Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Hair cortisol as an indicator of chronic stress in Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra): Evaluating influencing variations.
Kim JH, Kang H, Kim BK … +3 more , Min MS, Ma SA, Cho JY
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Oct · PMID 40953710 · Publisher ↗
Glucocorticoids such as cortisol are secreted via the HPA axis to maintain homeostasis and respond to stress, but chronic over-activation can impair health and survival. Cortisol accumulation in the hair is particularly...
Glucocorticoids such as cortisol are secreted via the HPA axis to maintain homeostasis and respond to stress, but chronic over-activation can impair health and survival. Cortisol accumulation in the hair is particularly useful because it reflects long-term stress, making it a valuable physiological indicator for species conservation and management. However, as variables such as housing conditions, age class, sex, hair color, and disease can affect hair cortisol concentration (HCC), ignoring these variables may lead to inaccuracies in chronic stress evaluation. This study measured HCCs in 33 Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra), an endangered species, to examine whether housing type (wild vs. captive), age, and sex affect HCCs. The results showed that juveniles had significantly higher HCCs than adults, suggesting that age may be a factor influencing HCC. However, no significant differences in HCC were found with respect to sex or housing type. Additionally, two of the individuals with exceptionally high HCC were confirmed to have been affected by disease. We propose that standardizing age class in HCC analysis is necessary, and that other important factors potentially influencing HCC variability should also be considered. In particular, disease has been suggested as a possible factor affecting HCC, and such factors may have an even greater impact on HCC variability. Although no significant differences were found regarding housing type and sex, these factors may be more clearly identified through future studies involving a broader range of housing environments and a larger sample size. However, despite the potential of HCC as a promising indicator of long-term stress, a limitation of this study is that its physiological validity has not yet been sufficiently verified in Eurasian otters. Therefore, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, by analyzing key factors influencing HCC, this study provides important foundational data for understanding the effects of housing type, sex, and age on long-term stress assessment.
Ad4bp/sf-1 regulates cyp11b1 and cyp17a1 in the Asian catfish, Clarias batrachus.
Kar S, Senthilkumaran B
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Oct · PMID 40947033 · Publisher ↗
Testicular function in fish is mediated by steroids, with cytochrome P450 11B1, mitochondrial, or 11β-hydroxylase, encoded by cyp11b1, and cytochrome P450 17A1, or 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, encoded by cyp17a1, being k...
Testicular function in fish is mediated by steroids, with cytochrome P450 11B1, mitochondrial, or 11β-hydroxylase, encoded by cyp11b1, and cytochrome P450 17A1, or 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, encoded by cyp17a1, being key steroidogenic enzymes. However, the regulation of cyp11b1 and cyp17a1 has not yet been studied in fish. To address this, the 5' upstream regions of cyp11b1 and cyp17a1 from catfish, Clarias batrachus, were cloned and sequenced. Predicted putative transcription factor binding sites included Ad4bp/sf-1, Foxp1, Pax1, Pax2, Gata1, and Oct1 in both promoter fragments. Luciferase reporter assays in TM3 mouse Leydig cells, with and without human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) induction, showed significant promoter activity in constructs containing ad4bp/sf-1 and foxp1, but not with the other transcription factors. Site-directed mutagenesis and chromatin immunoprecipitation further confirmed the binding of Ad4bp/sf-1 to the promoters of both cyp11b1 and cyp17a1, while Foxp1 binding was observed only in the cyp11b1 promoter. Immunolocalization of Ad4bp/sf-1 revealed its presence in interstitial/Leydig cells and also in the testicular lumen. The expression of ad4bp/sf-1 increased after hCG induction in vivo and following 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT)/methyl testosterone stimulation in vitro, indicating gonadotropin- and androgen-dependent regulation. Additionally, transient gene silencing of ad4bp/sf1 using small interfering RNA (siRNA) decreased the expression of cyp11b1, cyp17a1, and foxp1, suggesting co-regulation. Finally, decreased serum testosterone and 11-KT levels upon ad4bp/sf-1 siRNA silencing further support its role in regulating male steroidogenesis in males.
Genotype for hypocretin receptor (hcrtr2) affects appetite in zebrafish.
Lewandowski N, Brainard M, Kalb C … +3 more , Wong A, Liu Q, Londraville R
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Oct · PMID 40907800 · Publisher ↗
We investigated the role of hypocretin receptor in signaling appetite in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Hypocretin is a small neuropeptide known for its effects on circadian rhythm and appetite. Wild-type and heterozygous hu20...
We investigated the role of hypocretin receptor in signaling appetite in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Hypocretin is a small neuropeptide known for its effects on circadian rhythm and appetite. Wild-type and heterozygous hu2098 (knockout for hcrtr2) zebrafish were raised to adulthood (3-4 months post fertilization) and genotyped. Feeding rate was measured directly using a novel technique that analyzed images of fish feeding continuously on brine shrimp, in which all individual brine shrimp were identified in a tank with a feeding fish. Fish were food restricted for 19-29 h before a feeding session, and feeding rate was determined by the regression of brine shrimp consumed/min over an eight-minute feeding period. Utilizing a mixed-effects ANCOVA model and accounting for mass as a covariate, heterozygous fish (hcrtr2/hcrtr2) ate brine shrimp at a significantly faster rate (mean 23.4 ± 12.6 shrimp/min, n = 12) than wildtype fish (hcrtr2/hcrtr2) (20.5 ± 13.8 shrimp/min, p = 0.033, n = 11). These results support a role for hcrtr2 in appetite regulation.
Chlorpyrifos and neuroendocrine function: Concerns for research with free-living mammal populations.
Mitzel KM, Freeman AR
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Oct · PMID 40885495 · Publisher ↗
Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide widely used in many countries to control insect pests. This pesticide causes neurotoxic effects in target species through cholinergic toxicity, but also has several secondary...
Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide widely used in many countries to control insect pests. This pesticide causes neurotoxic effects in target species through cholinergic toxicity, but also has several secondary effects on neural substrates. Chlorpyrifos can modulate several neurotransmitters, including the nonapeptides oxytocin and vasopressin which are well-known for their modulation of social behavior and reproduction. Scientists have championed the need for the use of non-traditional models to understand the underpinnings of these nonapeptides in the evolution of social behavior. However, exposure to pesticides like chlorpyrifos can alter the organization of vasopressin and oxytocin circuits during neurodevelopment, which then leads to changes in adult behavior. In this review, we explore the research that connects chlorpyrifos and the nonapeptides, emphasizing the potential impacts of this pesticide on behavioral neuroendocrinology using these non-traditional models.
Genetic ablation of Pth4 disrupts calcium-phosphate balance, bone development, and kidney transcriptome in teleosts.
Méndez-Martínez L, Suarez-Bregua P, Guerrero-Peña L … +4 more , Barreiro-Docío E, Costas-Prado C, Cobelo-García A, Rotllant J
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Oct · PMID 40876765 · Publisher ↗
Parathyroid hormone 4 (Pth4) is an evolutionarily conserved member of the PTH family, expressed in hypothalamic neurons and lost in eutherian mammals. In order to elucidate its role in mineral homeostasis and skeletal de...
Parathyroid hormone 4 (Pth4) is an evolutionarily conserved member of the PTH family, expressed in hypothalamic neurons and lost in eutherian mammals. In order to elucidate its role in mineral homeostasis and skeletal development, a pth4 knockout (pth4) zebrafish line was generated using CRISPR/Cas9 and transcriptomic profiling was conducted across six key tissues: brain, kidney, intestine, gills, scales, and bone. The results obtained demonstrated that the loss of Pth4 led to pronounced disturbances in calcium and phosphate homeostasis, skeletal deformities, and widespread tissue-specific transcriptional alterations. Notably, dysregulation of mineral regulatory genes-such asfgf23,phex, andslc34a1a was particularly evident in the kidney, suggesting disruption of the FGF23-Klotho axis. In parallel, differential expression of extracellular matrix genes (col1a1a,col10a1a,col11a1) and matrix remodeling enzymes (mmp9,mmp13a,mmp2) in bone and scales indicated impaired skeletal remodeling. Together, these findings highlight a pivotal role for Pth4 in the endocrine and local regulation of mineral metabolism and skeletal integrity, expanding our understanding of PTH family functions in vertebrate physiology.
No Breakfast? physiological effects of morning food deprivation in spotted munia (Lonchura punctulata).
Yadav V, Tiwari J, Malik S … +1 more , Sharma A
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Oct · PMID 40876764 · Publisher ↗
Food is essential for an organism to meet its daily energy requirements. For this reason, animals show a highly motivated behaviour towards the acquisition of food. Food availability, however, is fairly irregular in natu...
Food is essential for an organism to meet its daily energy requirements. For this reason, animals show a highly motivated behaviour towards the acquisition of food. Food availability, however, is fairly irregular in nature as it is influenced by a number of environmental and ecological factors. Hence, food availability is a key factor in shaping the life history of an organism. In the present study, we tested the effects of timed food restriction on behaviour, physiology and hormone levels in Spotted Munia (Lonchura punctulata) subjected to a food availability for only four hours in the evening (Food restriction- FR). We also measured the indicators of stress to assess how birds responded to the restricted feeding schedule. The birds showed a significant change in their daily activity rest pattern where FR birds showed minimum movement during the time window when food was made available to them. Further, after two weeks, we found a lower body weight, plasma T3 and cort levels in FR birds, as compared to ad libitum controls. While the Heterophil/Lymphocyte ratio was higher, we observed a lower spleen weight and size in FR birds. These findings suggest that a predictable food scarcity led to behavioural and physiological adjustments in munia(s) reflective of an adaptive energy reallocation during food restriction.
In vivo induction of crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster spp.) spawning using a synthetic relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide.
Hillberg AK, Harris RJ, Motti CA … +5 more , Elizur A, Wu H, Hossain MA, Bathgate RAD, Cummins SF
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Oct · PMID 40865776 · Publisher ↗
The corallivorous Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS; Acanthaster cf. solaris) has become a major pest across the Indo-Pacific, primarily due to anthropogenic environmental factors that have increased populations beyond sust...
The corallivorous Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS; Acanthaster cf. solaris) has become a major pest across the Indo-Pacific, primarily due to anthropogenic environmental factors that have increased populations beyond sustainable levels. These effects are costly to both the economy and ecology of coral reefs and require human intervention. A better understanding of endogenous reproductive factors could help establish more effective management strategies. Based on information regarding an endogenous spawn-inducing peptide in COTS, known as the relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP), a version of this peptide (called synthetic Aso-RGP; inspired by the sequence from Acanthaster cf. solaris) was chemically synthesized. In this study, we demonstrate that in vivo intra-coelomic injection of reproductively mature COTS with 1 µM synthetic Aso-RGP (100 µl) induced spawning of males and females at 20 ± 6.8 min and 32.3 ± 17.2 min post-injection, respectively. Typical spawning behaviours were also observed, including seeking high-ground, crowning/arching and upwards curling of arms prior to gamete release, leading to >95 % fertilization rate. Subsequent testing of synthetic Aso-RGP at 1 µM on mature COTS ovarian fragments stimulated 100 % oocyte germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), similar to that observed for the positive 1-methyladenine (1 and 10 mM) control, confirming activation of the RGP cascade. Synthetic Aso-RGP was not, however, effective in inducing spawning or triggering GVBD outside of the reproductive season, demonstrating it is seasonally functional. Finally, we showed that synthetic Aso-RGP can also stimulate spawning in the COTS sibling species, Acanthaster brevispinus. In summary, this research has established the bioactivity of the synthetic Aso-RGP, which in turn, may prove critical for the development of a novel control approach to manipulate COTS spawning.
Effects of mineralocorticoids on α-Na/K ATPase expression and parasite morphology in T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci.
Aguirre-Pineda JA, Valdéz Perez RA, Pérez-Guiot A … +2 more , Bobes RJ, Romano MC
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Oct · PMID 40850374 · Publisher ↗
Mineralocorticoids are corticosteroid hormones that, in vertebrates, regulate extracellular fluid volume and salt balance by modulating the expression and activity of Na/K ATPase, the enzyme that generates and maintains...
Mineralocorticoids are corticosteroid hormones that, in vertebrates, regulate extracellular fluid volume and salt balance by modulating the expression and activity of Na/K ATPase, the enzyme that generates and maintains Na and K gradients across plasma membranes. However, the function of mineralocorticoids in invertebrates has not been well studied. Cysticerci (larvae) of the parasite Taenia crassiceps WFU synthesize the corticosteroids 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) and corticosterone in vitro. Here, we searched the genome and transcriptome of T. crassiceps for the presence of α-Na/K ATPase sequences. We also studied the effects of corticosteroids on α-Na/K ATPase expression and on the morphology of T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci in vitro. Cysticerci were obtained from the peritoneal cavity of previously infected female mice and cultured in the presence of corticosterone, DOC, spironolactone (a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist) or metyrapone (a corticosteroid synthesis inhibitor) at different concentrations and for different periods of time. ATPase expression was evaluated by Western blotting. Genome and transcriptome searches revealed two highly conserved α-Na/K ATPase sequences in T. crassiceps WFU. DOC was found to increase α-Na/K ATPase expression in a concentration-dependent manner. The incubation of parasites with spironolactone, but not with metyrapone, significantly decreased the expression of the enzyme. In addition, DOC increased parasite size, whereas spironolactone and metyrapone altered parasite shape and size, respectively. These results suggest a role for mineralocorticoids in salt-water regulation of T. crassiceps WFU. A deep understanding of these mechanisms could contribute to improving therapeutic strategies for cysticercosis.
Methimazole suppresses, and 3-iodothyronamine (TAM) activates GPCRs, TRs and Na/K-ATPase subunit isoform expression in air-breathing fish hearts.
Ushas PU, Subhash Peter MC
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Oct · PMID 40850373 · Publisher ↗
3-iodothyronamine (TAM), an endogenous aminergic derivative of thyroid hormone (TH), exhibits cardioprotective effects in mammals. However, it is unclear whether TAM has similar effects in fish hearts to counteract hypot...
3-iodothyronamine (TAM), an endogenous aminergic derivative of thyroid hormone (TH), exhibits cardioprotective effects in mammals. However, it is unclear whether TAM has similar effects in fish hearts to counteract hypothyroidism. We hypothesise that TAM may regulate the expression patterns of GPCR-associated neuroendocrine receptors, thyroid hormone receptors (TRs), and Na, K-ATPase (NKA) subunit isoform genes, and may exert protection against hypothyroidism. The effects of TAM on ion transporter activities in fish hearts under euthyroid conditions were first examined in vitro and in vivo to ascertain its direct impact on euthyroid fish hearts. Subsequently, the effects of methimazole (MMI), an antithyroid drug, and TAM replacement in hypothyroid hearts of the air-breathing fish (Anabas testudineus) were studied. Dose-dependent effects of TAM on ion-dependent ATPase activities were observed both in vitro and in vivo in euthyroid hearts. While MMI treatment increased NKA activity, TAM replacement decreased its activity in hypothyroid hearts. The downregulation of NKA subunit isoform expressions (nkaα1a, nkaα1b, nkaα1c, atp1b1, atp1b2) by MMI was reversed when TAM was added in hypothyroid hearts. Similarly, MMI suppressed and TAM activated the transcript of trace amine-associated receptors taar1 and taar8c, as well as TR isoforms (thra, thrab, thrb) in the hypothyroid heart. MMI activated adra2a and suppressed adrb2 expression, while TAM reversed these effects; however, both MMI and TAM downregulated drd2 expression. These data indicate a novel targeted action of TAM on cardiac GPCRs, TR function, and NKA-mediated ion osmotic homeostasis in hypothyroid fish, suggesting potential cardioprotective effects of TAM against hypothyroidism.
Multi-year profiles of T3 are positively correlated with corticosterone in male bowhead whale baleen.
Hudson JM, Hunt K, Marcoux M … +2 more , Buck CL, Matthews CJD
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Oct · PMID 40829726 · Publisher ↗
Thyroid hormones play an important role in the regulation of growth, development, metabolism, thermoregulation, and migration. Very little information exists on patterns of thyroid hormone concentrations in healthy mysti...
Thyroid hormones play an important role in the regulation of growth, development, metabolism, thermoregulation, and migration. Very little information exists on patterns of thyroid hormone concentrations in healthy mysticete whales, as many studies have focused on ill, entangled, or stranded whales, making it difficult to interpret thyroid hormone trends. In this study, we used a unique sample-set of bowhead whale baleen plates to explore the long-term interrelationships between triiodothyronine (T3), the most biologically active thyroid hormone, corticosterone, testosterone, and nitrogen isotope ratios (δN) (proxies for stress, reproduction, and diet, respectively) to investigate the role T3 may play in the physiology of healthy cetaceans. Baleen plates were collected between 1998 and 2011 from eight subsistence-harvested male bowhead whales across the Eastern Canadian Arctic. Each baleen plate generated 88-158 serial samples, representing ∼11-22 years of life for each individual whale. T3 concentrations ranged from 0.61 to 21.62 ng/g and varied seasonally in just two whales. Most whales showed no correlation between T3 and seasonal fluctuations in testosterone or δN, suggesting that variation in T3 is not driven by seasonal shifts in reproductive cycles, consumer trophic level, or migration. However, a strong positive correlation between T3 and corticosterone was observed in every whale, which we hypothesized was due to non-seasonal factors that simultaneously increase metabolic rate and physiological stress. The positive correlation between T3 with corticosterone suggests that in mysticete whales, some stressors may require increased energetic output.
Catecolaminergic systems and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis: adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine treatments in vivo in lizard Podarcis siculus.
Sciarrillo R, Falzarano A, Gallicchio V … +5 more , Lallo A, Carrella F, Mileo A, Capaldo A, De Falco M
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Oct · PMID 40825409 · Publisher ↗
The catecolaminergic system, which uses dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline as neurotransmitters, originates in the brainstem nuclei and spreads widely throughout the central nervous system (CNS). Although there are d...
The catecolaminergic system, which uses dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline as neurotransmitters, originates in the brainstem nuclei and spreads widely throughout the central nervous system (CNS). Although there are data indicating that interactions between the catecolaminergic systems of the nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis do indeed take place and may be of physiological and clinical relevance, such interactions are far from being clarified. In this paper, we studied the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis responses in lizards treated with adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine respectively. Adrenaline raised plasma TRH and TSH levels and induced a stimulatory effect on the thyroid gland activity with an increase of T and T levels. On the contrary, noradrenaline treatment induced a reduction in TRH secretion, accompanied by a normal circulating TSH level and increased plasma T levels but with a reduction of circulating T levels. Dopamine stimulated TRH secretion centrally but induced TSH deficiency followed by reduction of circulating T and T levels. Furthermore, the effects of the catecolaminergic system on the TRH-TSH-thyroid hormone axis has been also manifested through mechanisms in peripheral organs such as the liver. The dynamic interplay between TRH and TSH and the feedback effects on circulating thyroid hormones after treatment with adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine is a very sophisticated and complicated mechanism that responds via afferent inputs from neurons originating in the paraventricular nucleus and can influence the secretion of TRH and TSH-secreting hypophysiotropic neurons with consequent feedback on thyroid hormones.
Neurosecretory protein GL stimulates feeding behavior and fat accumulation in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica).
Kato M, Iwakoshi-Ukena E, Furumitsu M … +2 more , Narimatsu Y, Ukena K
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40803583 · Publisher ↗
Neurosecretory protein GL (NPGL) is a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide that promotes fat accumulation in rats, mice, and neonatal chicks. However, its role in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) remains unclear. In this st...
Neurosecretory protein GL (NPGL) is a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide that promotes fat accumulation in rats, mice, and neonatal chicks. However, its role in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of chronic intracerebroventricular infusion of NPGL on body mass, food intake, and fat deposition in five-week-old male Japanese quails. A 13-day infusion of NPGL significantly increased body mass, food intake, and the masses of subcutaneous fat, abdominal fat, and liver. In contrast, water intake and the masses of the pancreas, testes, heart, and muscle remained unchanged. Blood concentrations of triglyceride, glucose, and non-esterified fatty acid were unaffected. Real-time qPCR analysis revealed a significant upregulation of NPGM, a paralogous gene of NPGL, in the hypothalamus. Additionally, the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), a key enzyme involved in lipogenesis, showed an increasing trend in the liver. Although the fatty acid ratio used as the SCD1 activity index (palmitoleate/palmitate) did not change, the de novo lipogenesis index (palmitate/linoleate) tended to increase in both the liver and abdominal fat. These results suggest that NPGL promotes fat accumulation in Japanese quails, indicating its potential involvement in avian adiposity.
Regulation of transforming growth factor beta 1 in the ovary of ovoviviparous black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii).
Jing X, Lyu L, Zuo C … +7 more , Li J, Wang X, Yang J, Jiang T, Li Y, Wen H, Qi X
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40796073 · Publisher ↗
Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), a multifunctional secreted polypeptide cytokine, has been reported to play crucial roles in pregnancy process of mammals, including immune tolerance and embryonic development....
Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), a multifunctional secreted polypeptide cytokine, has been reported to play crucial roles in pregnancy process of mammals, including immune tolerance and embryonic development. However, less is known in Pisces. Aimed to figure out the molecular mechanism underlying TGF-β1 functions, black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii), an ovoviviparity teleost, which process the sperm storage and gestation periods, was employed as the research model. In the present study, we found that tgfb1 among four tgfb isoforms was highly expressed and localized in ovary. The recombinant TGF-β1 (rTGF-β1) was mainly involved in immune response, signal transduction, angiogenesis and cell death by analyzing transcriptome of ovarian cells. The current results reveal the pivotal role of TGF-β1 in black rockfish ovary and provide novel insights into cytokines in the pregnancy of ovoviviparity teleost.
Scale cortisol reflects the acute but not the chronic stress status in green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus).
McKinley AM, Best C, Bernier NJ
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40789520 · Publisher ↗
Scale cortisol has the potential to be a useful biomarker of chronic stress in fish, but the dynamics of scale cortisol accumulation and release are not well understood. In this study, we assessed the dynamics of plasma...
Scale cortisol has the potential to be a useful biomarker of chronic stress in fish, but the dynamics of scale cortisol accumulation and release are not well understood. In this study, we assessed the dynamics of plasma and scale cortisol accumulation and clearance in green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) in response to acute and chronic stressors. While sunfish exposed to 21 days of unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) mounted an attenuated acute plasma cortisol response to the daily stressor on day 21 and had reduced liver and body conditions, their scale cortisol content was either unchanged or reduced. In contrast, exposure to an acute stressor increased scale cortisol content 30 min post-stressor in naïve fish but had no effect when preceded by the 21-day UCS protocol. We also examined the effects of an acute stressor on scale cortisol content in goldfish (Carassius auratus) to identify potential species differences in scale cortisol dynamics. Interestingly, although an acute stressor increased scale cortisol content 30 min post-stressor and declined 24 h later in both species, only sunfish scale cortisol levels returned to baseline by 24 h post-stressor. Together, our results indicate that scales in green sunfish can accumulate and clear cortisol rapidly following an acute stressor and do not reflect long-term accumulation of cortisol from the plasma during chronic stress. As such, we conclude that scale cortisol content is not a biomarker of chronic stress in green sunfish.
The role of the Steroidogenesis-Associated gene cyp11a in regulating gonadal development in Hyriopsis cumingii.
Tang L, Liu Z, Cao M … +2 more , Mao Y, Wang G
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40749758 · Publisher ↗
The Cyp11a gene is essential for steroid hormone synthesis, which is closely associated with gonadal development. To explore the role of Cyp11a in the gonadal development of Hyriopsis cumingii, we cloned the 2951 bp H. c...
The Cyp11a gene is essential for steroid hormone synthesis, which is closely associated with gonadal development. To explore the role of Cyp11a in the gonadal development of Hyriopsis cumingii, we cloned the 2951 bp H. cumingii Cyp11a gene (Hccyp11a), which includes a 2376 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 791 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that HcCYP11A is closely related to other molluskan homologs. Tissue distribution analysis showed that Hccyp11a was predominantly expressed in the gonad, with significantly higher expression in the ovary compared to the testis (p < 0.01). In juveniles, Hccyp11a expression peaked at 5 months of age. In the gonads of 12-, 24-, and 36-month-old individuals, Hccyp11a consistently exhibited higher expression in females. During ovarian development, Hccyp11a expression was highest at the ovulation stage. In situ hybridization localized Hccyp11a mRNA to the follicular wall and oocytes. RNA interference of female Hccyp11a significantly reduced the expression of Hsd3b and Srd5a1 genes, estradiol (E2) and methyltestosterone (MT) levels. Female H. cumingii were exposed to low (40 ng/L) and high (200 ng/L) concentrations of 17α-methyltestosterone (17α-MT) and 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) for 24 d. Low concentrations of 17α-MT and high concentrations of both 17α-MT and 17β-E2 significantly increased (p < 0.05) Hccyp11a expression. These findings suggest that Hccyp11a is involved in sex hormone synthesis and may regulate gonadal development in H. cumingii through its effects on steroidogenic gene expression and hormone levels.
Disorders of glucose metabolism and impaired energy metabolism in pfkma and pfkmb knockout zebrafish.
Liu N, Li M, Liu T … +3 more , Wang J, Zhang B, Zhang M
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40712841 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: In our previous study, Phosphofructokinase, muscle (PFKM), a key enzyme in glucose metabolism, was found to be decreased in the urinary exosomes of diabetic patients. The role of PFKM in glucose and energy me...
BACKGROUND: In our previous study, Phosphofructokinase, muscle (PFKM), a key enzyme in glucose metabolism, was found to be decreased in the urinary exosomes of diabetic patients. The role of PFKM in glucose and energy metabolism is not fully understood. The study explores PFKM's implications in these metabolic pathways through the lens of a zebrafish model. METHODS: We analyzed pfkma and pfkmb expressions in early zebrafish development using Daniocell and ZESTA databases and performed whole-mount in situ hybridization on embryos up to 4 days post-fertilization (dpf). The CRISPR/Cas9 system was utilized to generate pfkma and pfkmb knockout zebrafish, and the expression of various genes, including β-actin, pfkma, pfkmb, peo1, mfn1, drp1, nd2, cytb, cox3, and atp6, was measured by qRT-PCR in the embryos. RESULTS: Knockout mutants displayed elevated glucose levels across whole embryos. Additionally, at 5 dpf, pfkma and pfkmb double mutants showed pancreatic islet proliferation, ATP depletion, downregulation of the expression of the mitochondrial-related gene peo1, and impaired locomotor activity. CONCLUSIONS: PFKM plays an important role in stabilizing glucose metabolism and has a certain impact on mitochondrial energy metabolism pathways in zebrafish model.
Ontogeny of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone cells and fibers in the brain and pituitary gland of the pejerrey fish, Odontesthes bonariensis.
Pahí-Rosero AM, López GC, Pérez MR … +5 more , Mechaly AS, Ubuka T, Muñoz-Cueto JA, Vissio PG, Somoza GM
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40684999 · Publisher ↗
The gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone is a neuropeptide belonging to the RF-amide family of peptides, first characterized in birds. This peptide can inhibit the synthesis and release of gonadotropins in both avians and mam...
The gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone is a neuropeptide belonging to the RF-amide family of peptides, first characterized in birds. This peptide can inhibit the synthesis and release of gonadotropins in both avians and mammals. Although gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (Gnih) variants have also been detected in different fish species, knowledge of their physiological action is still inconclusive and controversial. In addition, there is very little information on the neuronal development of Gnih cells in early stages. In this context, the objective of the present study is to characterize Gnih-containing neurons and fibers in the brain and pituitary gland of adult fish, and during early development of the pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis), and the possible relationship with the sex differentiation process. The Gnih neurons and fibers were determined by immunohistochemistry by using different antisera in the adult pejerrey brain. Gnih-immunoreactive (Gnih-ir) neurons were observed in the olfactory bulbs, the terminal nerve ganglion, the lateral nuclei of the ventral telencephalon, the posterior periventricular nucleus, the dorsal tegmentum, and some isolated neuronal bodies were detected in the secondary gustatory nucleus. Very few Gnih-ir fibers were detected innervating the pituitary gland. The Gnih neuronal and fiber distribution was also studied from hatching to week 10, covering the sex differentiation period until the gonadal sex was observed. Gnih-immunoreactive neuronal bodies were identified from hatching in the terminal nerve ganglion and the diencephalic posterior periventricular nucleus. Gnih-ir fibers were observed in many regions, including the retina, and a profuse innervation was observed in the pituitary. From the first week post-hatching, Gnih-ir neuronal bodies were identified in the dorsal mesencephalic tegmentum and the lateral nucleus of the ventral telencephalon. In addition, Gnih-ir cells were detected in the pituitary. These Gnih-ir cells were consistently detected from 3 to 7 weeks after hatching, coinciding with onset of gonadal differentiation. At week 10 and in the adult, only a few Gnih-ir fibers were observed in the pituitary. Although the precise function of these pituitary Gnih-ir cells is unknown, the relationship between the appearance of these cells and the process of sex differentiation suggests that Gnih may influence this process.
Characterization of a crustacean hyperglycemic hormone of the horsehair crab Erimacrus isenbeckii.
Toyota K, Kajimoto A, Ando Y … +2 more , Takeuchi K, Ohira T
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40623600 · Publisher ↗
The horsehair crab Erimacrus isenbeckii is widely distributed from Alaska and the Bering Sea through Southern Sakhalin, and in Japan from the coastal areas of Hokkaido to the Sea of Japan. In the Hokkaido area, although...
The horsehair crab Erimacrus isenbeckii is widely distributed from Alaska and the Bering Sea through Southern Sakhalin, and in Japan from the coastal areas of Hokkaido to the Sea of Japan. In the Hokkaido area, although strict resource management has been promoted by setting an allowable catch limit, the catch amount has remained at a low level. While knowledge on larval rearing methods is accumulating in relation to seedling production techniques, information on adult growth and molting is limited, due to a deep-sea species that requires a long period for growth. In decapod crustaceans, the sinus-gland/X-organ complex in the eyestalk ganglion synthesizes and secrets various neuropeptides such as crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) to regulate the homeostasis of haemolymph glucose levels. In this study, combined isolation of sinus gland peptides by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and amino acid sequencing, and transcriptome analyses using male and female eyestalk ganglion has been successfully identified EiCHHa. In adult male E. isenbeckii, no decrease in haemolymph glucose levels was observed following bilateral eyestalk ablation, indicating that this treatment does not affect glucose homeostasis in this species. Therefore, the in vivo assays of EiCHHa using the blue swimming crab Portunus pelagicus revealed EiCHHa has a hyperglycemic effect, as well as CHHs in other decapod crustaceans. On the other hand, EiCHHa-injected red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii with bilateral eyestalk ablation showed no significant increase in hemolymph glucose levels. Additionally, we successfully demonstrated the sexual differences in the transcriptomic profiles between males and females. Especially, two sinus gland-derived neuropeptides (EiCHHb and a crustacean female sex hormone (EiCFSH)) were isolated as female-biased transcripts, suggesting that both hormones may have female-specific roles such as the development of female characteristics and reproduction.
In vitro effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on sex steroid production by Arabian sea bream Acanthopagrus arabicus ovarian cells.
Aysham F, Salamat N, Safahieh A … +2 more , Larki A, Mohammadi A
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40623599 · Publisher ↗
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), considered endocrine disruptors, affect the animals reproduction by interfering with the production of sex steroids. In the present study, the in vitro effects of selected PAHs (n...
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), considered endocrine disruptors, affect the animals reproduction by interfering with the production of sex steroids. In the present study, the in vitro effects of selected PAHs (naphthalene, phenanthrene and BaP) on steroid production of cultivated ovarian cells from Arabian sea bream (Acanthopagrus arabicus) was assessed. Ovarian cells were cultured in Leibovitz L-15 (L-15) medium containing naphthalene, phenanthrene and benzo(a)pyrene with or without androstenedione (AD) as precursors and17b-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and testosterone (T) were then measured. The effects of selected PAHs on the steroidogenic enzyme systems cytochrome P450 17, 20-lyase (P450-17,20l) and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450-arom) were also compared with the ketoconazole (KCZ) action as inhibitor of cytochrome P450 steroidogenic enzymes (cytochrome P450 17, 20-lyase (P450-17,20l)) and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450-arom). Adding exogenous androstenedione as a steroid precursor significantly increased the production of all three steroid hormones by cultured ovarian cells. On the other hand, the addition of ketoconazole significantly reduced the production of E2 and P from ovarian cells, while it had no effect on the production of T. This result showed that ketoconazole only affects the cytochrome P450 steroidogenic enzymes and has no effect on the 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17-βHSD) enzyme that convert androstenedione to testosterone. On the other hand, a significant decrease in the production of all three steroids (17β-estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) from ovarian cells exposed to the studied pollutants (naphthalene, phenanthrene, and benzo(a)pyrene) even in the presence of androstenedione indicated that PAHs inhibit all three steroidogenic enzyme systems including P450-17,20l, P450-arom, and 17b-HSD. In conclusion, PAHs are potent inhibitors of the steroidogenic enzyme system including P450-17,20l, P450-arom, and 17b-HSD, and therefore, they can disturb the reproduction of fish living in contaminated areas due to impairment of steroid biosynthesis.
In vitro effects of 11-deoxycorticosterone on hepatocytes and gill epithelial cells of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).
Zuloaga R, Molina A, Valdés JA
Gen Comp Endocrinol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40602667 · Publisher ↗
The 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) corticosteroid has been recently described as having a potential role in fish, complementing cortisol action through distinct physiological effects. Although systemic effects of 11-deoxyc...
The 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) corticosteroid has been recently described as having a potential role in fish, complementing cortisol action through distinct physiological effects. Although systemic effects of 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) have been reported, the specific mechanisms mediated through glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors remain poorly understood. Therefore, we evaluated the DOC effects through both receptors in rainbow trout hepatoma-derived (RTH-149) and gill epithelial (RTgill-W1) cell lines. Cultures were pretreated with GR (Mifepristone) or MR (Eplerenone) antagonists for 1 h (50 nM) and then with DOC (10 nM) or vehicle (DMSO-PBS1X) as control for 3 h (n = 3). First, to determine a DOC-induced response via GR or MR, we detected a decrease in transcriptional levels of mr and these results were recovered to basal levels by MR antagonist in both cell lines. Then, we evaluated different metabolites and solutes associated with carbohydrate metabolism in RTH-149 and osmoregulation in RTgill-W1, detecting that DOC through both GR and MR differentially modulates lactate, glycogen, calcium, and chloride levels. We also identified that DOC mainly by MR differentially regulates gene expression of glucose/glycogen metabolism in RTH-149, ionic cotransporters, and tight junction proteins in RTgill-W1. Subsequently, we determined that DOC significantly decreases glucose uptake in RTH-149 and apparent permeability in RTgill-W1, reversed by MR antagonist. However, DOC does not affect transepithelial resistance in RTgill-W1. This study provides the first evidence that DOC, primarily via MR, plays a role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism in fish hepatocytes and osmoregulation in gill epithelial cells.
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