Gonadotropins and their receptors in Astyanax altiparanae (Teleostei, Characiformes): molecular characterization and spatio-temporal expression during the reproductive cycle in captivity

Author(s)

Lázaro Wender Oliveira de Jesus

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2016-07-01

Examining board members

Maria Ines Borella; Renato Massaaki Honji; Rafael Henrique Nóbrega; Claudio Alvarenga de Oliveira; Fábio Siviero

• Advisor: Maria Ines Borella

Abstract

From Astyanax altiparanae pituitaries, we cloned the full-leght cDNAs coding for fshb, lhb e gpha. From gonads, we cloned the full-length cDNAs for fshr and lhr. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all five sequences showed the highest identity degree with homologous sequences from Siluriformes and Cypriniformes, respectively. Using qPCR, we observed that gonadotropin subunits expression were restricted to the pituitary gland, just like their receptors were restricted to the gonads. We also observed that both gonadotropin beta subunits mRNAs/proteins are expressed by distinct populations of gonadotropes at pituitary. In the gonads, both receptors were detected on Sertoli and Leydig cell, as well as on ovaries were located on follicular and theca cells, in oocytes starting from secondary growth. Then, gene expression levels of gonadotropins subunits mRNAs and their receptors were assessed, in parallel to plasma level of sex steroids, and evaluated according to gemetogenesis during the annual reproductive cycle of males and females kept in captivity. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/19268-8 - Molecular cloning and expression of follicle stimulating (FSH) and luteinizing hormones (LH) and profiles of sex steroids during gonadal differentiation and reproductive cycle of the Characiform Astyanax altiparanae
• Grantee: Lázaro Wender Oliveira de Jesus
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate