chh) for 8 or 20 h. Concentrations of steroids and spermatozoa were measured in the medium and the residual tissue examined histologically. There was an increase in the area of the germinal cysts containing spermatozoa, the percentage of the testis which they occupied and in the production of spermatozoa as the gonadosomatic index (GSI) increased, but this was unaffected either by incubation or by pretreatment with chh. The major steroid in plasma and in in vitro testicular cultures from all of the maturing fish captured in winter was 1 I-ketotestosterone. The production rate of this steroid in virro was unaffected by GSI, while plasma levels tended to increase with GSI. 17.20β-Dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one was detectable in significant amounts in only a few spermiating fish in summer, but was stimulated more in incubations with chh in maturing winter than in summer spermiating or post-spawning fish. 17,20a-Dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one was not detectable in incubations, but plasma concentrations tended to increase towards spermiation and were positively correlated with the size of the cyst. After spawning, fish had low plasma steroid levels and failed to respond in vitro to pituitary extract, indicating a testicular post-spawning refractoriness.     

The involvement of gonadotrophin and sex steroids in the control of reproduction in the parr and adults of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.

Early sexual maturity occurred in the majority of male Atlantic salmon parr. Levels of the plasma androgens testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone rose steadily as the male parr matured, and decreased as the testes regressed. No such progressive changes were observed in the plasma gonadotrophin (GTH) levels, although the pituitary GTH levels were much higher in mature than in immature male parr; reasons for this, incluiding the possibility that the GTH radioimmunoassay employed is inadequate, are discussed. All female parr remained immature throughout the year, although the gonadosomatic index did show an annual cycle. Adult salmon had higher GTH and sex steroid levels than parr at the same stage of sexual maturity, the levels corresponding to the degree of sexual development of the adult fish.     

Testosterone and estradiol potentiate the serum gonadotropin response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone in goldfish

The effects of gonadal steroids on gonadosomatic index (GSI; gonad wt/total body wt x 100), pituitary gonadotropin (GTH) content, and serum GTH response to [D-Ala6,Pro9-Net]-luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH-A) were investigated throughout the seasonal reproductive cycle of the goldfish. Gonad-intact female fish were implanted i.p. for 5 days with silastic pellets containing no steroid (blank), testosterone (T; 100 micrograms/g), or estradiol (E2; 100 micrograms/g). The serum GTH response at 6 h following i.p. injection of saline or 0.1 microgram/g LHRH-A was assessed. In blank-implanted, saline-injected animals, seasonal variations in GSI, pituitary GTH content, and serum GTH levels were evident; maximal and minimal levels were noted in the spring and summer months, respectively. In blank-implanted fish, LHRH-A effectively stimulated GTH release in females undergoing gonadal recrudescence (late autumn and winter) and in sexually mature (spring) females, but not in sexually regressed (summer and early autumn) females. Implantation of T or E2 raised serum steroid levels to those found during ovulation in goldfish. Steroid treatments did not affect unstimulated serum GTH levels at any time of the year. Testosterone effectively potentiated the serum GTH response to LHRH-A during the entire reproductive cycle, whereas the positive effects of E2 were evident in sexually regressed and post-spawning females only. Both T and E2 potentiated the GTH response to LHRH-A in male fish. To examine the involvement of T aromatization in mediating its actions on induced GTH secretion, male and female fish were implanted with T or the nonaromatizable androgens 5 alpha-dihydroxytestosterone (DHT; 100 micrograms/g) and 11-keto-testosterone (11-KT; 250 micrograms/animal). Testosterone potentiated the GTH response to LHRH-A in both males and females whereas DHT and 11-KT were without effect. Furthermore, the positive action of T on induced GTH secretion was blocked by 2-day pretreatment with the aromatase inhibitor 1,4,6-androstatrien-3,17-dione (100 or 300 micrograms/g). Multiple i.p. injections of hCG (0.2 microgram/g every 3 days for 39 days), probably through stimulation of endogenous T secretion, resulted in potentiation of the GTH response to LHRH-A in mature male goldfish. These results clearly demonstrate that T, through aromatization to E2, can increase pituitary responsiveness to exogenous LHRH-A in gonad-intact male and female goldfish.     

Sex steroids, growth and condition of Arctic charr broodstock during an annual cycle

Changes in plasma concentrations of sex steroids, growth rate and condition of repeat spawning (3+) male and female Arctic charr were studied throughout an annual reproductive cycle. Individually marked fish (mean weight approx. 500 g) were held under conditions of liberal food supply, constant temperature (4° C) and simulated natural photoperiod (Tromsø, 70° N). Once each month fish were weighed, measured and blood samples taken for steroid analysis. Plasma concentrations of testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) and oestradiol-17β (E₂) were determined using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Both male and female fish displayed distinct seasonal changes in plasma concentrations of sex steroids, growth rate and condition. From February (minimal concentrations) to March all sex steroids increased slightly and these elevated concentrations were maintained until May. Thereafter, there was a second, and far more pronounced, increase in plasma steroid concentrations which culminated in peak steroid concentrations in September–October. There was then a rapid decline during the spawning period. In winter, growth rate and condition were generally low, then increased during the spring, reached a peak during the summer, and then declined with the onset of autumn. During spring (March–May), the frequency distributions of plasma testosterone concentrations in both male and female fish were bimodal. The fish of the upper modal group of the distribution had significantly higher growth rates and condition than those in the lower modal group. In summer and early autumn (June–September) the association between T and growth rate changed. Significant negative correlations between T and growth rates were observed in females. There was an increase in endocrine activity, indicated by elevated plasma sex steroid concentrations in March, 7–8 months prior to maturation. It is suggested that this may be one factor influencing the onset of spring growth and energy deposition among maturing charr.     

The occurrence and life history of Asymphylodora kubanicum (Platyhelminthes: Digenea: Monorchidae) in the Worcester-Birmingham canal, with special reference to the feeding habits of the definitive host, Rutilus rutilus

Two hundred roach and over 400 molluscs were examined over a one year period to investigate the occurrence and life history of Asymphylodora kubanicum in the Worcester-Birmingham canal. Larval stages, infective to the fish definitive host, were present in molluscs throughout the year but did not show a seasonal fluctuation in numbers. Parasites in the intestine of the roach showed a marked annual cycle of occurrence and maturation: low winter infection levels preceded a dramatic increase in infection during the spring and summer. Maturation of the parasite population was rapid during the spring and summer and in late summer and early autumn the parasites laid their eggs and subsequently died. The death of parasites after egg-laying resulted in the low winter infection level during which time little recruitment occurred.
Roach became infected mainly in their third year when molluscs become a dominant component of their diet. Thereafter the older fishes (<2+) are all equally susceptible to infection, but the larger (older) fishes become more heavily infected because of the greater consumption of molluscs per fish. The sex of the fish made no difference to infection with the parasite.     

皮质醇的周年变化与雌性虹鳟性腺成熟的关系

利用放射免疫分析法对饲养于恒定水温和自然光照下的雌性虹鳟血浆中皮质醇和性激素含量的周年变化进行了测定．结果表明：１）根据性腺结构指数和性激素分泌量判断,三龄时,雌性虹鳟达到性成熟;２）在血浆中不仅性激素而且皮质醇的变化水平与性腺结构指数的变化高度相关．排卵前性激素的水平都较高,伴随着排卵的进行性激素水平下降．而且在产卵季节虹鳟血浆中皮质醇水平也较高,三龄时皮质醇水平与性腺结构指数的相关系数为０．８６．这些结果提示,皮质醇在虹鳟的繁殖过程中可能发挥某种作用．     

Reproductive cycles of male and female tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) on Stephens Island, New Zealand

Cycles in gonadal activity and plasma sex steroid concentrations were investigated in wild female and male tuatara on Stephens Island, New Zealand. Females nest once every four years on average. Vitellogenesis is spread over the first three years, and mating, ovulation and nesting occur in the fourth. Oviducal eggs are carried for6–8 months before nesting. Although the length of this ovarian cycle is unparalleled among oviparous reptiles, the associated cycles in plasma concentrations of sex steroids are similar to those in other reptiles. Mean plasma concentrations of oestradiol increase during vitellogenesis, peak at mating, fall rapidly before or around ovulation, are low during most of gravidity, and rise slightly during late gravidity-nesting. Plasma concentrations of testosterone show a similarcycle. Mean plasma concentrations of progesterone are low during vitellogenesis and peak around ovulation. This periovulatory surge falls within1–2 months, and mean concentrations are low during the final 5–6 months of gravidity. Male tuatara show an annual, pre-nuptial reproductive cycle. Mean plasma concentrations of testosterone are low during winter, rise during spring, peak during midsummer-early autumn, when pre-nuptial displays and mating occur, and fall in mid autumn. Limited histological data indicate that spermiogenesis occurs during midsummer-early autumn, and also support a previous study suggesting that there may be no period of complete testicular and epididymal regression. In comparison with the pre-nuptial cycles of other temperate-zone reptiles, the cycle in male tuatara shows a more prolonged duration of testicular activity and of rising or elevated plasma testosterone concentrations. The prolonged reproductive cycles of male and female tuatara may be adaptations to a temperate environment with cool summers and cool, but not freezing, winters.     

Seasonal fluctuations in androgen levels in females of the hermaphroditic gag, Mycteroperca microlepis, with an emphasis on juvenile animals

Androgens are known to play many roles in the reproductive physiology of teleosts, but less information exists on the role that they play in the development of larval and juvenile fish. This study examines an observed seasonal cycle of 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) in females of the hermaphroditic gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis). Otoliths, gonads, and plasma samples from gag were collected quarterly (spring, summer, fall, and winter), with complete data (age, sex, and androgen levels) obtained from a total of 225 individuals. Ages ranged from zero to 11 years, and all individuals were female. Testosterone (T) peaked in the spring, coincident with spawning, and was low throughout the remainder of the year. The androgen 11KT peaked in summer and declined through the following spring. 11KT levels were negatively correlated with fish size in both the summer and winter, while T was negatively correlated in the summer and positively correlated in the winter. T levels showed little seasonal variation in juveniles (0-1 and 2-3 age groups), but showed a seasonal increase from fall through spring in older fish (4-5 and 6+ age groups). Age 0-1 fish had significantly higher levels of 11KT than the age 4-5 group during the summer and both the 4-5 and 6+ age groups in the winter. The gag is a protogynous hermaphrodite that goes through several ontogenetic shifts during its life, and this seasonal fluctuation in plasma levels of 11KT may play a role in the growth and development, behavior, or control of sex change of gag.     

Seasonal variations in plasma concentrations of sex steroid hormones and vitellogenin in wild male Japanese dace (Tribolodon hakonensis) collected from different sites of the Jinzu river basin

In order to clarify the seasonal variations of plasma sex steroid hormones and vitellogenin (VTG) concentrations in the wild male Japanese dace, Tribolodon hakonensis, we measured plasma levels of testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), estradiol-17 beta (E2) and VTG, as well as spermatogenetic stages and gonadosomatic index (GSI). Wild Japanese dace were collected from different sites of the Jinzu River basin (including the Takahara River and the Itachi River). The fish from Toyama Bay were also measured the spermatogenetic stages, GSI and VTG levels. The seasonal variations of the hormone levels were discussed in the relationship with various environmental factors. In landlocked fish of the Takahara River, the plasma concentrations of T and E2 reached the highest levels in May and June. In the fish collected from the Itachi River, plasma concentrations of T, 11-KT and E2 reached the highest levels during breeding season of April and May. Sexual maturation, evaluating from GSI and the spermatogenetic stages, proceeded earlier in the fish population at Toyama Bay, and afterward it was followed in the fish population at the Takahara River, in associated with a rise of environmental water temperature at fish captured sites. In the male dace, low but detectable levels of plasma E2 were measured and there were significantly positive correlations between E2 level and the levels of GSI, VTG or T. These results suggest that E2 might be a necessary sex steroid hormone related to gonad maturation, and that circulating E2 may induce VTG production in the wild male Japanese dace.     

Annual Variations of Gonadotropin Content and Ovarian Development of Feral Female Catfish, Silurus asotus, in Central China

The Japanese catfish Silurus asotus is widely distributed throughout the freshwaters reservoirs, lakes and rivers of China, Korea and Japan, and is a commercially valuable aquaculture fish in some regions of China and Japan. We studied seasonal variations of gonadotropin (GtH) content of the plasma and pituitary as well as ovarian development. Plasma GtH titres increase in April in the Pearl River and in May in the Liao River in central China. Annual cycles of plasma GtH levels in both rivers are the same, with a gradual decrease after ovulation with the lowest values observed in September (in the Liao River) or October (in the Pearl River). Plasma GtH levels increase gradually in the early stages of ovarian development, with the highest values observed during the late stages of development, and with the lowest GtH titres observed during ovarian regression in both rivers. GtH content of the pituitary remained very high through the spawning period, with the highest titres observed in March in the Liao River, and in July in the Pearl River. As with plasma GtH, the lowest concentrations of pituitary GtH were observed during stages when the ovary was regressed. We analyzed the relationships between plasma and pituitary GtH and reproductive conditions, such as gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), oocyte diameter (OD) and oocyte weight (OW). The results indicate that annual changes of GtH content of the plasma and pituitary paralleled GSI, OD and OW, but were negatively correlated with HSI in feral female catfish.     

Seasonal migrations and reproductive patterns in the lake sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, in the vicinity of hydroelectric stations in northern Ontario

This study was conducted in order to evaluate seasonal migratory behaviour and reproductive pattern of lake sturgeon in a confined region of the Mattagami River system in northern Ontario where river flow is regulated by hydroelectric works. Radio tracking and the systematic sampling of lake sturgeon using gill nets indicated that the distribution of fish throughout the study site varied on a seasonal basis. This distribution was related to the migration of individuals to potential spawning sites in the spring, a post-spawning dispersal to feeding areas and late summer migration to an area of concentration on the Groundhog River which is a tributary of the Mattagami River. There was a high proportion of fish (about 50%), within the size range of reproductively active fish, found in the vicinity of suitable spawning habitat during early May. Measurement of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and plasma sex steroid hormone levels revealed a divergent pattern of reproductive development between the sexes. Female sturgeon exhibited a prolonged period of ovarian regression following spawning. Resumption of ovarian development was not evident until September and was characterized by an increased GSI and plasma levels of testosterone and 17β-estradiol. In contrast, male lake sturgeon began testicular recrudescence within one month of spawning with the GSI reaching prespawning levels by September; reproductive hormones were at prespawning levels by the end of June. It seems that hydroelectric works has complex effects on sturgeon in the Mattagami system. The extensive migratory behaviour of lake sturgeon within the study area make it prone to impingement or entrainment whereas the altered river flow appears to enhance reproductive development. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Seasonally and experimentally induced changes in testicular function of the Australian bush rat (Rattus fuscipes)

Serum concentrations of LH, FSH and testosterone were measured monthly throughout the year in male bush rats. Testicular size and ultrastructure, LH/hCG, FSH and oestradiol receptors and the response of the pituitary to LHRH were also recorded. LH and FSH rose in parallel with an increase in testicular size after the winter solstice with peak gonadotrophin levels in the spring (September). The subsequent fall in LH and FSH levels was associated with a rise in serum testosterone which reached peak levels during summer (December and January). In February serum testosterone levels and testicular size declined in parallel, while the pituitary response to an LHRH injection was maximal during late summer. The number of LH/hCG, FSH and oestradiol receptors per testis were all greatly reduced in the regressed testes when compared to active testes. In a controlled environment of decreased lighting (shortened photoperiod), temperature and food quality, the testes of sexually active adult males regressed at any time of the year, the resultant testicular morphology and endocrine status being identical to that of wild rats in the non-breeding season. Full testicular regression was achieved only when the photoperiod, temperature and food quality were changed: experiments in which only one or two of these factors were altered failed to produce complete sexual regression.     

Sex steroid hormone fluctuations and morphological changes of the reproductive system of the female of Octopus vulgaris throughout the annual cycle

Sex steroids (17beta-estradiol and progesterone) and morphological variations of the reproductive system of the female of Octopus vulgaris from the Bay of Naples were followed over a period of 2 years. The increase in the ovary weight was independent of body weight as demonstrated by the gonado-somatic index (GSI). Both 17beta-estradiol and progesterone have been detected in the ovary of O. vulgaris, and their concentrations changed in correlation with the ovarian development. No 17beta-estradiol or progesterone was found in the hemolymph. 3beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity has been detected in the ovary, indicating that in the female of O. vulgaris the reproductive system is a source of sex steroid hormones. According to the morphological changes of the ovary, the ovarian cycle can be divided into the following phases: previtellogenesis; early vitellogenesis, full vitellogenesis and late vitellogenesis. The morphological changes of the oviducts and oviducal glands throughout the reproductive cycle were in accordance with their role in the transport and secretion of gelatinous coat covering the eggs, as well as in sperm storage and sperm reactivation during fertilization. J. Exp. Zool. 289:33-47, 2001.     

The reproductive cycle of female Ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta in high latitude,temperate waters

This 2 year study examined the reproductive cycle of wild female Ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta in western Norway as a precursor to captive breeding trials. Light microscopy of ovarian histology was used to stage gonad maturity and enzyme‐linked immuno‐absorbent assay (ELISA) to measure plasma concentrations of the sex steroids testosterone (T) and 17β‐oestradiol (E₂). Ovarian recrudescence began in late autumn to early winter with the growth of previtellogenic oocytes and the formation of cortical alveoli. Vitellogenic oocytes developed from January to June and ovaries containing postovulatory follicles (POF) were present between May and June. These POF occurred simultaneously among other late maturity stage oocytes. Plasma steroid concentration and organo‐somatic indices increased over winter and spring. Maximal (mean ±s.e .) values of plasma T (0·95 ± 0·26 ng ml^?1), E₂ (1·75 ± 0·43 ng ml^?1) and gonado‐somatic index (I_G; 10·71 ± 0·81) occurred in April and May and decreased greatly in July when only postspawned fish with atretic ovaries occurred. Evidence indicates that L. bergylta are group‐synchronous multiple spawners with spawning occurring in spring and peaking in May. A short resting period may occur between late summer and autumn when previtellogenic oocytes predominate and steroid levels are minimal.     

Gonadal morphology, enzyme histochemistry and plasma steroid levels during the annual reproductive cycle of male and female brown bullhead catfish, Ictalurus nebulosus Lesueur

The annual reproductive cycle of the brown bullhead catfish, Ictalurus nebulosus Lesueur, was investigated over a two-year period. In females, GSI increased in the spring as follicles enlarged and the granulosa became hypertrophied, dropped during spawning in August, then rose in the autumn as follicles enlarged slightly. 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) activity was limited to thecal nests of large, vitellogenic follicles. Plasma testosterone and estradiol-17β levels increased in parallel with GSI. Levels of both steroids dropped prior to the spawning period, although a peak in estradiol-17β was evident during the spawning period. No 11-ketotestosterone was detected in female plasma. In males, GSI increased in the spring as spermatogenesis proceeded, and dropped during spawning. 3β-HSD activity was confined to Leydig cells and was most intense prior to spawning. Plasma testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone peaked during the pre-spawning period, dropped prior to spawning, then rose slowly during the autumn. A peak in estradiol-17β occurred during the spawning period. Significant differences in GSI and plasma steroid levels during the pre-spawning and spawning periods were observed between the two yearly cycles; they may be related to differences in rainfall during these periods.     

Acquisition of Salmonella flora by turtle hatchlings on commercial turtle farms

A commercial turtle pond in South Louisiana was studied to identify the mechanism by which turtle hatchlings acquire Salmonella flora. The visceral organs and mature eggs removed from 31 adult gravid female turtles over the course of two egg-laying seasons and from 37 adult females during one winter dormant period were examined bacteriologically for Salmonella. Pond water, egg nest soil, and hatchlings produced by eggs removed from the oviducts and nest soil were also tested. Eighty-eight turtles hatched from eggs removed from the oviducts of 15 turtles at necropsy did not excrete or harbor systemically Salmonella, nor were these pathogens isolated from ovarian tissue or immature eggs. The findings suggest transovarian transmission of these pathogens does not occur frequently. Turtles hatched from eggs retrieved from soil nests 1 to 2 h after deposition harbor and excrete these organisms. This result coupled with the isolation of these pathogens from the cloaca, colon contents, and bursal fluid from 18 females captured in the act of egg laying supports the cloaca to egg and nest soil to egg mode for salmonellae infection in the resultant hatchling. Salmonella arizonae and Salmonella serogroups B, C2, and E1 were isolated from the cloaca, colon contents, pond water, and nest soil, and were excreted by hatchlings produced from eggs removed from the soil nests. These same serogroups were isolated from the colon contents of 19 of 37 females tested during the dormant period, suggesting the salmonellae persist in the pond environment in the adult throughout the year.     

The reproductive biology of an endemic cyprinid,Zacco pachycephalus,in Taiwan

Synopsis Reproductive parameters including body weight-length relationship, condition factor, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and fecundity of an endemic cyprinid,Zacco pachycephalus, were studied from October 1991 to January 1993. Although the condition factor was similar between both sexes, GSI values of female (3.72 to 14.24%) were significantly larger than that of males (0.21 to 2.23%) during the major breeding season. The number of yolky eggs per fish ranged from 459 to 2059. Ovum size distribution, annual GSI value, and recruitment of juvenile fish indicated thatZ. pachycephalus conducted two major spawning activities in spring (February to April) and summer (June to August). The larger GSI value and number of yolky eggs in spring compared to those in summer implies thatZ. pachycephalus has evolved a reproductive style by investing more energy in spring to avoid the damage of summer freshet on its recruitment success. The mating behavior ofZ. pachycephalus is similar to that of otherZacco fishes.     

Anti-fertility effects of embelin in female Sprague-Dawley rats may be due to suppression of ovarian function

Effects of embelin on oestrous cycle, plasma levels of progesterone and oestradiol, and in vitro production of oestradiol and progesterone by mixed ovarian cells was studied. Forty adult (4 months old) regularly cycling female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups of 10 rats each. Groups I and II (controls) were given 1 ml/kg body weight of physiological saline or corn oil (vehicle). Groups III and IV received 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg body weight embelin in corn oil, respectively. Emberlin disrupted the oestrous cycles in Groups III and IV animals, and there was a significant depression in plasma oestradiol (p <0.05) and progesterone (p <0.02) at both 10 and 20 mg/kg body weights, respectively. Isolated mixed ovarian cells from embelin treated rats produced significantly less progesterone and estradiol than controls in vitro. It is concluded that embelin probably interferes with reproductive functions in female rats by suppressing ovarian production of sex steroid hormones.