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Influence of endomorphins along the pituitary-ovary axis in the Mozambique Tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus

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Abstract

Endomorphins (EM-1 and EM-2) are the tetrapeptides involved in pain and neuroendocrine responses with a high affinity for μ-opioid receptors in vertebrates. However, their role in fish reproduction is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of EM-1 and EM-2 on the pituitary-ovary axis in the Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus. The experimental set-up consisted of four groups, namely, initial controls, controls, EM-1- and EM-2-treated groups (n = 10 in each group consisting of two replicates). Although the number of stage IV (vitellogenic) follicles was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in controls compared to initial controls, the stage V (preovulatory) follicles were present in controls in contrast to their absence in initial controls. Treatment of 40 μg EM-1/0.1 ml saline/fish/day for 22 days resulted in significant increase (P < 0.05) in the number of stage I follicles compared to controls. While similar treatment of EM-2 did not significantly alter the number of stage I follicles compared to controls, the number of stage II follicles was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in this group compared to those of controls and EM-1 treated fish. The number of stage III and IV follicles did not significantly differ among controls, EM-1- and EM-2-treated groups. However, a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the mean number of stage V follicles was observed in EM-1- and EM-2-treated fish compared to controls. These changes were concomitant with significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the intensity and the percent area of immunoreactivity of luteinizing hormone (LH) secreting cells in the proximal pars distalis (PPD) of the pituitary gland and significantly higher (P < 0.05) percent occurrence of follicular atresia in EM-1- and EM-2-treated fish compared to those of controls. Taken together, these results suggest an inhibitory effect for endomorphins along the pituitary–ovary axis, for the first time in fish.

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Funding

The present study was supported by a grant from Science and Engineering Research Board–Department of Science and Technology (No. SR/SO/AS-052/2013), New Delhi, India.

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  1. Neuroendocrinology Research Lab, Department of Studies in Zoology, Karnatak University, Dharwad, 580003, India

    Vijayalaxmi & C.B Ganesh

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  1. Vijayalaxmi
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Correspondence to C.B Ganesh.

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Vijayalaxmi, Ganesh, C. Influence of endomorphins along the pituitary-ovary axis in the Mozambique Tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus. Fish Physiol Biochem 46, 429–438 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-019-00731-5

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