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Almeida MM, Cabrita E, Fatsini E. The Use of Sand Substrate Modulates Dominance Behaviour and Brain Gene Expression in a Flatfish Species. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13060978. [PMID: 36978519 PMCID: PMC10044175 DOI: 10.3390/ani13060978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical complexity adds physical enrichment to rearing conditions. This enrichment promotes fish welfare and reduces detrimental characteristics that fish develop in captivity. Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) is an important species for European aquaculture, where it is reared in intensive conditions using fibreglass tanks. However, reproductive dysfunctions present in this species do not allow it to complete its life cycle in captivity. Recently, dominance behaviour has been studied to try to solve this problem. The present study aimed to assess the effect of sand as environmental enrichment in the dominance behaviour and brain mRNA abundance of Senegalese sole juveniles. Four tanks of sole (n = 48 fish in total) were established in two different environments (with and without sand). Juveniles were subjected to dominance tests of feeding and territoriality. Behaviours analysed by video recordings related to the distance from the food delivered and harassment behaviour towards other individuals (e.g., resting of the head on another individual). In both environments, dominant sole were the first to feed, displayed more head-resting behaviour and dominated the area close to the feeding point, where the events were reduced in fish maintained in the sand. mRNA expression related to differentiation of dopamine neurons (nr4a2) and regulation of maturation (fshra) were significantly upregulated in dominant fish in the sand environment compared to dominants maintained without sand. The use of an enriched environment may affect Senegalese sole dominance, enhance welfare and possibly advance future maturation.
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Begum S, Gnanasree SM, Anusha N, Senthilkumaran B. Germ cell markers in fishes - A review. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2022.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Molés G, Hausken K, Carrillo M, Zanuy S, Levavi-Sivan B, Gómez A. Generation and use of recombinant gonadotropins in fish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 299:113555. [PMID: 32687933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the differential roles of the pituitary gonadotropins Fsh and Lh in gonad maturation is crucial for a successful manipulation of the reproductive process in fish, and requires species-specific tools and appropriate active hormones. With the increasing availability of fish cDNAs coding for gonadotropin subunits, the production of recombinant hormones in heterologous systems has gradually substituted the approach of isolating native hormones. These recombinant hormones can be continually produced without depending on the fish as starting material and no cross-contamination with other pituitary glycoproteins is assured. Recombinant gonadotropins should be produced in eukaryotic cells, which have glycosylation capacity, but this post-translational modification varies greatly depending on the cell system, influencing hormone activity and stability. The production of recombinant gonadotropin beta-subunits to be used as antigens for antibody production has allowed the development of immunoassays for quantification of gonadotropins in some fish species. The administration in vivo of dimeric homologous recombinant gonadotropins has been used in basic studies and as a biotechnological approach to induce gametogenesis. In addition, gene-based therapies using somatic transfer of the gonadotropin genes have been tested as an alternative for hormone delivery in vivo. In summary, the use of homologous hormonal treatments can open new strategies in aquaculture to solve reproductive problems or develop out-of-season breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Molés
- Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Ribera de Cabanes s/n, 12595 Castelló, Spain
| | - K Hausken
- The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Department of Animal Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - M Carrillo
- Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Ribera de Cabanes s/n, 12595 Castelló, Spain
| | - S Zanuy
- Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Ribera de Cabanes s/n, 12595 Castelló, Spain
| | - B Levavi-Sivan
- The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Department of Animal Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
| | - A Gómez
- Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Ribera de Cabanes s/n, 12595 Castelló, Spain.
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Suzuki H, Kazeto Y, Gen K, Ozaki Y. Functional analysis of recombinant single-chain Japanese eel Fsh and Lh produced in FreeStyle 293-F cell lines: Binding specificities to their receptors and differential efficacy on testicular steroidogenesis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 285:113241. [PMID: 31400434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) and luteinizing hormone (Lh), play central roles in the control of gonadal development of vertebrates. In mammals, Fsh and Lh exclusively activate their respective cognate receptors: Fsh receptor (Fshr) in the Sertoli cell and Lh/choriogonadotropin receptor (Lhcgr) in the Leydig cell. In teleosts, the distinct functions of Fsh and Lh and information on cellular localization of their receptors are still poorly understood. Recently we established FreeStyle 293-F cell lines producing recombinant Japanese eel Fsh and Lh (reFsh and reLh), which form a single chain consisting of a common α-subunit and β-subunits. In this study, we conducted functional analyses of reFsh and reLh, focusing on the binding specificities to their receptors and effects on testicular steroidogenesis in vitro. Assays with gonadotropin receptors-expressing COS-7 cells indicated reFsh stimulated its cognate receptor, meanwhile reLh activated both receptors. Although results of in vitro incubations showed that reFsh and reLh induced testicular 11-ketotestosterone production in a dose and time-dependent manner by upregulating expression of steroidogenic enzymes, the effective doses of reLh were apparently lower and the effects of reLh emerged faster in comparison with reFsh. Results of quantitative real-time PCR using testicular cell fractions showed that fshr and lhcgr1 mRNA were detected both in Sertoli and Leydig cells. These analyses revealed that reFsh and reLh were biologically active and hence will be useful for future studies. Moreover, our data showed that both eel Fsh and Lh acted as steroidogenic hormones through their receptors in testicular somatic cells; however, Lh was more potent on androgen production, implying differential functions on spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Suzuki
- Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan; National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 224-1 Hiruda, Tamaki, Watarai, Mie 519-0423, Japan.
| | - Yukinori Kazeto
- National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Tsuiura, Kamiura, Saiki, Oita 879-2602, Japan.
| | - Koichiro Gen
- Seikai National Fisheries Research Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 1551-8 Taira, Nagasaki 851-2213, Japan.
| | - Yuichi Ozaki
- National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 224-1 Hiruda, Tamaki, Watarai, Mie 519-0423, Japan.
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Ozaki Y, Damsteegt EL, Setiawan AN, Miura T, Lokman PM. Expressional regulation of gonadotropin receptor genes and androgen receptor genes in the eel testis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 280:123-133. [PMID: 31009604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Receptors for follicle-stimulating hormone (Fshr), luteinizing hormone (Lhcgr1 and Lhcgr2) and androgens (Ara and Arb) transduce the hormonal signals that coordinate spermatogenesis, but the factors that regulate the abundance of these transducers in fish testes remain little-understood. To mend this paucity of information, we first determined changes in transcript abundance for these receptors (fshr, lhcgr1, ara and arb) during spermatogenesis induced by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection in the eel, Anguilla australis. We related our findings to testicular production of the fish androgen, 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), and to the levels of the transcripts encoding steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (star) and 11β-hydroxylase (cyp11b), and subsequently evaluated the effects of hCG or 11-KT on mRNA levels of these target genes in vitro. Testicular 11-KT production was greatly increased by hCG treatment, both in vivo and in vitro, and associated with up-regulation of star and cyp11b transcripts. In situ hybridization indicated that testicular fshr mRNA levels were higher in the early stages of hCG-induced spermatogenesis, while lhcgr1 transcripts were most abundant later, once spermatids were observed. In vitro experiments further showed that hCG and its steroidal mediator 11-KT significantly increased fshr transcript abundance. These data provide new angles on the interactions between gonadotropin and androgen signaling during early spermatogenesis. Increases in levels of 11-KT following hCG injection elevated testicular fshr mRNA levels augmenting Fsh sensitivity in the testis. This evidence is suggestive of a positive feedback loop between gonadotropins and 11-KT that may be key to regulating early spermatogenesis in fish.
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MESH Headings
- Androgens/metabolism
- Anguilla/blood
- Anguilla/genetics
- Animals
- Chorionic Gonadotropin/administration & dosage
- Chorionic Gonadotropin/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Humans
- Male
- Phosphoproteins/genetics
- Phosphoproteins/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/metabolism
- Receptors, FSH/genetics
- Receptors, FSH/metabolism
- Receptors, Gonadotropin/genetics
- Receptors, Gonadotropin/metabolism
- Receptors, LH/genetics
- Receptors, LH/metabolism
- Spermatogenesis/drug effects
- Spermatogenesis/genetics
- Steroid 11-beta-Hydroxylase/genetics
- Steroid 11-beta-Hydroxylase/metabolism
- Testis/drug effects
- Testis/metabolism
- Testosterone/analogs & derivatives
- Testosterone/blood
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Ozaki
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Erin L Damsteegt
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Alvin N Setiawan
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Takeshi Miura
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790 8566, Japan
| | - P Mark Lokman
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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Chauvigné F, González W, Ramos S, Ducat C, Duncan N, Giménez I, Cerdà J. Seasonal-and dose-dependent effects of recombinant gonadotropins on sperm production and quality in the flatfish Solea senegalensis. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2018; 225:59-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Basak R, Roy A, Rai U. In silico analysis, temporal expression and gonadotropic regulation of receptors for follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in testis of spotted snakehead Channa punctata. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2018; 93:53-71. [PMID: 29931764 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study in spotted snakehead Channa punctata was aimed to develop a comprehensive understanding of testicular gonadotropin receptors, from their sequence characterization, temporal expression to gonadotropic regulation, in seasonally breeding teleosts. A single form of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (cpfshra) and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (cplhcgr), was identified from testicular transcriptome data of C. punctata. Although deduced full-length protein sequence for cpFshra (694 amino acids) and cpLhcgr (691 amino acids) showed homology with their counterparts of other vertebrates, multiple insertion-deletion-substitution of residues suggest marked alterations in their structure and ligand specificity. The absolute quantification of testicular cpfshra and cplhcgr was estimated along the reproductive cycle following real-time PCR. The temporal expression profile showed highest testicular expression of both the gonadotropin receptors during resting phase. Their expression progressively decreased during preparatory and spawning phases concomitant with spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation and spermiogenesis. However, levels of cpfshra and cplhcgr sharply increased during post-spawning when seminiferous lobules were largely devoid of germ cells. To explore gonadotropic regulation of testicular cpfshra and cplhcgr, one group of fish of resting phase was administered with single dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; 5,000 IU/kg body mass) on day 0 and sacrificed on day 3 and day 5, while another group receiving two injections of hCG (day 0 and day 7) was sacrificed on day 14. The expression pattern of testicular gonadotropin receptors in hCG-treated fish sacrificed after 3, 5 and 14 days was similar to that of preparatory, spawning and postspawning phases, respectively. Likewise, testicular histology of hCG-treated fish sacrificed on day 3, day 5 and day 14 was comparable with that of preparatory, early spawning and late spawning phases, respectively. In light of the fact that gonadotropin receptors are largely expressed on somatic cells, an apparent decrease in testicular cpfshra and cplhcgr levels during preparatory and spawning phases or after 3 and 5 days from first hCG injection might not be due to downregulation of their expression. Rather, this could be due to dilution of somatic cell mRNA by large amount of germ cell mRNA. To verify this assumption, effect of hCG on plasma level of androgens was investigated employing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A marked increase in plasma level of testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone was observed after hCG treatment in C. punctata. This would have been possible only when hCG upregulated the expression of testicular gonadotropin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alivia Roy
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Umesh Rai
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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8
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Graziano M, Benito R, Planas JV, Palstra AP. Swimming exercise to control precocious maturation in male seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2018; 18:10. [PMID: 29649968 PMCID: PMC5897932 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-018-0170-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Male European seabass, already predominant (~ 70%) in cultured stocks, show a high incidence (20–30%) of precocious sexual maturation under current aquaculture practices, leading to important economic losses for the industry. In view of the known modulation of reproductive development by swimming exercise in other teleost species, we aimed at investigating the effects of sustained swimming on reproductive development in seabass males during the first year of life in order to determine if swimming could potentially reduce precocious sexual maturation. Methods Pre-pubertal seabass (3.91 ± 0.22 g of body weight (BW)) were subjected to a 10 week swimming regime at their optimal swimming speed (Uopt) in an oval-shaped Brett-type flume or kept at rest during this period. Using Blazka-type swim tunnels, Uopt was determined three times during the course of the experiment: 0.66 m s− 1 at 19 ± 1 g BW, 10.2 ± 0.2 cm of standard length (SL) (week 1); 0.69 m s− 1 at 38 ± 3 g BW, 12.7 ± 0.3 cm SL (week 5), and also 0.69 m s− 1 at 77 ± 7 g BW, 15.7 ± 0.5 cm SL (week 9). Every 2 weeks, size and gonadal weight were monitored in the exercised (N = 15) and non-exercised fish (N = 15). After 10 weeks, exercised and non-exercised males were sampled to determine plasma 11-ketotestosterone levels, testicular mRNA expression levels of genes involved in steroidogenesis and gametogenesis by qPCR, as well as the relative abundance of germ cells representing the different spermatogenic stages by histological examination. Results Our results indicate that sustained swimming exercise at Uopt delays testicular development in male European seabass as evidenced by decreased gonado-somatic index, slower progression of testicular development and by reduced mRNA expression levels of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (fshR), 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βhsd), 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11βhsd), estrogen receptor-beta (erβ2), anti-mullerian hormone (amh), structural maintenance of chromosomes protein 1B (smc1β), inhibin beta A (inhba) and gonado-somal derived factor 1 (gsdf1) in exercised males as compared with the non-exercised males. Conclusions Swimming exercise may represent a natural and non-invasive tool to reduce the incidence of sexually precocious males in seabass aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Graziano
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University & Research, Korringaweg 5, 4401, NT, Yerseke, The Netherlands
| | - Raul Benito
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University & Research, Korringaweg 5, 4401, NT, Yerseke, The Netherlands
| | - Josep V Planas
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arjan P Palstra
- Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University & Research, Korringaweg 5, 4401, NT, Yerseke, The Netherlands. .,Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, PO Box 338, 6700, AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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Chauvigné F, Parhi J, Ollé J, Cerdà J. Dual estrogenic regulation of the nuclear progestin receptor and spermatogonial renewal during gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) spermatogenesis. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2017; 206:36-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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10
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Fatsini E, Carazo I, Chauvigné F, Manchado M, Cerdà J, Hubbard PC, Duncan NJ. Olfactory sensitivity of the marine flatfish Solea senegalensis to conspecific body fluids. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 220:2057-2065. [PMID: 28348043 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.150318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Chemical communication is better understood in freshwater fish than marine fish. The Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) is a marine flatfish wherein one of the problems in aquaculture is the poor reproductive performance of hatchery-bred males. Is chemical communication involved in the reproduction of this species? Urine, intestinal fluid and mucus samples were taken from adult fish (wild-caught and hatchery-bred) over the spawning season (March-May), and assessed for olfactory potency using the electro-olfactogram (EOG). The effect of stimulation of the olfactory system with adult female urine on circulating luteinizing hormone (LH) levels was also tested in males. Intestinal fluid and urine were potent olfactory stimuli for both juvenile and adult conspecifics, evoking large-amplitude, concentration-dependent EOG responses, with thresholds of detection at approximately 1:106 However, the amplitude of the response to urine depended on the sex and state of maturity of both the donor and the receiver. Most olfactory activity could be extracted by C18 solid-phase cartridges. Urine from mature females evoked a slight, but significant, increase in circulating LH levels in mature males 30 min after exposure. Furthermore, the olfactory potency of urine differed between wild-caught and hatchery-bred fish; however, contrary to expectations, urine from wild-caught females was less potent than that from hatchery-bred females. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that faeces- and urine-released odorants are involved in reproduction in the Senegalese sole, and establish a basis for further investigation into pheromonal communication in marine teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Fatsini
- IRTA Sant Carles de la Ràpita Crta, De Poble Nou km. 5.5 (43540) Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Carazo
- IRTA Sant Carles de la Ràpita Crta, De Poble Nou km. 5.5 (43540) Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Tarragona, Spain
| | - François Chauvigné
- IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Manuel Manchado
- IFAPA Centro El Toruño, Junta de Andalucía, Camino Tiro Pichón s/n, 11500 El Puerto Santa María, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Joan Cerdà
- IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Peter C Hubbard
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Neil J Duncan
- IRTA Sant Carles de la Ràpita Crta, De Poble Nou km. 5.5 (43540) Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Tarragona, Spain
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11
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Chauvigné F, Ollé J, González W, Duncan N, Giménez I, Cerdà J. Toward developing recombinant gonadotropin-based hormone therapies for increasing fertility in the flatfish Senegalese sole. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174387. [PMID: 28329024 PMCID: PMC5362233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Captive flatfishes, such as the Senegalese sole, typically produce very low volumes of sperm. This situation is particularly prevalent in the first generation (F1) of reared sole males, which limits the development of artificial fertilization methods and the implementation of selective breeding programs. In this study, we investigated whether combined treatments with homologous recombinant follicle-stimulating (rFsh) and luteinizing (rLh) hormones, produced in a mammalian host system, could stimulate spermatogenesis and enhance sperm production in Senegalese sole F1 males. In an initial autumn/winter experiment, weekly intramuscular injections with increasing doses of rFsh over 9 weeks resulted in the stimulation of gonad weight, androgen release, germ cell proliferation and entry into meiosis, and the expression of different spermatogenesis-related genes, whereas a subsequent single rLh injection potentiated spermatozoa differentiation. In a second late winter/spring trial corresponding to the sole’s natural prespawning and spawning periods, we tested the effect of repeated rLh injections on the amount and quality of sperm produced by males previously treated with rFsh for 4, 6, 8 or 10 weeks. These latter results showed that the combination of rFsh and rLh treatments could increase sperm production up to 7 times, and slightly improve the motility of the spermatozoa, although a high variability in the response was found. However, sustained administration of rFsh during spawning markedly diminished Leydig cell survival and the steroidogenic potential of the testis. These data suggest that in vivo application of rFsh and rLh is effective at stimulating spermatogenesis and sperm production in Senegalese sole F1 males, setting the basis for the future establishment of recombinant gonadotropin-based hormone therapies to ameliorate reproductive dysfunctions of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Chauvigné
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail: (FC); (IG); (JC)
| | - Judith Ollé
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Neil Duncan
- IRTA, Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Giménez
- Rara Avis Biotec, S. L., Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail: (FC); (IG); (JC)
| | - Joan Cerdà
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail: (FC); (IG); (JC)
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12
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Plasma levels of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones during the reproductive cycle of wild and cultured Senegalese sole ( Solea senegalensis ). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2016; 191:35-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2015.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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13
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Boj M, Chauvigné F, Zapater C, Cerdà J. Gonadotropin-Activated Androgen-Dependent and Independent Pathways Regulate Aquaporin Expression during Teleost (Sparus aurata) Spermatogenesis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142512. [PMID: 26575371 PMCID: PMC4648546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mediation of fluid homeostasis by multiple classes of aquaporins has been suggested to be essential during spermatogenesis and spermiation. In the marine teleost gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), seven distinct aquaporins, Aqp0a, -1aa, -1ab, -7, -8b, -9b and -10b, are differentially expressed in the somatic and germ cell lineages of the spermiating testis, but the endocrine regulation of these channels during germ cell development is unknown. In this study, we investigated the in vivo developmental expression of aquaporins in the seabream testis together with plasma androgen concentrations. We then examined the in vitro regulatory effects of recombinant piscine gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating (rFsh) and luteinizing (rLh) hormones, and sex steroids on aquaporin mRNA levels during the spermatogenic cycle. During the resting phase, when plasma levels of androgens were low, the testis exclusively contained proliferating spermatogonia expressing Aqp1ab, whereas Aqp10b and -9b were localized in Sertoli and Leydig cells, respectively. At the onset of spermatogenesis and during spermiation, the increase of androgen plasma levels correlated with the additional appearance of Aqp0a and -7 in Sertoli cells, Aqp0a in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, Aqp1ab, -7 and -10b from spermatogonia to spermatozoa, and Aqp1aa and -8b in spermatids and spermatozoa. Short-term in vitro incubation of testis explants indicated that most aquaporins in Sertoli cells and early germ cells were upregulated by rFsh and/or rLh through androgen-dependent pathways, although Aqp1ab in proliferating spermatogonia was also activated by estrogens. However, expression of Aqp9b in Leydig cells, and of Aqp1aa and -7 in spermatocytes and spermatids, was also directly stimulated by rLh. These results reveal a complex gonadotropic control of aquaporin expression during seabream germ cell development, apparently involving both androgen-dependent and independent pathways, which may assure the fine tuning of aquaporin-mediated fluid secretion and absorption mechanisms in the seabream testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Boj
- IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - François Chauvigné
- IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Bergen High Technology Centre, University of Bergen, 5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Cinta Zapater
- IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Cerdà
- IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Chauvigné F, Verdura S, Mazón MJ, Boj M, Zanuy S, Gómez A, Cerdà J. Development of a flatfish-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Fsh using a recombinant chimeric gonadotropin. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 221:75-85. [PMID: 25449660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In flatfishes with asynchronous and semicystic spermatogenesis, such as the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis), the specific roles of the pituitary gonadotropins during germ cell development, particularly of the follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh), are still largely unknown in part due to the lack of homologous immunoassays for this hormone. In this study, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Senegalese sole Fsh was developed by generating a rabbit antiserum against a recombinant chimeric single-chain Fsh molecule (rFsh-C) produced by the yeast Pichia pastoris. The rFsh-C N- and C-termini were formed by the mature sole Fsh β subunit (Fshβ) and the chicken glycoprotein hormone common α subunit (CGA), respectively. Depletion of the antiserum to remove anti-CGA antibodies further enriched the sole Fshβ-specific antibodies, which were used to develop the ELISA using the rFsh-C for the standard curve. The sensitivity of the assay was 10 and 50 pg/ml for Fsh measurement in plasma and pituitary, respectively, and the cross-reactivity with a homologous recombinant single-chain luteinizing hormone was 1%. The standard curve for rFsh-C paralleled those of serially diluted plasma and pituitary extracts of other flatfishes, such as the Atlantic halibut, common sole and turbot. In Senegalese sole males, the highest plasma Fsh levels were found during early spermatogenesis but declined during enhanced spermiation, as found in teleosts with cystic spermatogenesis. In pubertal males, however, the circulating Fsh levels were as high as in adult spermiating fish, but interestingly the Fsh receptor in the developing testis containing only spermatogonia was expressed in Leydig cells but not in the primordial Sertoli cells. These results indicate that a recombinant chimeric Fsh can be used to generate specific antibodies against the Fshβ subunit and to develop a highly sensitive ELISA for Fsh measurements in diverse flatfishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Chauvigné
- IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen High Technology Centre, N-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Sara Verdura
- IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María José Mazón
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal (IATS), CSIC, Ribera de Cabanes, 12595 Castellón, Spain
| | - Mónica Boj
- IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Zanuy
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal (IATS), CSIC, Ribera de Cabanes, 12595 Castellón, Spain
| | - Ana Gómez
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal (IATS), CSIC, Ribera de Cabanes, 12595 Castellón, Spain
| | - Joan Cerdà
- IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
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15
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Boj M, Chauvigné F, Cerdà J. Aquaporin biology of spermatogenesis and sperm physiology in mammals and teleosts. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2015; 229:93-108. [PMID: 26338872 DOI: 10.1086/bblv229n1p93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Fluid homeostasis is recognized as a critical factor during the development, maturation, and function of vertebrate male germ cells. These processes have been associated with the presence of multiple members of the aquaporin superfamily of water and solute channels in different cell types along the reproductive tract as well as in spermatozoa. We present a comparative analysis of the existing knowledge of aquaporin biology in the male reproductive tissues of mammals and teleosts. Current data suggest that in both vertebrate groups, aquaporins may have similar functions during differentiation of spermatozoa in the germinal epithelium, in the concentration and maturation of sperm in the testicular ducts, and in the regulation of osmotically induced volume changes in ejaculated spermatozoa. Recent studies have also provided insight into the possible function of aquaporins beyond water transport, such as in signaling pathways during spermatogenesis or the sensing of cell swelling and mitochondrial peroxide transport in activated sperm. However, an understanding of the specific physiological functions of the various aquaporins during germ cell development and sperm motility, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved, remains elusive. Novel experimental approaches need to be developed to elucidate these processes and to dissect the regulatory intracellular pathways implicated, which will greatly help to uncover the molecular basis of sperm physiology and male fertility in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Boj
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; and
| | - François Chauvigné
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; and Department of Biology, Bergen High Technology Centre, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Joan Cerdà
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; and
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