GnRH-like immunoreactivity in the peripheral olfactory system and forebrain of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): a reassessment at multiple life history stages

Sex and seasonal co-variation of arginine vasotocin (AVT) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in the brain of the halfspotted goby

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and arginine vasotocin (AVT) are critical regulators of reproductive behaviors that exhibit tremendous plasticity, but co-variation in discrete GnRH and AVT neuron populations among sex and season are only partially described in fishes. We used immunocytochemistry to examine sexual and temporal variations in neuron number and size in three GnRH and AVT cell groups in relation to reproductive activities in the halfspotted goby (Asterropteryx semipunctata). GnRH-immunoreactive (-ir) somata occur in the terminal nerve, preoptic area, and midbrain tegmentum, and AVT-ir somata within parvocellular, magnocellular, and gigantocellular regions of the preoptic area. Sex differences were found among all GnRH and AVT cell groups, but were time-period dependent. Seasonal variations also occurred in all GnRH and AVT cell groups, with coincident elevations most prominent in females during the peak- and non-spawning periods. Sex and temporal variability in neuropeptide-containing neurons are correlated with the goby's seasonally-transient reproductive physiology, social interactions, territoriality and parental care. Morphological examination of GnRH and AVT neuron subgroups within a single time period provides detailed information on their activities among sexes, whereas seasonal comparisons provide a fine temporal sequence to interpret the proximate control of reproduction and the evolution of social behavior.

Evolution of GnRH ligands and receptors in gnathostomata

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the final common signaling molecule used by the brain to regulate reproduction in all vertebrates. Until now, a total of 24 GnRH structural variants have been characterized from vertebrate, protochordate and invertebrate nervous tissue. Almost all vertebrates already investigated have at least two GnRH forms coexisting in the central nervous system. Furthermore, it is now well accepted that three GnRH forms are present both in early and late evolved teleostean fishes. The number and taxonomic distribution of the different GnRH variants also raise questions about the phylogenetic relationships between them. Most of the GnRH phylogenetic analyses are in agreement with the widely accepted idea that the GnRH family can be divided into three main groups. However, the examination of the gnathostome GnRH phylogenetic relationships clearly shows the existence of two main paralogous GnRH lineages: the ''midbrain GnRH" group and the "forebrain GnRH" group. The first one, represented by chicken GnRH-II forms, and the second one composed of two paralogous lineages, the salmon GnRH cluster (only represented in teleostean fish species) and the hypophysotropic GnRH cluster, also present in tetrapods. This analysis suggests that the two forebrain clades share a common precursor and reinforces the idea that the salmon GnRH branch has originated from a duplication of the hypophysotropic lineage. GnRH ligands exert their activity through G protein-coupled receptors of the rhodopsin-like family. As with the ligands, multiple GnRHRs are expressed in individual vertebrate species and phylogenetic analyses have revealed that all vertebrate GnRHRs cluster into three main receptor types. However, new data and a new phylogenetic analysis propose a two GnRHR type model, in which different rounds of gene duplications may have occurred in different groups within each lineage.

Olfactory sensory input increases gill ventilation in male round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) during exposure to steroids

In teleostean fish, ventilation increases have been observed in response to low dissolved oxygen levels, visual stimuli, and gustatory cues. However, olfactory sensory input may also stimulate gill ventilation rate. We investigated whether olfactory sensory input mediates gill ventilation responses, as suggested by the observation that steroidal compounds detected by the olfactory system elicited increases in opercular activity in the perciform teleost, the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus). Close parallels between gill ventilation and olfactory responses, led us to conduct an empirical study that used two different olfactory sensory deprivation techniques to seek a causal relationship between olfactory epithelial activity and hyperventilation. Chemical lesion of olfactory sensory neurons or mechanical occlusion of the nasal cavities inhibited gill ventilation responses of reproductive male round gobies to estrone (1,3,5(10)-estratrien-3-ol-17-one) and to ovarian extracts. This direct evidence demonstrates the role of olfactory sensory input for the gill ventilation response to putative reproductive pheromones and may represent an important regulatory mechanism for odorant sampling during pheromone communication.

The centrifugal visual system of vertebrates: a comparative analysis of its functional anatomical organization

The present review is a detailed survey of our present knowledge of the centrifugal visual system (CVS) of vertebrates. Over the last 20 years, the use of experimental hodological and immunocytochemical techniques has led to a considerable augmentation of this knowledge. Contrary to long-held belief, the CVS is not a unique property of birds but a constant component of the central nervous system which appears to exist in all vertebrate groups. However, it does not form a single homogeneous entity but shows a high degree of variation from one group to the next. Thus, depending on the group in question, the somata of retinopetal neurons can be located in the septo-preoptic terminal nerve complex, the ventral or dorsal thalamus, the pretectum, the optic tectum, the mesencephalic tegmentum, the dorsal isthmus, the raphé, or other rhombencephalic areas. The centrifugal visual fibers are unmyelinated or myelinated, and their number varies by a factor of 1000 (10 or fewer in man, 10,000 or more in the chicken). They generally form divergent terminals in the retina and rarely convergent ones. Their retinal targets also vary, being primarily amacrine cells with various morphological and neurochemical properties, occasionally interplexiform cells and displaced retinal ganglion cells, and more rarely orthotopic ganglion cells and bipolar cells. The neurochemical signature of the centrifugal visual neurons also varies both between and within groups: thus, several neuroactive substances used by these neurons have been identified; GABA, glutamate, aspartate, acetylcholine, serotonin, dopamine, histamine, nitric oxide, GnRH, FMRF-amide-like peptides, Substance P, NPY and met-enkephalin. In some cases, the retinopetal neurons form part of a feedback loop, relaying information from a primary visual center back to the retina, while in other, cases they do not. The evolutionary significance of this variation remains to be elucidated, and, while many attempts have been made to explain the functional role of the CVS, opinions vary as to the manner in which retinal activity is modified by this system.

Ontogeny of GnRH-like immunoreactive neuronal systems in the forebrain of the Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala

GnRH immunoreactivity appeared in the medial olfactory placode very early in the development of Cirrhinus mrigala. The immunoreactive elements were divisible into distinct migratory and non-migratory components. The migratory component appeared as a patch of intensely immunoreactive cells located close to the olfactory epithelium in day 6 post-fertilization larvae. Subsequently, these neurons migrate caudally along the ventromedial aspect of the developing forebrain and enroute give rise to GnRH immunoreactive neurons in the (1) nervus terminalis located in ventral and caudal part of the olfactory bulb (day 8), and (2) basal telencephalon (day 9). The non-migratory GnRH immunoreactive component appeared in the olfactory placode of day 1 post-fertilization larvae. It consisted of few olfactory receptor neuron (ORN)-like cells with distinct flask-shaped somata, dendrites that communicate with the periphery and a single axon on the basal side; GnRH immunoreactivity was seen throughout the neuron. Considerable increase in the number of immunoreactive ORNs was encountered in day 2 post-fertilization larvae. On day 3, the dendrites of ORNs sprout bunches of apical cilia, while on the basal side the axonal outgrowths can be traced to the olfactory bulb. GnRH immunoreactive fibers were distributed in the olfactory nerve layer in the periphery of the bulb and glomeruli-like innervation was clearly established in 5 days old larvae. The innervation to the olfactory bulb showed a considerable increase in GnRH immunoreactivity in 9 and 19 days old larvae. However, GnRH immunoreactivity in non-migratory as well as migratory components gradually diminished and disappeared altogether by the age of 68 days. Results of the present study suggest that GnRH may serve a neurotransmitter role in the ORNs during early stages of development in C. mrigala.

Elevation of gene expression for salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone in discrete brain loci of prespawning chum salmon during upstream migration

Our previous studies suggested that salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone (sGnRH) neurons regulate both final maturation and migratory behavior in homing salmonids. Activation of sGnRH neurons can occur during upstream migration. We therefore examined expression of genes encoding the precursors of sGnRH, sGnRH-I, and sGnRH-II, in discrete forebrain loci of prespawning chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta. Fish were captured from 1997 through 1999 along their homing pathway: coastal areas, a midway of the river, 4 km downstream of the natal hatchery, and the hatchery. Amounts of sGnRH mRNAs in fresh frozen sections including the olfactory bulb (OB), terminal nerve (TN), ventral telencephalon (VT), nucleus preopticus parvocellularis anterioris (PPa), and nucleus preopticus magnocellularis (PM) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions. The amounts of sGnRH-II mRNA were higher than those of sGnRH-I mRNA, while they showed similar changes during upstream migration. In the OB and TN, the amounts of sGnRH mRNAs elevated from the coast to the natal hatchery. In the VT and PPa, they elevated along with the progress of final maturation. Such elevation was also observed in the rostroventral, middle, and dorsocaudal parts of the PM. The amounts of gonadotropin IIbeta and somatolactin mRNAs in the pituitary also increased consistently with the elevation of gene expression for sGnRH. These results, in combination with lines of previous evidence, indicate that sGnRH neurons are activated in almost all the forebrain loci during the last phases of spawning migration, resulting in coordination of final gonadal maturation and migratory behavior to the spawning ground.

Reproduction phase-related expression of GnRH-like immunoreactivity in the olfactory receptor neurons, their projections to the olfactory bulb and in the nervus terminalis in the female Indian major carp Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.)

The reproductive biology of the Indian major carp Cirrhinus mrigala is tightly synchronized with the seasonal changes in the environment. While the ovaries show growth from February through June, the fish spawn in July-August to coincide with the monsoon; thereafter the fish pass into the postspawning and resting phases. We investigated the pattern of GnRH immunoreactivity in the olfactory system at regular intervals extending over a period of 35 months. Although no signal was detected in the olfactory organ of fish collected from April through February following year, distinct GnRH-like immunoreactivity appeared in the fish collected in March. Intense immunoreactivity was noticed in several olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) and their axonal fibers as they extend over the olfactory nerve, spread in the periphery of the olfactory bulb (OB), and terminate in the glomerular layer. Strong immunoreactivity was seen in some fascicles of the medial olfactory tracts extending from the OB to the telencephalon. Some neurons of the ganglion cells of nervus terminalis showed GnRH immunostaining during March; no immunoreactivity was detected at other times of the year. Plexus of GnRH immunoreactive fibers extending throughout the bulb represented a different component of the olfactory system; the fiber density showed a seasonal pattern that could be related to the status of gonadal maturity. While it was highest in the prespawning phase, significant reduction in the fiber density was noticed in the fish of spawning and the following regressive phases. Taken together the data suggest that the GnRH in the olfactory system of C. mrigala may play a major role in translation of the environmental cues and influence the downstream signals leading to the stimulation of the brain-pituitary-ovary axis.

Non-oscillatory discharges of an F-prostaglandin responsive neuron population in the olfactory bulb-telencephalon transition area in lake whitefish

Our previous studies on olfactory bulbar responses in salmonid fishes suggest that pheromone signals might be processed by a mechanism distinct from that of other odorants. Using in vivo single-unit and electroencephalographic recordings, we investigated response characteristics of olfactory neurons in lake whitefish, Coregonus clupeaformis, a species characterized by high electrophysiological and behavioral sensitivities to the reproductive pheromone candidates F-prostaglandins. We found a neuron population responsive to F-prostaglandins in the ventromedial brain tissue strip connecting the olfactory bulb to the telencephalon. Of the 64 neurons examined in this area, 33% showed excitatory and 11% inhibitory responses to F-prostaglandins, while 52% were non-responsive to all the stimuli tested. Both phasic and tonic F-prostaglandin neuron response patterns were observed during the 10-s stimulus period; some responses were delayed from the onset of stimulation, and some persisted for a long time following stimulus cessation. This neuron population did not induce synchronized oscillatory waves upon stimulation with F-prostaglandins, despite massive discharges. We demonstrate for the first time that the olfactory bulb-telencephalon area of the brain is a distinct neural structure through which putative reproductive pheromone signals are integrated. Amino acid and F-prostaglandin neuron population discharges have different temporal characteristics, suggesting different processing mechanisms exist for odorant and pheromone signals. The observed sustained neuron discharges may play a role in amplifying pheromone signals required for triggering stereotyped neuroendocrine and/or behavior changes.

The terminal nerve in turbot, Psetta maxima:

The ontogeny and organization of the terminal nerve (TN) during turbot development was studied using an antiserum to neuropeptide Y. First immunoreactive cells were detected in the olfactory placode at hatching time. At 1 day after hatching, a loose group of labeled neurons form an extracranial primordial ganglion of the TN. During the subsequent larval development, more perikarya displaying increased immunoreactivity were found along the course of the olfactory nerve. Moreover, labeled cells cross the meninx of the forebrain gathering in the olfactory bulb of larval turbot. Projections from these cells, directed both to the caudal brain and to the retina, develop when the cells become established in the olfactory bulb. The generation of immunoreactive cells in the olfactory organ extends into the metamorphic period, when a pronounced asymmetry affects the turbot morphology. At this time, the topological location of the immunoreactive cells in the TN becomes distorted. This developmental pattern was compared with those found in other teleosts and in other vertebrates. Preabsorption experiments of anti-neuropeptide Y serum with neuropeptide Y and FMRF-amide suggests that immunoreactive material observed in TN cells was not neuropeptide Y, and raises the possibility that other peptides, e.g. FMRF-amide-like peptides, exist in this neural system.

Development of three distinct GnRH neuron populations expressing two different GnRH forms in the brain of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

The early development of both the catfish gonadotropin-releasing hormone (cfGnRH)- and the chicken GnRH-II (cGnRH-II) system was investigated in African catfish by immunocytochemistry by using antibodies against the GnRH-associated peptide (GAP) of the respective preprohormones. Weakly cfGnRH-immunoreactive (ir) neurons and fibers were present at 2 weeks after hatching (ph) but only in the ventral telencephalon and pituitary. Two weeks later, cfGnRH fibers and neurons were also observed in more rostral and in more caudal brain areas, mainly in the preoptic area and hypothalamus. Based on differences in temporal, spatial, and morphologic appearance, two distinct cfGnRH populations were identified in the ventral forebrain: a population innervating the pituitary (ventral forebrain system) and a so-called terminal nerve (TN) population. DiI tracing studies revealed that the TN population has no neuronal connections with the pituitary. The cGnRH-II system is present from 2 weeks ph onward in the midbrain tegmentum and only their size and staining intensity increased during development. Based on the comparison of GnRH systems amongst vertebrates, we hypothesize that during fish evolution, three different GnRH systems evolved, each expressing their own molecular form: the cGnRH-II system in the midbrain, a hypophysiotropic GnRH system in the hypothalamus with a species-specific GnRH form, and a salmon GnRH-expressing TN population. This hypothesis is supported by phylogenetic analysis of known GnRH precursor amino acid sequences. We hypothesize, because the African catfish is a less advanced teleost species, that it contains the cfGnRH form both in the ventral forebrain system and in the TN population.

Glucagon-like immunoreactivity in the forebrain and pituitary of the teleost, Clarias batrachus (Linn.)

The organization of glucagon-like immunoreactivity (GLI) in the olfactory system, forebrain, and pituitary was investigated in the teleost Clarias batrachus. Weak to moderate GLI was seen in some olfactory receptor neurons and basal cells of the olfactory epithelium. Intense GLI was seen in the olfactory nerve fascicles that ran caudally to the bulb, spread over in the olfactory nerve layer, and profusely branched in the glomerular layer to form tufts organized as spherical neuropils; some of the immunoreactive fibers seem to closely enfold the mitral cells. In the inner cell layer of the bulb, some granule cells were intensely immunoreactive. Although there were thick fascicles of immunoreactive fibers in the medial olfactory tracts (MOT), the lateral olfactory tracts were generally devoid of immunoreactivity. Immunoreactive fibers in the medial olfactory tract penetrated into the telencephalon from its rostral pole and entered into the area ventralis telencephali/pars ventralis where the compact fiber bundles loosen somewhat and course dorsocaudally into the area ventralis telencephali/pars supracommissuralis just above the anterior commissure. While some immunoreactive fibers decussated in the anterior commissure, fine fibers were seen in the commissure of Goldstein. Isolated immunoreactive fibers of the medial olfactory tract were traced laterally into the area dorsalis telencephali/pars lateralis ventralis and mediodorsally into the area dorsalis telencephali/pars medialis. However, a major component of the MOT continued dorsocaudally into the thalamus and terminated in the habenula. Two immunoreactive neuronal groups and some isolated cells were seen in the periventricular region of the thalamus. Although nucleus preopticus showed no immunoreactivity, some neurons of the nucleus lateralis tuberis displayed moderate GLI. Several immunoreactive cells were seen in the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland; few were encountered in the rostral pars distalis and proximal pars distalis. Immunoreactive fibers were seen throughout the pituitary gland.

Cloning, tissue distribution, and central expression of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

A full-length cDNA encoding a GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) has been obtained from the brain of rainbow trout. This cDNA encodes a protein of 386 amino acids (aa) exhibiting the typical arrangement of the G-protein-coupled receptors in seven transmembrane domains. However, a second ATG could give rise to a receptor with a 30-aa longer extracellular domain. As already shown in other fish and Xenopus, this protein possesses an intracellular domain, in contrast with its mammalian counterparts. In the case of rainbow trout, this intracellular carboxy-terminal tail consists of 58 residues. Northern blotting experiments carried out in the brain, the pituitary, and the liver only resulted in a single band of 1.9-2 kilobases in the pituitary, although reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction amplification products were found in the brain, the pituitary, the retina, and the ovary. In situ hybridization using a probe corresponding to the full-length coding region of the receptor was performed on vitellogenic or ovulating females and allowed to detect a weak but specific signal in the proximal pars distalis of the pituitary, the preoptic region, the mediobasal hypothalamus, and the optic tectum. However, the strongest signal was consistently detected in a mesencephalic structure, the nucleus lateralis valvulae, the significance of which is presently open to speculation.

beta-endorphin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the forebrain and pituitary of the female catfish, Clarias batrachus: double-immunolabeling study

The role of beta-endorphin in modulating the gonadotropic action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is well established in mammals. Although the information from teleosts also suggests that endogenous opioids modulate GnRH secretion and influence gonadotropic hormone release, the anatomical substrate in which opiate peptides and GnRH may interact has not been studied. Herein we describe the mammalian GnRH- and beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivities in the olfactory system, forebrain, and pituitary of the teleost, Clarias batrachus, using the double immunocytochemical method. While several olfactory receptor neurons showed beta-endorphin- or GnRH-like immunoreactivity, some neurons with dual immunoreactivities were also seen. GnRH- and/or beta-endorphin-like immunolabeled fascicles were seen in the olfactory nerves as they run caudally to the olfactory bulb and spread in the periphery. Several fascicles branch profusely to form tufts organized as spherical neuropils in the glomerular layer. Frequently, the innervation of the glomeruli showed a distinct pattern. While the fascicles on the medial side showed a predominance of beta-endorphin-like fibers, the majority of the fascicles on the lateral side of the bulb showed dual immunoreactivities. Several GnRH- and beta-endorphin-like immunoreactive fibers were seen in the medial olfactory tract as it extends through the telencephalon in the area ventralis telencephali/pars supracommissuralis; individual fibers with dual staining were also seen. The nucleus lateralis tuberis showed beta-endorphin- as well as GnRH-like immunoreactive neurons. While GnRH-containing cells were seen in the proximal pars distalis and pars intermedia, beta-endorphin-like cells were located throughout the pituitary; some cells in the pars intermedia showed dual immunoreactivity. The high degree of overlapping suggests the possibility of profound interplay between GnRH- and beta-endorphin-like immunoreactive systems at different levels of the neuraxis.

Sensory deafferentation and olfactory bulb morphology in the zebrafish and related species

The zebrafish, Danio rerio, has become an important model species for examining olfactory system structure and function, yet little is known about developmental changes in olfactory bulb morphology from embryo to adult. The present study examined both normal growth and the effects of deafferentation on the bulb from hatching to adulthood. In young animals, the bulb is small relative to body size and has a higher percentage of its volume occupied by incoming olfactory nerve fibers. Young animals are also more affected by sensory deafferentation. Olfactory rosette removal resulted in more than 50% reductions in laminar volumes, indicating that sensory input is important during periods of rapid development. In addition, three closely related species were examined to compare how differing bulb morphology might influence the effects of bulb manipulation. The cherry barb, Barbus (=Puntius) titteya, and giant danio, Danio aequipinnatus, have larger bulbs and laminar volumes relative to body size than the zebrafish or scissortail rasbora, Rasbora trilineata. Both are also more affected by deafferentation, with at least a 35% reduction in laminar sizes in many of the bulb layers. The studies are discussed in terms of the importance of the olfactory system to each species and are also compared to the effects of sensory manipulations in other animals.

Beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity in the forebrain and pituitary of the teleost Clarias batrachus (Linn.)

The organization of beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity in the olfactory system, forebrain, and pituitary of the teleost Clarias batrachus was investigated. Immunoreactivity was prominently seen in the sensory neurons and basal cells in the olfactory epithelium and in some cells in the periphery and center (granule cells) of the olfactory bulb. Immunoreactive fibers in the olfactory nerve enter the olfactory nerve layer of the olfactory bulb and branch profusely to form tufts organized as spherical neuropils in the glomerular layer. While fascicles of immunoreactive fibers were seen in the medial olfactory tracts, the lateral olfactory tracts showed individual immunoreactive fibers. Immunoreactive fibers in the medial olfactory tract extend into the telencephalon and form terminal fields in discrete telencephalic and preoptic areas; some immunoreactive fibers decussate in the anterior commissure, while others pass into the thalamus. While neurons of the nucleus lateralis tuberis revealed weak immunoreactivity, densely staining somata were seen at discrete sites along the wall of the third ventricle. Although a large population of immunoreactive cells was seen in the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland, few were seen in the rostral pars distalis and proximal pars distalis; immunoreactive fibers were seen throughout the pituitary gland.

Modification of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) mRNA expression in the retinal-recipient Thalamus

Although the environmental cues that trigger reproductive behaviors are known for many species, the mechanisms through which these signals influence the neurochemistry of the brain to produce behavior have been elusive. In this study, we describe a retinally modulated system of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) producing neurons in the thalamus of the plainfin midshipman fish, Porichthys notatus. Previously, we cloned and sequenced the cDNA for prepro-GnRH in midshipman. Here, using in situ hybridization, we localized prepro-GnRH mRNA to the ventrolateral nucleus of the thalamus, three divisions of the preoptic area, the ganglion of the terminal nerve, and the olfactory bulb. Since the thalamus, terminal nerve ganglion, and preoptic area have been associated with visual functions, we investigated the retinal connections in midshipman. In particular, biocytin tract tracing delineated a reciprocal connection between the ventrolateral nucleus of the thalamus and the retina. Retinofugal projections are exclusively contralateral. Experimental manipulation of this retinalthalamic loop through complete optic nerve transection shows that GnRH mRNA expression in the contralateral ventrolateral nucleus may be influenced by the retina. We hypothesize that a reciprocal retinothalamic GnRH circuit is important in modulating the expression of seasonal reproductive behaviors.