Two chemically and immunologically distinct forms of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone are differentially expressed in frog neural tissues

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) in the amphibian brain and its relationship with the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) system: An overview

It is well known that the hypothalamic neuropeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays an important role as a primary factor regulating gonadotropin secretion in reproductive processes in vertebrates. The discovery of the presence of a gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) in the brains of birds has further contributed to our understanding of the reproduction control by the brain. GnIH plays a key role in inhibition of reproduction and acts on the pituitary gland and GnRH neurons via a novel G protein-coupled receptor (GPR147). GnIH decreases gonadotropin synthesis and release, thus inhibiting gonadal development and maintenance. The GnRH and GnIH neuronal peptidergic systems are well reported in mammals and birds, but limited information is available regarding their presence and localization in the brains of other vertebrate species, such as reptiles, amphibians and fishes. The aim of this review is to compile and update information on the localization of GnRH and GnIH neuronal systems, with a particular focus on amphibians, summarizing the neuroanatomical distribution of GnIH and GnRH and emphasizing the discovery of GnIH based on RFamide peptides and GnIH orthologous peptides found in other vertebrates and their functional significance.

Three gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal groups with special reference to teleosts

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide, which has been isolated from the hypothalamus as a releasing hormone of gonadotropins from the pituitary. However, subsequent morphological studies have demonstrated the presence of multiple GnRH neuronal groups outside the hypothalamus and preoptic area. In most vertebrate lineages studied to date, GnRH neuronal groups are present along the terminal nerve and in the midbrain tegmentum, in addition to a population in the preoptico-hypothalamic areas. The presence of GnRH fibers in extrahypothalamic areas has also been demonstrated, indicating a significance for GnRH neurons in functions other than those that are purely hypophysiotropic. Among vertebrate lineages, GnRH neurons have been most extensively studied in teleost fish through morphological, electrophysiological, behavioral and molecular approaches. To date, studies on differential roles of GnRH neuronal groups have been mostly restricted to teleosts. In the present review, the anatomy and functions of each GnRH neuronal group are reconsidered, based mainly on knowledge from teleosts. Recent findings in teleosts indicate that the preoptico-hypothalamic GnRH neurons are hypophysiotropic and that GnRH neurons of the terminal nerve and midbrain tegmentum regulate neural activities in various regions, including extrahypothalamic areas. The latter populations presumably serve as neuromodulatory systems to control aspects of neural functions such as reproductive behavior. Similar functional differentiation may be generalized to other vertebrate lineages as well.

Comparative analysis of GnRH neuronal systems in the amphibian brain

We have investigated the GnRH-ir neuronal systems in the brain of the oviparous urodele, Triturus vulgaris, ovoviviparous urodele, Salamandra salamandra, and viviparous caecilian, Typhlonectes compressicauda, and have reexamined Xenopus laevis, Ambystoma mexicanum, and Rana esculenta. Results showed that mGnRH neuronal system was diffused along the medioventral telencephalon and diencephalon with the numerical preponderance of GnRH cell bodies in the rostral mediobasal telencephalon in T. vulgaris and S. salamandra and in medial septal area and preoptic area respectively in Typhlonectes compressicauda and X. laevis. The cGnRH-II-ir perikarya were restricted to the midbrain tegmentum in X. laevis and T. compressicauda. In T. vulgaris, two distinct groups of cGnRH-II neurons were distinguished, one in the midbrain tegmentum and another in the paraventricular organ. The former was composed of comparatively bigger perikarya than the latter. In X. laevis brain, besides those in the rostralmost dorsomedial and ventromedial telencephalon and septopreoptic area, mGnRH neurons were also found in the habenulae and habenular commissure as well the infundibular hypothalamus. In A. mexicanum, reexamined, the preoptic area-located mGnRH neurons were distributed in the ependymal lining of the preoptic recess. In this neotenic urodele, furthermore, cGnRH-II neurons were also present in the rhombencephalon, as well as in the infundibular hypothalamus. It is thus clear that while GnRH-ir cell bodies are distributed in the fore-, mid- and hindbrain, their precise neuroanatomical localization varies somewhat within and among groups. Altogether, it is evident that mGnRH neuronal system is confined mainly to the forebrain, whereas cGnRH-II system is commonly found in the mid- and hindbrain. Additional morphological investigations are required to eventually define the functional neuroanatomy of GnRH in the amphibian brain.

Distribution of gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunoreactivity in the brain of Ichthyophis beddomei (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)

From a comparative viewpoint, we have investigated the presence and neuroanatomical distribution of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-immunoreactive material in the brain of a gymnophione amphibian, Ichthyophis beddomei. Immunocytochemical analysis of the adult brain and terminal nerves in both sexes shows the presence of neurons and fibers containing mammalian GnRH (mGnRH)- and chicken GnRH-II (cGnRH-II)-like peptides. With respect to GnRH-immunoreactive material, there are two distinct neuronal systems in the brain: one containing mGnRH, which is located in the forebrain and terminal nerve, and the other containing cGnRH-II, which is restricted to the midbrain tegmentum. Basically, this distribution pattern parallels that of many species of anurans and a urodele. Whereas the presence of cGnRH-II-immunoreactive fibers in the dorsal pallium of L. beddomei is a feature in common with a urodele amphibian, the total absence of cGnRH-II-like material in the median eminence is unique to this species. It is suggested here that the distribution profile of GnRH-like material within the brain and terminal nerve of I. beddomei represents a primitive pattern.

Synaptic organization of amphibian sympathetic ganglia

The synaptic organization of the amphibian sympathetic ganglia was studied, especially in the last two abdominal paravertebral ganglia of the frog. These ganglia appear to form a monosynaptic relay, not containing interneurons. They consist of two systems working in parallel: the principal neurons, by far the most numerous, and a small number of chromaffin (i.e., SIF) cells, usually arranged in clusters. Each principal neuron is innervated by a preganglionic branch forming a set of cholinergic synapses which exhibit classical ultrastructure. The only peculiarity is the presence of a subsynaptic apparatus in a variable percentage of synaptic complexes. Electrophysiological studies have demonstrated that synaptic transmission is due to ACh release and involves several postsynaptic potentials. Moreover, the principal neurons are of two types, B and C, whose preganglionic axons and their own axons have different conduction velocities. C neurons tend to be small in diameter, and B neurons are larger, but the size distribution of the two populations overlaps. More recently, it was demonstrated that these two neuronal systems have different immunocytochemical features. The C preganglionic fibers contain an LHRH-like peptide, which is responsible for late synaptic events. The B preganglionic fibers contain CGRP, whose role has not yet been established. The principal neurons all contain adrenaline, but neuropeptide Y is also present in C neurons and could be a second transmitter at peripheral junctions. SP-containing fibers also pass through the ganglia, but give rise to intraganglionic synapses only rarely, except in the celiac plexus. Galanin can coexist with neuropeptide Y in certain C neurons. Numerous principal neurons are immunoreactive for VIP. Chromaffin cells contain noradrenaline and metenkephalin, and some contain SP or LHRH; they are endocrine cells controlled by preganglionic fibers and can have a modulatory effect on principal neurons endowed with appropriate receptors. The accessibility of frog abdominal ganglia and the anatomical separation of B and C preganglionic fiber pathways provide interesting systems in which to carry out experimentation on the stability and specificity of synaptic contacts. After postganglionic axotomy, the majority of synapses disappear by disruption of synaptic contacts. There is a certain discrepancy between the recovery of synaptic transmission and the reappearance of morphologically identifiable synapses, suggesting that a certain amount of transmission is possible at contacts devoid of synaptic complexes. The selective deafferentation of B or C neurons showed that the subsynaptic apparati are mainly found at B neuron synapses. The course of reinnervation following selective deafferentation reveals the existence of different specificities at B and C synapses: C neurons are easily reinnervated by B preganglionic fibers, whereas C fibers appear fairly ineffective at reinnervating B neurons, even after a long interval. Attempts were made to reinnervate ganglionic neurons with somatic motor nerve fibers. Reinnervation was achieved only rarely, and it is concluded that the ganglionic synapses in the frog have a higher specificity and lower plasticity than in mammals.

Localization of GnRH molecular forms in the brain, pituitary, and testis of the frog, Rana esculenta

In the amphibian brain four molecular forms of GnRH have been identified so far: mammalian GnRH (m- and hydroxyproline9m-), chicken II GnRH (cII), and a salmon (s) GnRH-like peptide. In Rana esculenta, cII- and s-GnRH-like molecules have been partially characterized in the brain extracts using HPLC combined with radioimmunoassay. Moreover, since cII-GnRH-like material has been detected in Rana esculenta testis, the present study describes the localization of the above peptides in the brain and testis of the frog. Immunoreactive cII-GnRH and m-GnRH neurons and fibers were identified in the anterior preoptic area (APOA) and in the median septal area (MSA). A population of cells located on the dorsal side of the caudal preoptic region was also stained. Immunopositive fibers were seen to overlap the median eminence before ending within the pars nervosa. Moreover, densely packed fibers made close contact with the vascular complex in the median eminence. Conversely, immunoreactive s-GnRH-like material was absent in APOA and MSA, but weakly scattered elements were detected by the anti-s-GnRH serum in the dorsal side of the caudal preoptic region. Using m-GnRH antiserum, a strong immunopositivity was observed in the median eminence but not within the pars nervosa, indicating that, besides cII-GnRH and s-GnRH-like material, also m-GnRH-like material is present in Rana esculenta brain. In the testis, cells of the interstitial and germinal compartment were detected by anti-cII-GnRH during different periods of the annual cycle. In particular, in October and February interstitial tissue was intensely stained, coinciding with periods of increased androgen production and the onset of the new spermatogenic wave, respectively.

Distribution of two molecular forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the central nervous system of the frog Rana ridibunda

Two molecular forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) have been recently characterized in the brain of the frog Rana ridibunda i.e. mammalian GnRH (mGnRH) and chicken GnRH-II (cGnRH-II). Using highly specific antisera against each form of GnRH, we have investigated the distribution of these two neuropeptides in the frog brain by the indirect immunofluorescence and the peroxidase-antiperoxidase techniques. mGnRH-immunoreactive cell bodies were restricted to a well defined region corresponding to the septal-anterior preoptic area. mGnRH-containing fibers projected through the ventral diencephalon and ended in the median eminence. In contrast, cGnRH-II-immunoreactive structures were widely distributed in the frog brain. In the telencephalon cGnRH-II-positive elements formed a ventromedial column extending from the olfactory bulb to the septal area, a pathway which corresponds to the terminal nerve. A dense accumulation of cGnRH-II-immunoreactive cell bodies was also found in the septal-anterior preoptic area; these neurons sent processes towards the median eminence via the hypothalamus. Double immunostaining revealed that, in this area, mGnRH- and cGnRH-II-like immunoreactivity co-existed in the same neurons. In the mid-diencephalon, numerous cGnRH-II-immunoreactive perikarya were found, surrounding the third ventricle, in the posterior preoptic and infundibular areas. Many of these neurons sent processes towards the ventricular cavity. More caudally, a dense population of cGnRH-II-immunoreactive perikarya was also observed in the nucleus of the paraventricular organ and the posterior tubercle. Dorsally, the thalamus, the tegmentum, the tectum and the granular layer of the cerebellum were richly innervated by cGnRH-II-positive fibers. In the medulla oblongata, numerous cGnRH-II-immunoreactive perikarya were seen in several cranial nerve nuclei. Ventrally, a dense plexus of immunoreactive fibers projected rostrocaudally into the spinal cord. The occurrence of mGnRH- and cGnRH-II-like immunoreactivity in the septal-anterior preoptic area and the hypothalamo-pituitary pathway supports the view that both peptides act as hypophysiotropic neurohormones. The widespread distribution of cGnRH-II-immunoreactive elements in the central nervous system of the frog strongly suggests that this peptide may also exert neuromodulator and/or neurotransmitter activities.

Multiple gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-immunoreactive systems in the brain of the dwarf gourami, Colisa lalia: immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay

The present study characterizes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal groups that are located in several different brain regions by investigating GnRH molecular species and projection patterns in an anabantid fish, Colisa lalia. First, we examined the molecular species of GnRHs in extracts of the brain and the pituitary by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography followed by radioimmunoassays. We found salmon GnRH (sGnRH), chicken GnRH-II (cGnRH-II), and an unfamiliar GnRH-like substance. Next, to examine the distribution of each GnRH molecule in different GnRH neuronal groups, we performed immunohistochemistry using four kinds of antisera and an antibody. Furthermore, we performed brain lesioning experiments of terminal nerve (TN) cells, the most conspicuous GnRH-immunoreactive cells in Colisa lalia. Comparisons of immunoreactive structures between TN-lesioned fish and untreated fish elucidated the projection area of each neuronal group. Three major neuronal groups were observed. TN-GnRH cells, which are located in the transitional area between the olfactory bulb and the telencephalon, showed strong sGnRH and weaker cGnRH-II immunoreactivity. TN-GnRH cells projected to wide areas of the central nervous system from the olfactory bulb to the spinal cord. The second group, located in the preoptic area, showed only sGnRH immunoreactivity and projected only to the pituitary. The third one, located in the midbrain tegmentum, exhibited strong cGnRH-II and weaker sGnRH immunoreactivity. This cell group projected mainly to brain regions posterior to the hypothalamus and the spinal cord. These different projection patterns suggest functional differentiation of each GnRH neuronal group.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormones in microdissected brain regions of an amphibian: concentration and anatomical distribution of immunoreactive mammalian GnRH and chicken GnRH II

Mammalian and chicken II gonadotropin-releasing hormones (mGnRH, cGnRH II) were extracted from 350 microns diameter punches from brains of a urodele amphibian, Taricha granulosa, and measured by means of radioimmunoassay (RIA) with specific antisera. Measurable quantities of both peptides were found in the lateral pallium, the subpallium (along the course of the nervus terminalis), the preoptic area, habenula, optic tectum, infundibulum, paraventricular organ/posterior tubercle of the caudal diencephalon, medulla, and cerebrospinal fluid. Highest concentrations of both peptides were in the preoptic area and infundibulum, suggesting a role in gonadotropin release. In most extrahypothalamic regions, cGnRH II concentrations exceeded those of mGnRH, suggesting that cGnRH II may function as a neurotransmitter in many sites, perhaps to control reproductive behaviors. Results are largely consistent with immunocytochemical (ICC) analyses, except that RIA revealed small amounts of both peptides not found by ICC in some areas of the brain. Results from this microdissection/RIA study and prior ICC studies in amphibians support the conclusions that GnRH cell bodies in the terminal nerve and preoptic area, which project mainly to the median eminence and habenula, express mGnRH, and that GnRH cell bodies in the caudal diencephalon, which project widely throughout the CNS, express cGnRH II. Comparative data support the view that cGnRH II, and the neural systems in which it is expressed, evolved early in vertebrate phylogeny and have been highly conserved.

Antibodies against different forms of GnRH distinguish different populations of cells and axonal pathways in a urodele amphibian, Taricha granulosa

Neurons immunoreactive to the peptide hormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) have been identified in the posterior diencephalon or anterior midbrain of diverse vertebrates. These cells are located caudal to the more well-characterized GnRH neurons in the nervus terminalis and septo-preoptic area, and are believed to express one or more of the nonmammalian forms of the GnRH. The present study utilized immunocytochemical techniques to determine whether the posterior GnRH group is present in a urodele amphibian, the newt Taricha granulosa. Antibodies directed against different molecular forms of GnRH were used to evaluate the immunological properties of GnRH-containing neurons in amphibians. An antibody selective for mammalian GnRH labeled perikarya in the nervus terminalis (terminal nerve) and septo-preoptic region, as described previously. Thick fibers that arise from terminal nerve and septo-preoptic neurons project mainly to the median eminence, medial pallium and habenula. An antibody selective for chicken GnRH II labeled cell bodies in the paraventricular organ and posterior tubercle of the caudal diencephalon, and thin fibers that project widely throughout the central nervous system. Region-specific staining with different GnRH antibodies supports the interpretation that different molecular forms of GnRH are expressed by neuroanatomically distinguishable systems.

Multiple embryonic origins of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunoreactive neurons

Experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunoreactive (GnRH-ir) and FMRFamide-ir neurons present in the brain and nervus terminalis originate in the embryonic olfactory placode. The olfactory placodes were bilaterally extirpated in stage 26 or stage 29 embryos of the axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, which were then reared for 4-8 months before they were examined immunohistochemically. In experimental subjects with bilateral loss of olfactory epithelia, nerves and bulbs, there was complete absence of GnRH- and FMRFamide-ir neurons in the terminal nerve, and in septal and preoptic areas, and complete absence of large diameter peptidergic fibers associated with the TN-septo-preoptic system. However, GnRH-ir perikarya in the posterior tubercle, and FMRFamide-ir perikarya in the ventral hypothalamus, and small diameter peptidergic fibers were not affected by placodal ablation. These results support the hypothesis that contrary to recent reports, GnRH-ir neurons have more than one embryonic origin. Region-specific patterns of staining with antisera directed against different molecular forms of GnRH support the interpretation that GnRH-ir neurons of placodal origin express mammalian GnRH, whereas GnRH-ir neurons of non-placodal origin, in the posterior tubercle, express chicken GnRH II.

Differential regional distribution of gonadotropin-releasing hormones in amphibian (clawed toad, Xenopus laevis) brain

In most vertebrate species two forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) are present in the brain, and their differential distribution suggests they have different functional roles. The regional distribution and relative concentrations of GnRH molecular forms in the brain of adult clawed toad (Xenopus laevis) were determined using high performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay with a library of region-specific GnRH antisera. Four immunoreactive forms of GnRH were detected: mammalian, hydroxyproline mammalian, chicken II, and an unidentified form of GnRH. Mammalian GnRH was distributed throughout the brain, and hydroxyproline mammalian was present in the forebrain, midbrain (excluding hypothalamus), and hypothalamus. Chicken GnRH II also occurred throughout the brain, but was present in greater amounts in the hindbrain and midbrain (excluding hypothalamus). An unidentified form of GnRH with properties of salmon GnRH was detected in the forebrain. Considering the relative proportions of mammalian GnRH and chicken GnRH II in the major brain areas, the concentration of mammalian GnRH was high in the forebrain, midbrain (excluding hypothalamus), and in particular in the hypothalamus, and very little chicken GnRH II was present in these areas. In the hindbrain, chicken GnRH II predominated and the concentration of chicken GnRH II was highest in the medulla. These findings suggest: (1) mammalian GnRH is the prime regulator of gonadotropin release from the pituitary, and (2) chicken GnRH II has an extrapituitary role.

A possible involvement of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) in Rana esculenta ovulation: effects of mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone on in vitro PGF2 alpha and 17 beta-estradiol production from ovary and oviduct

The present work studied the PGF2 alpha and 17 beta-estradiol plasma levels during ovulation, and the in vitro effects of mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone (mGnRH) on ovarian and oviductal production of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and 17 beta-estradiol during four different stages of the annual sexual cycle in water frog, Rana esculenta. Plasma levels of PGF2 alpha increased in ovulating frogs, with respect to preovulatory and postovulatory levels, while estradiol did not change. In addition, mGnRH increased PGF2 alpha and 17 beta-estradiol in the incubation media of ovaries taken during the recovery stage. Moreover, mGnRH increased PGF2 alpha in incubation media of oviducts collected during the reproductive stage. These findings suggest that PGF2 alpha could be involved in the control of egg deposition in the female R.

In vivo and in vitro studies on the effects of mGnRH on oestradiol-17 beta inter-renal production in the female frog, Rana esculenta, during the post-reproductive period

Plasma oestradiol-17 beta was measured by RIA, in female, Rana esculenta, submitted to hypophysectomy, gonadectomy, or both, and treated with mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone (mGnRH), homologous pituitary homogenate, or both, during the post-reproductive period. In addition, the oestradiol-17 beta release was measured in in vitro incubations of ovaries or interrenals treated with mGnRH, pituitary, or both, during the same period. In vivo and in vitro mGnRH and/or pituitary directly stimulated the production of oestradiol-17 beta by the interrenal, but not by ovary, although the stimulatory effects of the pituitary are minor and delayed with respect to those of mGnRH. These results seem to indicate that mGnRH and pituitary, with probably different mechanisms, stimulate the interrenal to produce high levels of oestradiol which is involved in the post-reproductive refractoriness.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulates biosynthesis of prostaglandin F2 alpha by the interrenal gland of the water frog, Rana esculenta, in vitro

The present study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro effects of mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone (mGnRH) on the production of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and sex steroids (progesterone, androgens, and 17 beta-estradiol) by the interrenal gland of male and female Rana esculenta during three different periods of the sexual annual cycle. In both sexes, mGnRH induced a significant increase in PGF2 alpha in the incubation medium in all examined periods. Progesterone and androgens were undetectable, while 17 beta-estradiol was significantly increased by mGnRH in interrenals incubated during the postreproductive period in both sexes. These results suggest that R. esculenta interrenals could be a GnRH-dependent PGF2 alpha-secreting tissue. In addition, the simultaneous increase in PGF2 alpha and estradiol from postreproductive cultured interrenals support the notion that mGnRH-induced estradiol synthesis is mediated through PGF2 alpha formation. This finding, taken together with other previous studies, strongly suggests that the end of the breeding period in R. esculenta depends on GnRH-induced PGF2 alpha-mediated enhancement of estradiol synthesis in a steroidogenetic organ (probably interrenals).

Immunohistochemical localization of multiple forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the brain of the adult frog

Abstract Immunohistochemical mapping with antibodies against four different types of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-like neuro-peptides has been studied in the brain of adult Rana esculenta. This study confirms the earlier described distribution pattern of the immunoreactive mammaiian GnRH system in the frog brain, as well as revealing that this system of neuronal cell bodies and fibres is immunopositive to antisera for mammalian, chicken-I, chicken-II and salmon GnRH-like molecules. The results also indicate coexistence of the four GnRH variants in the same anatomical areas. The presence of immunoreactive fibre endings in the cerebellum is also described, perhaps for the first time in the vertebrate brain. In addition, it was found that many immunoreactive GnRH fibres arising in the anterior preoptic area and thalamus-periventricular area project posteriorly to reach the interpeduncular nucleus-tegmentum area, thus connecting the diencephalon with the rhombencephalon. These data provide further information on the complex GnRH system in the frog brain. What role(s) in vivo the non-mammalian forms of GnRH-like peptides may play in amphibian reproduction is briefly discussed, and in the light of paucity of data it is here stressed that more amphibian species should be studied.

Ontogeny of immunoreactive gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal systems in amphibians

The ontogeny of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) systems was investigated in 3 anuran amphibians (genus Rana) by means of immunocytochemical (ICC) techniques and antibodies generated against 3 different forms of GnRH. Antisera that recognize primarily chicken II and mammalian GnRHs revealed two anatomically and developmentally distinct GnRH systems. One system, referred to here as the forebrain-spinal cord system, contained GnRH immunoreactive (ir) fibers extending from the rostral diencephalon through the ventromedial brainstem to the spinal cord. Intensity of labeling was robust in the youngest, premetamorphic tadpoles, but decreased with age. GnRH immunolabeling in the hypothalamic-pituitary tract was not detected until late prometamorphosis and increased with age. Development of GnRHir in the hypothalamic-pituitary tract coincided with first appearance of GnRHir in the terminal nerve in R. catesbeiana, but not in R. cascadae or R. aurora, suggesting species differences. Comparisons of results obtained with antisera to different forms of GnRH support the interpretation that the forebrain-spinal cord system, hitherto undescribed in amphibians, develops first and synthesizes a non-mammalian, chicken II-like GnRH, and that the hypothalamic-pituitary system develops later and synthesizes primarily mammalian GnRH. We speculate that the forebrain-spinal cord system may represent a GnRH innervation of frog sympathetic ganglia, and that the two GnRH systems are chemically and embryonically distinct.

Testing of Arg-8-gonadotropin-releasing hormone-directed antisera by immunological and immunocytochemical methods for use in comparative studies

Three polyclonal antisera raised in rabbits against the mammalian molecular form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) were tested in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for crossreactivity with naturally occurring GnRHs and with GnRH analogues. Antisera were then tested immunocytochemically in order (i) to identify amino acids essential for the binding of each antiserum, and (ii) to evaluate the specificity of the immunocytochemical reaction in brain sections from various species of cyclostomes, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Antiserum GnRH 80/1, recognizing mainly a discontinuous determinant including the NH2- and COOH-termini, crossreacts with GnRHs the molecular bending of which enables the spatial approach of both terminal amino acid residues. Antiserum GnRH 80/2, by requiring the COOH-terminus for binding and not tolerating substitutions by aromatic amino acids in the middle region of the molecule, recognizes chicken I GnRH, however, not the salmon form. The use of this antiserum is appropriate in species synthesizing the mammalian and/or the chicken I form of GnRH. GnRH antiserum 81/1 is specific mostly for mammalian GnRH. The results obtained by ELISAs are confirmed by immunocytochemical studies. A comparison between the results obtained in ELISA and in immunocytochemistry involving mammalian-, chicken I-, chicken II-, salmon-, and lamprey-directed GnRH antisera resulted in the following conclusions: (1) An antiserum recognizing the discontinuous antigen determinant including both NH2- and COOH-termini may be reactive in most vertebrate brain sections thus being appropriate for phylogenetically directed immunocytochemical studies. (2) Moreover, this discontinuous determinant seems to be immunocytochemically reactive in all parts of the neurons in the GnRH system, whereas, in some species, determinants located in the middle region of the molecule(s) tend to become reactive only during the axonal transport. (3) A crossreaction between tissue-bound antigen and antibodies recognizing the above cited discontinuous determinant indicates an appropriate bending of the molecule even in case of severe molecular differences, e.g., in lamprey form of GnRH. (4) It follows that in phylogenetic studies, an immunologically well characterized antiserum can be substituted for a species-directed antiserum.

A G Protein Mediates the Inhibition of the Voltage-Dependent Potassium M Current by Muscarine, LHRH, Substance P and UTP in Bullfrog Sympathetic Neurons

The involvement of G proteins in the transduction mechanism of M current (Im) inhibition by extracellular ligands in bullfrog sympathetic neurons was examined using the hydrolysis resistant nucleotide analogues GTPgammaS and GDPbetaS. Im was recorded in large (40 - 60 microm) isolated neurons using the patch-clamp technique in the whole-cell configuration, as well as in neurons from the intact ganglion impaled with conventional microelectrodes. In whole-cell recordings Im could be recorded without significant loss for 1 h or more provided ATP was present in the patch pipette. Muscarine, D-Ala6-LHRH, substance P and UTP reversibly inhibited Im in isolated control neurons, with full and rapid recovery of the current following agonist washout. Dialysis of isolated neurons with various concentrations of GTPgammaS (1 - 100 microM) affected, in a dose-dependent manner, the recovery of Im after its inhibition by brief agonist application. With 50 microM GTPgammaS, Im inhibition became completely irreversible. Similarly, the reversibility of Im inhibition by muscarine was reduced or abolished by the iontophoretic injection of GTPgammaS through a second microelectrode into neurons of the intact ganglion. GTPgammaS by itself caused a slow, agonist-independent suppression of Im in dialysed neurons, thus mimicking agonist action. Dialysis of isolated neurons with GDPbetaS (100 - 500 microM) attenuated by half or more the magnitude of Im inhibition by agonist as compared to control neurons. In addition, GDPbetaS attenuated the response of a given neuron to muscarine and D-Ala6-LHRH, and caused slow increase of Im, as a function of dialysis time. Incubation (2 - 72 h, 4 - 36 degrees C) of isolated neurons or intact ganglions with activated pertussis toxin had no effect on the response to muscarine. Toxin injections to experimental animals were equally ineffective. In contrast to Im, the additional inward current with increase in conductance induced by muscarine and D-Ala6-LHRH reversed with agonist washout in GTPgammaS-dialysed neurons, although more slowly than in control neurons. The results in this study indicate that a G protein, possibly pertussis toxin-insensitive, provides a common coupling step linking muscarinic, substance P, D-Ala6-LHRH and UTP receptors to the inhibition of M current.

Molecular forms of immunoreactive gonadotropin-releasing hormone in hypothalamus and testis of the frog, Rana esculenta

The hypothalamus and the testis of the frog, Rana esculenta, contain gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH)-like peptides which are recognized by an antiserum raised against mammalian Gn-RH. Two molecular forms which coelute with synthetic chicken II and salmon Gn-RH from reverse-phase HPLC were distinguished in the hypothalamus. A single peak coeluting with synthetic chicken II Gn-RH was present in the testis.

Chicken gonadotropin-releasing hormone II increases plasma catecholamines in the bullfrog

The aim of the present experiments was to test the effects of two native neuropeptides, [His5,Trp7,Tyr8]gonadotropin-releasing hormone (chicken GnRH II) and [Trp7,Leu8]GnRH (salmon GnRH), on the sympathoadrenal system of chronically cannulated, conscious bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana). We observed that i.v. injection of chicken GnRH II or salmon GnRH increased plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline concentrations, at doses that did not significantly affect arterial blood pressure or heart rate. Chicken GnRH II was 10 times more potent than salmon GnRH for increasing plasma adrenaline, while the two neuropeptides were equally effective in raising noradrenaline concentration. These observations are consistent with a regulatory role for chicken GnRH II in the bullfrog sympathoadrenal system.

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone as a potent stimulator of the thyroidal axis in ranid frogs

Plasma concentrations of T4, measured by radioimmunoassay, were raised significantly 2 and 4 hr after intravenous injection of synthetic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) in Rana ridibunda (1 and 10 micrograms on 2 consecutive days) and in Rana esculenta (10 micrograms). A dose of 1 microgram LHRH was not so effective as 50 micrograms synthetic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) when injected in Rana ridibunda in November. However 10 micrograms LHRH was equipotent to 50 micrograms TRH. In February somewhat less than half of the Rana temporaria group was responsive to LHRH. There is no clear indication that fluctuating plasma T3 concentrations were caused by LHRH or TRH. Preinjection levels of T3 and T4 were higher during the breeding season (April) in R. esculenta (resp. 35.4 +/- 1.4 pg/ml; 744 +/- 134 pg/ml; n = 22) compared to the basal concentrations in the very closely related Rana ridibunda (November) (resp. 15.2 +/- 1.1; 162 +/- 24 pg/ml; n = 28). Four days after removal of the pars distalis plasma T4 concentrations were significantly decreased in Rana esculenta, whereas T3 could stay longer in circulation. T3 and T4 content of the thyroids was not altered by the short-term hypophysectomy. Injection of 10 micrograms LHRH had no influence on plasma T4 nor testosterone concentrations in these frogs, contrary to the sham-ectomized animals in which plasma testosterone remained elevated longer than T4. The results suggest that the stimulatory effect of intravenous injected LHRH on thyroid (and gonadal) activity in the frog is primarily mediated through the hypophysis. They also point to a possible correlation between the gonadal and thyroidal axis.

Hypothalamus-hypophysis and testicular GnRH control of gonadal activity in the frog, Rana esculenta: seasonal GnRH profiles and annual variations of in vitro androgen output by pituitary-stimulated testes

The binding of a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) long acting analog (GnRHA), D-Ser (But)6,Pro9-NEt GnRH (HOE 766), to pituitary and testicular extracts and the presence of GnRH-like material in testes and hypothalamuses were measured in the frog, Rana esculenta. Also, the cellular localization of immunoreactive GnRH was investigated in testes by immunohistochemical staining. Furthermore, lyophilized preparations of pituitary crude homogenates from animals caught monthly were tested in vitro for their ability to stimulate androgen production by December testes. Satisfactory results on specific 125I-GnRH binding were difficult to obtain in view of its low binding capacity. Moreover, binding in testicular homogenates was of the same order of magnitude (about 2%) as that found in pituitaries. In a cospecific radioimmunoassay for GnRH nonapeptide, both hypothalamic and testicular extracts gave displacement parallel to the standard curve. Immunoreactive GnRH did not significantly fluctuate in hypothalamuses, while it peaked in testes during December and July. Immunoreactive GnRH was evidenced in June and September testes employing immunohistochemical staining. In particular, the interstitial cells and the Sertoli cells were faintly stained. Testes of December animals stimulated by February pituitaries produced larger quantities of androgens as compared with testes stimulated with hypophyseal preparations from the remaining periods of the year. In conclusion, the present results are consistent with the idea that seasonal changes of the hypothalamus-hypophyseal activity play an important role in regulating the hormonal response in vertebrate testes. Moreover, we report that, in addition to rats, GnRH-like material is present in frog testes and for the first time it has been shown that such putative intratesticular material undergoes seasonal fluctuations in a vertebrate.

Chicken II luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone inhibits the M-current of bullfrog sympathetic neurons

The M-current of dissociated bullfrog sympathetic neurons, measured by the whole-cell patch clamp technique, is powerfully inhibited by chicken II LH-RH (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone), with 50% inhibition near 1 nM. Chicken II LH-RH is approximately 100 times more potent than salmon LH-RH, and at least 1000 times more potent than other known naturally occurring LH-RH analogs (chicken I LH-RH, mammalian LH-RH, and lamprey LH-RH). This high potency makes chicken II LH-RH a candidate for the endogenous transmitter mediating the late, slow excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) in bullfrog sympathetic ganglia.

Effects of two kinds of chicken luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH), mammalian LH-RH and its analogs on the release of LH and FSH in Japanese quail and chicken

A newly isolated and characterized chicken luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-II (chicken LH-RH-II, Miyamoto et al., 1984) had luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) releasing activity in vitro and in vivo in Japanese quail: the activity was almost equal to chicken LH-RH-I and mammalian LH-RH. These three LH-RHs induced the release of LH several times higher than that of FSH in vitro and also in vivo. No significant difference between chicken LH-RH-I and LH-RH-II was observed in LH releasing activity in vitro using chicken pituitary gland in the same incubating condition as in quail. Another experiment indicated that no synergism existed between chicken LH-RH-I and -II and that there was neither LH nor FSH releasing activity in [D-Phe2, Pro3, D-Phe6]-LH-RH or in mesotocin. However, the same potency as in the chicken LH-RH-II was observed in [D-Ala6, des-Gly10]-LH-RH ethylamide, a superactive analog in mammals. The results indicate that an avian adenohypophysis differs from a mammalian adenohypophysis in its responsiveness to LH-RH suggesting that an avian LH-RH receptor may have a lower specificity in "recognition" of LH-RH molecules than a mammalian LH-RH receptor has.

Identification of His5,Trp7,Tyr8-GnRH (chicken GnRH II) in amphibian brain

GnRH immunoreactive and bioactive peptides in Xenopus laevis brain extract were investigated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), radioimmunoassay with region-specific antisera raised against GnRH (mammalian), His5,Trp7,Tyr8-GnRH (chicken II) and Tyr3,Leu5,Glu6,Trp7,Lys8-GnRH (lamprey), and by assessment of biological activity. Two immunoreactive peptides eluted in the same positions as GnRH and His5,Trp7,Tyr8-GnRH respectively in HPLC systems which were specifically designed to separate four known natural vertebrate GnRHs (mammalian, chicken I and II, salmon). The immunological properties of these two immunoreactive peaks, determined by relative interaction with three region-specific antisera raised against mammalian GnRH and two specific His5,Trp7,Tyr8-GnRH antisera, were identical to those of GnRH and His5,Trp7,Tyr8-GnRH. The immunoreactive peak co-eluting with His5,Trp7,Tyr8-GnRH represented approximately one-third of the total brain GnRH. Both immunoreactive peaks stimulated luteinizing hormone (LH) release in a chicken dispersed pituitary cell bioassay, and the amounts of LH release stimulated by the two peaks were appropriate for these peaks being GnRH and His5,Trp7,Tyr8-GnRH. A small hydrophobic peak with GnRH immunoreactivity eluted in the same position as Trp7,Leu8-GnRH (salmon), while Gln8-GnRH (chicken I) and lamprey GnRH were not detected. Two additional rather hydrophilic peptides cross-reacted with a COOH-terminus-directed antiserum and had LH-releasing activity. LH-releasing activity was also detected in hydrophobic HPLC fractions. In summary, these data provide evidence for the presence of both GnRH and a second peptide with properties identical to His5,Trp7,Tyr8-GnRH in X. laevis brain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Multiple forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in amphibian brains

Several forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-like molecules were found in brains of both anurans (frogs) and urodeles (salamanders). The presence of the mammalian-like GnRH molecule was confirmed by HPLC and cross-reactivity studies. Small amounts of salmonid-like GnRH molecules in the brains of frogs (Rana pipiens, Hyla regilla) and salamanders (Taricha granulosa, Ambystoma gracile) were detected by comparing the HPLC chromatographic pattern and immunological reactivity of the brain extracts with native trout and synthetic salmon GnRH. This nonmammalian form of GnRH in the amphibian brain is similar and perhaps identical, at least by indirect evidence, to a form of GnRH reported earlier to be in sympathetic ganglion, retina, chromaffin tissue, and tadpole brain. If two of the amphibian GnRH molecules prove to be mammalian and salmon GnRH, then it is likely that two separate genes in amphibians code for the distinct primary structures of the molecules. The most parsimonious interpretation of the presence of both mammalian- and salmon-like GnRH in anurans and urodeles is that a common phylogenetic ancestor also possessed the two forms of GnRH. Thus the mammalian form of GnRH may well have been present in labyrinthodont amphibians. Independent of evolutionary origin, the functions of the different GnRH molecules in amphibians are unknown.

In vitro study of the direct ovarian effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the frogs, Rana pipiens and Rana catesbeiana

Ovaries from the leopard frog, Rana pipiens, and bullfrog, R. catesbeiana, were used to study potential direct extrapituitary effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH alone did not alter steroid secretion from ovaries in either species. Ovarian fragments containing mature follicles from R. pipiens were incubated in several submaximal doses of homologous pituitary homogenate or purified bullfrog luteinizing hormone (LH) together with 1000 ng/ml GnRH. The addition of GnRH failed to alter testosterone (T) or progesterone secretion or germinal vesicle breakdown over a wide dose range of gonadotropin. The effects of supramaximal doses of pituitary homogenate on R. pipiens and the effects of homologous LH on T secretion by fragments of R. catesbeiana ovaries were also unaffected by the presence of GnRH. The lack of a GnRH effect on the dynamics of T secretion in the bullfrog was further confirmed in a superfusion system with homologous pituitary homogenate. This study fails to demonstrate an action of GnRH at the level of the ovary in two ranid species.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone as a paracrine hormone and neurotransmitter in extra-pituitary sites

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), in addition to its classical releasing action at the pituitary level, acts on multiple extrapituitary sites to regulate various reproductive functions. In the rat ovary, specific high affinity GnRH receptors have been identified in granulosa and theca cells. These binding sites mediate the inhibitory effects of GnRH and its agonists on gonadotropin-stimulated estrogen, progestin and androgen biosynthesis. At the granulose cell level, GnRH treatment decreases aromatase activity as well as the biosynthesis of pregnenolone and progesterone via inhibition of cholesterol side-chain cleavage and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes. High concentrations of GnRH also stimulate low but significant levels of various steroids. In addition, treatment with high concentrations of GnRH induces ovulation and oocyte maturation in hypophysectomized rats. This is associated with the ability of GnRH to stimulate plasminogen activator activity in cultured granulosa cells. In the rat testis, GnRH receptors have been identified in Leydig but not Sertoli cells. Treatment with GnRH inhibits gonadotropin-stimulated androgen biosynthesis by the cultured Leydig cells. The inhibitory effect of GnRH on testicular androgen production occurs at sites distal to the formation of cyclic AMP and pregnenolone and may be due to decreases in the activity of the enzyme 17 alpha-hydroxylase and 17-20 desmolase. Since hypothalamic GnRH is unlikely to act at the gonadal level, several laboratories have attempted to isolate gonadal GnRH-like peptide which may serve as the ligand for specific gonadal GnRH receptors. Although the presence of ovarian GnRH-like substance still remains elusive, testicular GnRH-like substance has been identified. This gonadal peptide(s) may be an important local paracrine hormone. In addition to its action at the gonadal level, GnRH or GnRH-like peptides may play an important role as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Exogenous administration of GnRH in selected brain areas has been shown to modulate sexual behavior in experimental animals, while neural pathways containing GnRH-like immunoreactive substances have been identified in several brain areas. We have recently synthesized a bioluminescent GnRH analog capable of serving as a specific GnRH ligand for a bioluminescent ligand receptor assay which is more sensitive than classical 125I-ligand assays. We have identified GnRH receptors in small, discrete brain regions. Thus, GnRH and GnRH-like peptides may play important paracrine and neurotransmitter roles in the regulation of various reproductive functions in extra-pituitary sites.

Immunocytochemistry of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and sexual maturation of the frog brain: comparisons of juvenile and adult bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana)

An unlabeled antibody enzyme immunocytochemical procedure has been combined with an adjacent serial section approach to localize mammalian-like immunoreactive luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (ir-LH-RH) in brains of juvenile and adult bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana). In juvenile animals modest specific immunocytochemical staining was found over cell bodies in the anterior preoptic area (aPOA) and in scattered neurosecretory endings in the outer layer of the median eminence (ME). In brains of adults, a comparatively robust staining was observed for perikarya in the medial septal nucleus, as well as in the aPOA; intense immunostaining of a well-differentiated ME also was noted for adults. Specific immunocytochemical staining was absent from other brain regions and in control preparations. Accordingly, changes both in the number and distribution of cells stained and in the quality of immunostaining were coincident with sexual maturation of the brain. This initial study of juvenile and adult bullfrogs suggests that ir-LH-RH in septal and preoptic areas may exert distinctly differing activities.

Muscarinic and peptidergic excitation of bull-frog sympathetic neurones

The large B cells of bull-frog sympathetic ganglia are well known to be depolarized by slow synaptic transmission, muscarinic agonists, analogues of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), and substance P. Voltage-clamp analysis shows that these actions result from two underlying mechanisms: inhibition of the M-current, a voltage-dependent potassium current; and in some cells, an inward current associated with an increase in conductance. The additional inward current appears as a voltage-insensitive change in the instantaneous conductance (i.e. apparent leak conductance). The additional inward current is typically slower in onset and offset than is M-current inhibition. It is typically seen for higher concentrations and longer durations of agonist application. In many cells, only a decrease in M-current can be demonstrated. Muscarine inhibits the M-current with 50% inhibition (I50) at 0.7 microM. At least 86% of the M-current is muscarine sensitive. At comparable concentrations, oxotremorine produces less M-current inhibition than does muscarine. Some analogues of teleost LHRH (T-LHRH) are more potent as M-current inhibitors than T-LHRH itself. Those peptides tend to act more slowly than T-LHRH. Substance P shows variable potency for M-current inhibition, with I50 s ranging from 2 nM to greater than 2 microM on different cells. The response to long applications of substance P desensitizes in some cells, which has not been observed for comparable applications of muscarinic or LHRH agonists. Other tachykinins (including substance K) inhibit the M-current. C-terminal fragments of substance P are ineffective, and M-current inhibition by substance P is not blocked by [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]- or [D-Arg1,D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9,Leu11] substance P. The slow muscarinic excitatory post-synaptic potential (e.p.s.p.) produces a graded inhibition of up to 90% of the M-current. Occasional cells show an additional inward current with an associated increase in conductance during the slow e.p.s.p. This effect is less marked than with exogenous muscarinic agonists. The late, slow e.p.s.p., which is produced by stimulation of high threshold C-fibre inputs and is resistant to cholinergic antagonists, also involves M-current inhibition. An additional inward current can be observed in some cells. M-current inhibition (by agonists or slow synaptic potentials) increases the number of spikes produced by a given depolarizing current, often allowing maintained firing. This action is not mimicked by equivalent depolarization, and is still seen when the cell is manually clamped to the original resting potential.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

An immunohistochemical study of seasonal changes in luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and vasotocin in the forebrain and the neurohypophysis of the toad, Bufo japonicus

Seasonal changes in luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) and arginine vasotocin (AVT) were examined immunohistochemically in the toad forebrains and neurohypophyses. Strongly immunoreactive (ir-) LH-RH perikarya, from which dense ir-LH-RH fibers project to the median eminence, were localized in the medial septal nucleus and the nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca in the animals captured in the spring and the autumn. While, in the animals collected in the summer, ir-LH-RH perikarya and fibers were sparse, and immunoreactivity in the median eminences was weak. Artificially induced hibernation decreased the density of ir-LH-RH in the median eminence, in contrast with strong immunoreactivity in the control animals kept at room temperature. The amounts of ir-LH-RH in the median eminences of hibernating toads which were captured shortly before the breeding period varied conspicuously among individuals. The median eminences in migrating toads showed relatively weak LH-RH immunoreactivity. After the breeding, the immunoreactivity returned to the strong level that was observed in the spring and the autumn. These seasonal changes in ir-LH-RH seem to correspond to seasonal reproductive activity in this species. However, significant seasonal variations were not found in ir-AVT.

Conjugated catecholamines and pressor responses to angiotensin, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and prazosin in conscious toads

Synthetic angiotensin II (Ang II), mammalian luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) and salmon LHRH (sLHRH) were injected intravenously into conscious, adult toads (Bufo marinus) to elucidate the cardiovascular actions of the hormones. The maximal increases in pulse pressure elicited by the three peptides did not differ from each other but only Ang II increased cardiac frequency. The maximal increases in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) caused by LHRH and sLHRH were identical, while Ang II caused a 100% greater maximal effect. The median effective doses (ED50) for both Ang II and LHRH were approximately 0.1 nmol kg-1 whereas the potency of sLHRH was 10 fold less. Pressor responses to LHRH and sLHRH were blocked completely by (D-pGlu1, D-Phe2, D-Trp3,6)-LHRH but this antagonist did not inhibit Ang II. Significant proportions of circulating, endogenous dopamine, noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (Ad) were found to be sulphoconjugated. Arterial plasma concentration of free NA increased simultaneously with the rise in blood pressure following Ang II injection. The magnitude of the free NA response increased with increasing Ang II dose but even a high dose failed to augment the plasma level of conjugated NA. Ang II did not alter concentrations of free or conjugated dopamine and Ad. Intraarterial injection of an alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin, caused sustained elevation of arterial pressure and free Ad. Subsequently Ang II lowered plasma Ad concentration. Prazosin inhibited the NA response to Ang II yet the pressor effects of the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist and Ang II were additive. Administration of a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol, largely reversed the cardiovascular sequelae of alpha-adrenoceptor blockade. It is concluded, firstly, that the cardiovascular actions of Ang II and LHRH are mediated through different receptors. Secondly, although it had been shown that alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor mechanisms mediate the pressor effect of LHRH, the present experiments showed that mobilization of catecholamines cannot account for the pressor response to Ang II. Thirdly, both free and conjugated catecholamines circulate in toads; however the extent of conjugation can be dissociated from the changes in free NA and Ad induced by Ang II and prazosin.

A new family member for gonadotropin-releasing hormone

The two living representatives of the most ancient vertebrates, Agnathans, are lamprey and hagfish. Using immunological methods, we identified gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-like molecules in the lamprey brain, but not hagfish. The lamprey GnRH was detected poorly by antisera directed at the C-terminus, suggesting that a C-terminal amino acid substitution may have occurred in the lamprey molecule compared with mammalian GnRH. In spite of this, lamprey and mammalian GnRH-like molecules have the same retention time on an isocratic HPLC system and parallel inhibition of mammalian 125I-GnRH in a radioimmunoassay. The lamprey GnRH-like molecule has a distinct HPLC elution pattern compared with dogfish shark, salmon, trout and probably birds. Thus lamprey GnRH represents another member of the growing family of GnRH molecules. Additionally, lamprey GnRH may be a stem molecule in the vertebrate evolution of GnRH.

Seasonal changes in luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone concentrations in microdissected brain regions of male rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa)

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) concentrations were measured in specific brain areas of male rough-skinned newts collected from a single population throughout the reproductive cycle. Plasma androgen and corticosterone (B) concentrations were also measured. Androgen concentrations were highest during the breeding season (winter) and lowest during the summer. In contrast, plasma B was lowest during the breeding season and highest in the summer. Concentrations of LHRH in the infundibulum (I) and rostral hypothalamus (RH) were positively correlated throughout the reproductive cycle; LHRH was always higher in the I than in the RH. Concentrations of LHRH in the ventral preoptic area (POA) fluctuated independently of concentrations of LHRH in the I and RH. However, LHRH concentrations decreased to undetectable levels in all three brain areas in March and April, which was before the end of the breeding season and before plasma androgen concentrations had decreased. An injection of LHRH into postbreeding males resulted in a significant increase in plasma androgen concentrations, indicating that the pituitary-gonad axis was still functional at the end of the breeding season. These results support the hypothesis that an abrupt decline in LHRH secretion is the initial endocrine event that signals the end of the breeding season in this amphibian.

Immunocytochemistry of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone during spontaneous and thyroxine-induced metamorphosis of bullfrogs

Double-bridge peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocytochemistry was used to compare the developmental appearance of immunoreactive LH-RH (ir-LH-RH) in brains of bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpoles during either spontaneous or thyroxine-induced metamorphosis. During spontaneous metamorphosis, ir-LH-RH was localized in fibers of the external layer of the median eminence (ME) of stage XIII-XXV animals, while immunoreactive perikarya and other immunostained brain structures were absent. The extent and intensity of ME immunostaining increased concomitantly with measured ME morphological development. Tadpoles induced with thyroxine to metamorphic stages XIX-XXI exhibited ME structural development and neurohypophysial neurosecretory staining similar to spontaneously metamorphosed individuals of equal stages. However, comparable ME ir-LH-RH immunostaining and gonadal size were both less developed in thyroxine-treated animals, although increased relative to non-metamorphic vehicle-injected controls. These results indicate that the hypothalamic LH-RH system changes concurrently with ME structural development during spontaneous metamorphosis. Reduced ME ir-LH-RH staining and gonadal size in thyroxine-treated animals suggest that during prometamorphosis, factors other than thyroxine alone may coordinate the normal maturation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis of the bullfrog.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) in striped mullet (Mugil cephalus), milkfish (Chanos chanos), and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri): comparison with salmon Gn-RH

Immunoreactive gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) was extracted from brains of striped mullet, milkfish, rainbow trout, and chum salmon with acetone/HCl and petroleum ether. High pressure liquid chromatography and cross-reactivity studies show mullet, milkfish, and trout brains to contain a peptide chromatographically and immunologically identical to synthetic salmon Gn-RH, while the mammalian form of Gn-RH is detectable in none of these fishes. Gn-RH is present in immature 7-month-old and 4-year-old milkfish. A second immunoreactive peptide is separable by HPLC in all the fish studied. This "early-eluting" form of Gn-RH is unlikely to be a precursor; its cross-reactivity with antisera R-42 and #185 suggests that any modification is in the C-terminal region. Several possible roles for this peptide are advanced.

Immunocytochemistry of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in brains of bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) during spontaneous metamorphosis

The distribution of immunoreactive luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (ir-LH-RH) in brains of bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) during spontaneous metamorphosis has been studied by combination of an unlabeled antibody enzyme immunocytochemical technique and an adjacent serial section approach. In prometamorphic tadpoles, immunocytochemical staining for ir-LH-RH was absent from the brain, including a structurally simple median eminence (ME) and perikarya in the anterior preoptic area (aPOA). In metamorphic tadpoles, speckled patches of immunostaining occurred over the outer layer of a modestly developed ME; coincident faint staining of a small number of medial, unpaired cell bodies was localized in the aPOA. In newly metamorphosed juvenile frogs, more diffuse and intense staining of the outer layer of the ME accompanied increased morphological differentiation of this neurohemal area; immunoreactive perikarya again were found in the aPOA, but an increased number of neurons exhibited comparatively greater (moderate) immunostaining. Changes in the quality of immunostaining and in the numbers of cells stained, therefore, were coincident with metamorphic development. Concomitant alterations of ir-LH-RH immunostaining and progressive structural development of the ME suggest a coordinated differentiation of brain neuroendocrine systems during metamorphosis of the bullfrog tadpole.

Immunocytochemistry of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in brains of breeding eastern narrow-mouthed toads (Gastrophryne carolinensis)

Unlabeled antibody-enzyme immunocytochemistry was used to localize mammalian-like immunoreactive luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in brains of breeding eastern narrow-mouthed toads (Gastrophryne carolinensis). Intense immunostaining occurred over the infundibular floor and the median eminence, yet staining of few perikarya in the anterior preoptic area was minimal. This pattern of markedly regional immunostaining differs from that reported for other anurans.