Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

‘Classical’ and ‘non-classical’ reproductive steroids in fish

  • Papers
  • Published:
Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The nature of the steroids secreted by gonads of fish differs significantly from those of the mammals. The ‘classical teleost steroids’, oestradiol, testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone and 17,20βP, have been measured in a wide variety of teleosts but do not always reflect biological activities. There is increasing evidence that teleost gonads may produce a number of ‘non-classical steroids’ which may play an important role in their reproductive biology. Such products include metabolites reduced at C5 to 5α or 5β, at C3 to 3α or 3β, or hydroxylated at 6-, 7-, or 21. Conjugation, as either glucuronides or sulphates, may contribute either to localization of action within the gonad or to production of pheromones during the immediate pre-spawning period. Although it is often possible only to measure the steroids for which assays are readily available, it is important to recognize that there may be production of steroids that are not detected by such assays, but which nevertheless play a major role in reproductive activity. In evolutionary terms, the teleost hydroxylases probably originated in the very early fishes and show parallels with their analogues in amphibians and mammals. Gene sequencing may reveal a possible common ancestor for all vertebrate 6, 7 and 11-hydroxylases.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Asahina, K., Suzuki, K., Aida, K., Hibiya, T. and Tamaoki, B.-I. (1985) Relationship between the structures and steroidogenic functions of the testes of the urohaze-goby (Glossogobius olivaceus). Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 57, 281–92.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asahina, K., Barry, T.P., Aida, K., Fusetani, N. and Hanyu, I. (1990) Biosynthesis of 17α, 20α-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one from 17α-hydroxyprogesterone by spermatozoa of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio. J. exp. Zool. 254, 244–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asahina, K., Zhu, Y., Aida, K. and Higashi, T. (1991) Synthesis of 17,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3,20-dione, 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, and 17α, 20β, 21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one in the ovaries of tobinumeri-dragonet, Repomucenus beniteguri, Callionymidae, teleostei. In Scott, A.P., Sumpter, J.P., Kime, D.E. and Rolfe, M.S., eds. Proc. 4th Int. Symp. Reprod. Physiol. Fish. Sheffield: FishSymp91, pp. 80–82.

  • Baynes, S.M. and Scott, A.P. (1985) Seasonal variations in parameters of milt production and in plasma concentration of sex steroids of male rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 57, 150–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bell, A.M., Clarke, I.M., Denny, W.A., Jones, E.R.H., Meakins, G.D., Muller, W.E. and Richards, E.E. (1973) Microbiological hydroxylations of steroids. Part IX. Hydroxylation of diketones and keto-alcohols derived from 5α-androstane with the fungi Rhizopus arrhizus and Rhizopus circinnans. J. Chem. Soc. Perkin I. 2131–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bolaffi, J.L., Lance, V., Callard, I.P., Walsh, J.M. and Idler, D.R. (1979) Identification of 11-ketotestosterone, 11β-hydroxytestosterone, and testosterone in plasma of Necturus maculosus (Rafinesque). Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 38, 127–31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Callard, G.V., Petro, Z. and Ryan, K.J. (1981) Biochemical evidence for aromatization of androgen to estrogen in the pituitary. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 44, 359–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Canario, A.V.M. (1991) Sex steroids in marine flatfish. In Scott, A.P., Sumpter, J.P., Kime, D.E. and Rolfe, M.S., eds. Proc. 4th Int. Symp. Reprod. Physiol. Fish. Sheffield: FishSymp91, pp. 71–3.

  • Canario, A.V.M. and Scott, A.P. (1989) Synthesis of 20α-hydroxylated steroids by ovaries of the dab (Limanda limanda). Gen comp. Endocrinol. 76, 147–58.

    Google Scholar 

  • Canario, A.V.M. and Scott, A.P. (1990a) Effects of steroids and human chorionic gonadotrophin on in vitro oocyte final maturation in two marine flatfish: the dab, Limanda limanda, and the plaice, Pleuronectes platessa. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 77, 161–76.

    Google Scholar 

  • Canario, A.V.M. and Scott, A.P. (1990b) Identification of, and development of radioimmunoassays for 17α,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione and 3α,17α,21-trihydroxy-5β-pregnane-20-one in the ovaries of mature plaice (Pleuronectes platessa). Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 78, 273–85.

    Google Scholar 

  • Canario, A.V.M. and Scott, A.P. (1991) Levels of 17,20α-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 3β, 17α, 20α-trihydroxy-5β-pregnane, and other sex steroids, in blood plasma of male dab, Limanda limanda (marine flatfish) injected with human chorionic gonadotrophin. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 83, 258–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chan, S.T.H. and Phillips, J.G. (1969) The biosynthesis of steroids by the gonads of the ricefield eel Monopterus albus at various phases during natural sex reversal. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 12, 619–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chang, C.-F. and Chen, M.-R. (1990) The difference in the degree of steroid binding activity in fishes. Bull. Inst. Zool. Acad. Sinica, 29, 41–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Colombo, L. and Colombo Belvedere, P. (1977) Gonadal steroidogenesis in teleost fishes. Invest. Pesq. 41, 147–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Colombo, L., Bern, H.A., Pieprzyk, J. and Johnson, D.W. (1973) Biosynthesis of 11-deoxycortico-steroids by teleost ovaries and discussion of their possible role in oocyte maturation and ovulation. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 21, 168–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Colombo, L., Colombo Belvedere, P. and Pilati, A. (1977) Biosynthesis of free and conjugated 5β-reduced androgens by the testis of the black goby, Gobius jozo L. Boll. Zool. 44, 131–4.

    Google Scholar 

  • Colombo, L., Colombo Belvedere, P. and Arcarese, G. (1978) Emergence of ovarian 11-deoxycorticosteroid biosynthesis at ovulation time in the sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax L. Annls Biol. anim. Biochim. Biphys. 18, 937–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Colombo, L., Marconato, A., Colombo Belvedere, P. and Frisco, C. (1980) Endocrinology of teleost reproduction: a testicular steroid pheromone in the black goby Gobius jozo L. Boll. Zool. 47, 355–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cuisset, B., Pelissero, C., Nunez Rodriguez, J. and Le Menn, F. (1991) Use of plasma 11-ketotestosterone for sex determination in Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baeri B. In Scott, A.P., Sumpter, J.P., Kime, D.E. and Rolfe, M.S., eds. Proc. 4th Int. Symp. Reprod. Physiol. Fish. Sheffield FishSymp91, p. 272.

  • Eckstein, B. and Eylath, U. (1970) The occurrence and biosynthesis in vitro of 11-ketotestosterone in ovarian tissue of the mullet, Mugil capito, derived from two biotopes. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 14, 396–403.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eechaute, W., Lacroix, E., and Leusen, I. (1974) The conversion of testosterone to 7α-hydroxytestosterone by incubated rat testes. Steroids 24, 753–65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Epler, P. (1981) Effect of steroid and gonadotropic hormones on the maturation of carp ovaries. Part III. Effect of steroid hormones on the carp oocyte maturation in vitro. Pol. Arch. Hydrobiol. 28, 103–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fostier, A., Jalabert, B., Billard, R., Breton, B. and Zohar, Y. (1983) The gonadal steroids. In Hoar, W.S., Randall, D.J. and Donaldson, E.M., eds. Fish Physiology, Vol. IX, Part A. New York and London: Academic Press, pp. 277–372.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goetz, F.W. and Bergman, H.L. (1978) The effects of steroids on final maturation and ovulation of oocytes from brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens). Biol. Reprod. 18, 293–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goswami, S.V., Sundararaj, B.I. and Donaldson, E.M. (1974) In vitro maturation response of oocytes of the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) to salmon gonadotropin in ovary-head kidney co-culture. Can. J. Zool. 52, 745–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haider, S. and Inbaraj, R.M. (1989) Relative in vitro effectiveness of estradiol-17-β, androgens, corticosteroids, progesterone and other pregnene derivatives on germinal vesicle breakdown in oocytes of Indian major carps, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala and Catla catla. Fish Physiol. Biochem. 6, 289–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Idler, D.R. (ed.) (1972) Steroids in Nonmammalian Vertebrates. New York and London: Academic Press. 504 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Idler, D.R. and MacNab, H.C. (1967) The biosynthesis of 11-ketotestosterone and 11β-hydroxytestosterone by Atlantic salmon tissues in vitro. Can. J. Biochem. 45, 581–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Idler, D.R., Fagerlund, U.H.M. and Ronald, A.P. (1960) Isolation of pregn-4-ene-17α, 20β-diol-3-one from the plasma of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Biochem. biophys. Res. Comm. 2, 133–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Idler, D.R., Reinboth, R., Walsh, J.M. and Truscott, B. (1976) A comparison of 11-hydroxytestosterone and 11-ketotestosterone in blood of ambisexual and gonochoristic teleosts. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 30, 517–21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Inano, H. and Tamaoki, B.I. (1971) Regulation of testosterone biosynthesis in rat testes by 7α-hydroxylated C19 steroids. Biochim. biophys. Acta 239, 482–93.

    Google Scholar 

  • Inbaraj, R.M. and Haider, S. (1988) In vitro effectiveness of estradiol-17β, androgens, corticosteroids, progesterone, and other pregnene derivatives on germinal vesicle breakdown in oocytes of the exotic common carp Cyprinus carpio L. Ind. J. exp. Biol. 26, 583–5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jalabert, B. (1976) In vitro oocyte maturation and ovulation in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), northern pike (Esox lucius) and goldfish (Carassius auratus). J. Fish. Res. Bd Can. 33, 974–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kagawa, H., Young, G., Adachi, S. and Nagahama, Y. (1982) Estradiol-17β production in Amago salmon (Oncorhynchus rhodurus) ovarian follicles: role of the thecal and granulosa cells. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 47, 440–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E. (1979) The effect of temperature on the testicular steroidogenic enzymes of the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 39, 290–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E. (1980) Androgen biosynthesis by testes of the goldfish Carassius auratus in vitro: the effect of temperature on the formation of steroid glucuronides. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 41, 164–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E. (1987) The steroids. In Chester Jones, I., Ingleton, P.M. and Phillips, J.G., eds. Fundamentals of Comparative Vertebrate Endocrinology. New York and London: Plenum Press, pp. 3–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E. (1990) In vitro metabolism of progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one by ovaries of the common carp Cyprinus carpio: production rates of polar metabolites. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 79, 406–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E. (1992) Progestogen metabolism by ovaries of the roach (Rutilus rutilus L.) and the rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus L.). Fish. Physiol. Biochem. 9, 497–504.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E. and Callard, G.V. (1982) Formation of 15α-hydroxylated androgens by the testis and other tissues of the sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus, in vitro. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 46, 267–70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E. and Groves, D.J. (1986) Steroidogenesis by gonads of a viviparous teleost, the sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna), in vitro and in vivo. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 63, 125–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E. and Hews, E.A. (1980) Steroid biosynthesis by the ovary of the hagfish Myxine glutinosa. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 42, 71–5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E. and Hews, E.A. (1982) The effect of temperature on steroid biosynthesis by testes of the dogfish Scyliorhinus caniculus. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 71B, 675–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E. and Hyder, M. (1983) The effect of temperature and gonadotropin on testicular steroidogenesis in Sarotherodon (Tilapia) mossambicus in vitro. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 50. 105–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E. and Manning, N.J. (1982) Seasonal patterns of free and conjugated androgens in the brown trout Salmo trutta. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 48, 222–31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E. and Rafter, J.J. (1981) Biosynthesis of 15-hydroxylated steroids by gonads of the river lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis, in vitro, Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 44, 69–76.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E. and Scott, A.P. (1993) In vitro synthesis of 20α-reduced and of 11- and 21-oxygenated steroids and their sulfates by testes of the goldfish (Carassius auratus): testicular synthesis of corticosteroids. Fish Physiol. Biochem. (in press).

  • Kime, D.E., Hews, E.A. and Rafter, J. (1980a) Steroid biosynthesis by testes of the hagfish, Myxine glutinosa. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 41, 8–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E., Vinson, G.P., Major, P.W. and Kilpatrick, R. (1980b) Adrenal-gonad relationships. In Chester Jones, I. and Henderson, I.W., eds. General, Comparative and Clinical Endocrinology of the Adrenal Cortex, Vol. 3. London: Academic Press, pp. 183–264.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E., Venkatesh, B. and Tan, C.H. (1991) 5α-Pregnane-3β, 7α, 17,20α- and -20β-tetrols as metabolites of progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogestrone in carp (Cyprinus carpio) ovarian incubations. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 84, 401–4.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E., Scott, A.P. and Canario, A.V.M. (1992) In vitro biosynthesis of steroids, including 11-deoxycortisol and 5α-pregnane-3β, 7α, 17,20β-tetrol, by ovaries of the goldfish Carassius auratus during the stage of oocyte final maturation. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 87, 375–84.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D.E., Bhattacharya, S., Koldras, M. and Bieniarz, K. (1993) Steroidogenesis by ovaries and testes of the European catfish, the wels (Silurus glanis), in vitro. Fish Physiol. Biochem. 10, 389–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klyne, W. (1957) The Chemistry of Steroids. London: Methuen. 241 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koldras, M., Bieniarz, K. and Kime, D.E. (1990) Sperm production and steroidogenesis in testes of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., at different stages of maturation. J. Fish Biol., 37, 635–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kristoffersson, R., Pesonen, S. and Teräväinen, T. (1976) Patterns of steroid metabolism in the ovarian tissue of a viviparous teleost fish, Zoarces viviparus (L.). Annls zool. fennici 13, 189–94.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lambert, J.G.D. and Pot, M.G.E. (1975) Steroidogenesis in ovarian tissue of a viviparous teleost, the guppy Poecilia reticulata. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 50B, 585–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lambert, J.G.D., Van den Hurk, R., Schoonen, W.G.E.J., Resink, J.W. and Van Oordt, P.G.W.J. (1986) Gonadal steroidogenesis and the possible role of steroid glucuronides as sex pheromones in two species of teleost. Fish Physiol. Biochem. 2, 101–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lambert, J.G.D., Ouwens, M., and Granneman, J.C.M. (1991) Steroidogenesis in the ovary of the European eel, Anguilla anguilla at the silver stage. In Scott, A.P., Sumpter, J.P., Kime, D.E. and Rolfe, M.S., eds. Proc. 4th Int. Symp. Reprod. Physiol. Fish. Sheffield: FishSymp91, pp. 66–70.

  • Leitz, T. (1987) Social control of testicular steroidogenic capacities in the Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens Regan. J. exp. Zool. 244, 473–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Manning, N.J. and Kime, D.E. (1984) Temperature regulation of ovarian steroid production in the common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., in vivo and in vitro. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 56, 376–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matsuyama, M., Adachi, S., Nagahama, Y., Maruyama, K. and Matsura, S. (1990a) Diurnal rhythm of serum hormone levels in the Japanese whiting, Sillago japonica, a daily spawning teleost. Fish Physiol. Biochem. 8, 329–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matsuyama, M., Hanaki, Y. and Matsuura, S. (1990b) Effects of steroids on germinal vesicle breakdown in vitro of intact follicles in the Japanese whiting, Sillago japonica, a marine teleost. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 96A, 257–61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, A. and Scott, A.P. (1992) 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one 20-sulphate is a potent odorant in precocious male Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) parr which have been pre-exposed to the urine of ovulated females. Proc. R. Soc. 249B, 205–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morfin, R.F., Leav, I., Orr, J.C., Picart, D. and Ofner, P. (1980) C19-steroid metabolism by canine prostate, epididymis and perianal glands. Application of the twin-ion technique of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to establish 7α-hydroxylation. Eur. J. Biochem. 109, 119–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagahama, Y., Hirose, K., Young, G., Adachi, S., Suzuki, K. and Tamaoki, B.-I. (1983) Relative in vitro effectiveness of 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one and other pregnene derivatives on germinal vesicle breakdown on oocytes of ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis), amago salmon (Oncorhynchus rhodurus), rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) and goldfish (Carassius auratus). Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 51, 15–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, J.S. (1984) Fishes of the World, 2nd edn. New York: Wiley. 523 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ng, T.B. and Idler, D.R. (1983) Yolk formation and differentiation in teleost fishes. In Hoar, W.S., Randall, D.J. and Donaldson, E.M., eds. Fish Physiology, Vol. IX, Part A. New York and London: Academic Press, pp. 373–404.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pankhurst, N.W. and Conroy, A.M. (1988) Endocrine changes during gonadal maturation and spawning in the orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus Collett), a teleost from the midslope waters off New Zealand. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 70, 262–73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patino, R. and Thomas, P. (1990) Characteristics of membrane receptor activity for 17α, 20 20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one in ovaries of spotted sea trout (Cynoscion nebulosus). Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 78, 204–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Petrino, T.R., Greeley, M.S., jun., Selman, K., Lin, Y.-W.P. and Wallace, R.A. (1989) Steroidogenesis in Fundulus heteroclitus. II. Production of 17α-hydroxy-20β-dihydroprogesterone, testosterone, and 17β-estradiol by various components of the ovarian follicle. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 76, 230–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reinboth, R. and Becker, B. (1984) In vitro studies on steroid metabolism by gonadal tissues from ambisexual teleosts I: Conversion of [14C]testosterone by males and females of the protogynous wrasse Coris julis L. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 55, 245–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reinboth, R., Becker, B. and Latz, M. (1986) In vitro studies on steroid metabolism by gonadal tissues from ambisexual teleosts. II. Conversion of [14C]androstenedione by the heterologous gonadal tissues of the protandric sea bream Pagellus acarne (Risso). Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 62, 335–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sandor, T. and Idler, D.R. (1972) Steroid Methodology. In Idler, D.R., ed. Steroids in Nonmammalian Vertebrates. New York and London: Academic Press, pp. 6–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoonen, W.G.E.J., Granneman, J.C.M., Lambert, J.G.D. and van Oordt, P.G.W.J. (1987) Steroidogenesis in the testes and seminal vesicles of spawning and non-spawning African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Aquaculture 63, 77–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoonen, W.G.E.J., Lambert, J.G.D. and van Oordt, P.G.W.J. (1988a) Quantitative analysis of steroids and steroid glucuronides in the seminal vesicle fluid of feral spawning and feral and cultivated nonspawning African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 70, 91–100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoonen, W.G.E.J., Penders, M.T., Van Dam, G.H. and Lambert, J.G.D. (1988b) 5β-Pregnane-3α,6α,17α,20β-tetrol and 5β-pregnane-3α,6α,17α-triol-20-one: steroids of ovarian origin in the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, during oocyte maturation. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 69, 181–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoonen, W.G.E.J., Lambert, J.G.D., Penders, M.T., Van Roosmalen, M.E. Van den Hurk, R., Goos, H.J.Th. and van Oordt, P.G.W.J. (1989) Steroidogenesis during induced oocyte maturation and ovulation in the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Fish. Physiol. Biochem. 6, 61–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scott, A.P. and Canario, A.V.M. (1992) 17α,20β-Dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one 20-sulphate: a major new metabolite of the teleost oocyte maturation inducing steroid. Gen. comp Endocrinol. 85, 91–100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scott, A.P., Bye, V.J. and Baynes, S.M. (1980a) Seasonal variations in sex steroids of female rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson). J. Fish Biol. 17, 587–92.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scott, A.P., Bye, V., Baynes, S.M. and Springate, J.R.C. (1980b) Seasonal variations in plasma concentrations of 11-ketotestosterone and testosterone in male rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson. J. Fish Biol. 17, 495–506.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scott, A.P., Sumpter, J.P. and Hardiman, P.A. (1983) Hormone changes during ovulation in the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson). Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 49, 128–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Short, R.V. (1982) Sex determination and differentiation. In Austin, C.R. and Short, R.V.. eds. Reproduction in Mammals, 2: Embryonic and Fetal Development, 2nd edn. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press, pp. 70–113.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, P.B., Kime, D.E., Epler, P. and Chyb, J. (1993) Impact of γ-hexachlorocyclohexane exposure and plasma gonadotropin levels and in vitro stimulation of gonadal steroid production by carp hypophyseal homogenate in Carassius auratus Linn. J. Fish Biol. (in press).

  • Smith, C.J. and Haley, S.R. (1988) Steroid profiles of the female tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, and correlation with oocyte growth and mouthbrooding behavior. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 69, 88–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sorenson, P.W., Goetz, F.W., Scott, A.P. and Stacey, N.E. (1991) Recent studies indicate that goldfish use mixtures of unmodified hormones and hormonal metabolites as sex pheromones. In Scott, A.P., Sumpter, J.P., Kime, D.E. and Rolfe, M.S., eds. Proc. 4th Int. Symp. Reprod. Physiol. Fish. Sheffield: FishSymp91, pp. 191–3.

  • Sundararaj, B.I. and Goswami, S.V. (1966) Effects of mammalian hypophysial hormones, placental gonadotrophins, gonadal hormones, and adrenal corticosteroids on ovulation and spawning in hypophysectomised catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch.) J. exp. Zool. 161, 287–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sunde, A.. Tveter, K. and Eik-Nes, K.B. (1980) Hydroxylation of testosterone in the human testis. Identification of 4-androstene-7α,17β-diol-3-one (7α-hydroxytestosterone) as a metabolite of testosterone. Acta endocr. Copenh. 93, 243–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suzuki, K., Tamaoki, B.-I. and Hirose, K. (1981) In vitro metabolism of 4-pregnenes in ovaries of a freshwater teleost, the ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis): production of 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one and its 5β-reduced metabolites, and activation of 3β- and 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases by treatment with a fish gonadotropin. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 45, 473–81.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suzuki, K., Tan, E.S.P. and Tamaoki, B.-I. (1987) In vitro production of 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one by ovarian tissue of a tropical catfish, Clarias macrocephalus, Gunther. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 66, 454–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suzuki, K., Tan, E.S.P. and Tamaoki, B.-I. (1989) Change of steroidogenic pathways in the ovary of a tropical catfish, Clarias macrocephalus, Gunther, after hCG treatment. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 76, 223–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tesone, M. and Charreau, E.H. (1980) Steroid biosynthesis in the gonads of the teleost fish Jenynsia lineata. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 65B, 631–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Theofan, G. and Goetz, F.W. (1983) The in vitro synthesis of final maturational steroids by ovaries of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens). Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 51, 84–95.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, P. and Trant, J.M. (1989) Evidence that 17α,20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one is a maturation inducing steroid in spotted sea trout. Fish Physiol. Biochem. 7, 185–91.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trant, J.M., Thomas, P. and Shackleton, C.H.L. (1986) Identification of 17α,20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one as the major ovarian steroid produced by the teleost Micropogonias undulatus during final oocyte maturation. Steroids 47, 89–99.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trudeau, V.L., Sloley, B.D., Wong, A.O.L. and Peter, R. (1991) Mechanism of sex-steroid negative and positive feedback control of gonadotropin (GtH) secretion in teleosts. In Scott, A.P., Sumpter, J.P., Kime, D.E. and Rolfe, M.S., eds. Proc. 4th Int. Symp. Reprod. Physiol. Fish. Sheffield: FishSymp91, pp. 224–6.

  • Truscott, B., So, Y.P., Nagler, J.J. and Idler, D.R. (1992) Steroids involved with final oocyte maturation in the winter flounder. J. Steroid Biochem. mol. Biol. 42, 351–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tyler, C.R., Sumpter, J.P. and Campbell, P.M. (1991) Uptake of vitellogenin into oocytes during early vitellogenic development in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum). J. Fish Biol. 38, 681–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ungar, F., Gunville, R., Sundararaj, B.I. and Goswami, S.V. (1977) Formation of 3α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one in the ovaries of catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 31, 53–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Upadhyaya, N. and Haider, S. (1986) Germinal vesicle breakdown in oocytes of catfish Mystus vittatus (Bloch): relative in vitro effectiveness of estradiol-17β, androgens, corticosteroids, progesterone and other pregnane derivatives. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 63, 70–76.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Dam, G.H., Schoonen, W.G.E.J., Lambert, J.G.D. and van Oordt, P.G.W.J. (1989) Plasma profiles of fourteen ovarian steroids before, during and after ovulation in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Fish Physiol. Biochem. 6, 79–89.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van den Hurk, R. and Resink, J.W. (1992) Male reproductive system as sex pheromone producer in teleost fish. J. exp. Zool. 261, 204–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van den Hurk, R., Schoonen, W.G.E.J., van Zoelen, G.A. and Lambert, J.G.D. (1987) The biosynthesis of steroid glucuronides in the testis of the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio, and their pheromonal function as ovulation inducers. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 68, 179–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Kraak, G., Sorensen, P.W., Stacey, N.E. and Dulka, J.G. (1989) Periovulatory female gold-fish release three potential pheromones: 17α,20β-dihydroxyprogesterone, 17α,20β-dihydroxyprogesterone glucuronide, and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 73, 452–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Weerd, J.H., Sukkel, M. and Richter, C.J.J. (1988) An analysis of sex stimuli enhancing ovarian growth in pubertal African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Aquaculture 75, 181–91.

    Google Scholar 

  • Venkatesh, B., Tan, C.H., Kime, D.E., Loy, G.L. and Lam, T.J. (1992) Steroid metabolism by ovarian follicles and extrafollicular tissue of the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) during oocyte growth and gestation. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 86, 378–94.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallace, R.A. and Selman, K. (1981) Cellular and dynamic aspects of oocyte growth in teleosts. Am. Zool. 21, 325–43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wright, R.S. and Hunt, S.M.V. (1982) A radioimmunoassay for 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one: its use in measuring changes in serum levels at ovulation in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). Gen, comp. Endocrinol. 47, 475–82.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yeung, W.S.B. and Chan, S.T.H. (1985) The in vitro metabolism of radioactive progesterone and testosterone by the gonads of the protandrous Rhabdosargus sarba at various sexual phases. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 59, 171–83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Young, G., Crim, L.W., Kagawa, H., Kambegawa, A. and Nagahama, Y. (1983) Plasma 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one levels during sexual maturation of amago salmon (Oncorhynchus rhodurus): correlation with plasma gonoadotropin and in vitro production by ovarian follicles. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 51, 96–105.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, The University of Sheffield, PO Box 601, S10 2UQ, Sheffield, UK

    David E. Kime

Authors
  1. David E. Kime
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kime, D.E. ‘Classical’ and ‘non-classical’ reproductive steroids in fish. Rev Fish Biol Fisheries 3, 160–180 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00045230

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00045230

Keywords

Search

Navigation