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Seasonal modulation of reproductive hormones and related biomarkers in coldwater cyprinid Barilius bendelisis (Hamilton, 1807)

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Abstract

Barilius bendelisis is a valuable ornamental and food fish from India in which the endocrine control of its reproduction activity has not been widely reported. The present study was aimed to elucidate changes in serum endocrine hormones: 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), progesterone (P4), 17α, 20β-dihydroxyprogesterone (17α, 20β-P), cortisol (C), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4); aromatase activity (ARO), vitellogenin (VTG), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) during different seasons of the year 2014. All studied parameters showed marked seasonal variations. The highest E2 level in males and females were recorded in winter (January) and rainy (September) seasons respectively. The T level exhibited dual peaks in both sexes, and the highest values were observed during the winter (January) and rainy (September) seasons. The serum levels of P4 and 17α, 20β-P during spring (March) and rainy (September) seasons were significantly higher and found associated with final sperm and oocyte maturation. The serum levels of ARO and VTG also showed bimodal pattern during the spring (March) and rainy (September) season and were well correlated with T and E2. Serum C level was detectable throughout the year in both sexes which were related to glucose metabolism and spawning events. Fluctuations in T3 and T4 levels were associated with somatic growth and reproduction events during different seasons in B. bendelisis. Serum TAC level was highest during summer (May and July) and autumn (November) seasons suggesting better antioxidant potential during these seasons. The study confirms that B. bendelisis is a multiple spawner with two spawning seasons.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the Director, ICAR Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal-263136, Nainital, Uttarakhand and Head, Department of Zoology, HNB Garhwal Central University, Uttarakhand for providing necessary facilities and support to successfully carry out this study. This paper is a part of thesis research of the first author registered for PhD at HNB Garhwal University, Uttarakhand, India. The first author would also like to acknowledge University Grant Commission, India, for providing university fellowship during PhD tenure.

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  1. Fish Nutrition and Physiology Laboratory, ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Anusandhan Bhawan, Bhimtal, 263136, Uttarakhand, India

    Neeraj Kumar Sharma, M. S. Akhtar & N. N. Pandey

  2. Department of Zoology, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Tehri Campus Badshahithaul, Garhwal, Tehri, 249199, India

    Neeraj Kumar Sharma & Ravindra Singh

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  1. Neeraj Kumar Sharma
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Sharma, N.K., Akhtar, M.S., Singh, R. et al. Seasonal modulation of reproductive hormones and related biomarkers in coldwater cyprinid Barilius bendelisis (Hamilton, 1807). Comp Clin Pathol 27, 975–988 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-018-2691-8

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