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Di Fiore MM, Santillo A, Falvo S, Pinelli C. Celebrating 50+ years of research on the reproductive biology and endocrinology of the green frog: An overview. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 298:113578. [PMID: 32739437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This issue is dedicated to the late Professor Giovanni Chieffi, and this article is an overview of the research on Comparative Endocrinology of reproduction using Rana esculenta (alias Pelophylax esculentus) as a model system. Starting from the early 1970s till today, a large quantity of work have been conducted both in the fields of experimental endocrinology and in the definition of the diffuse neuroendocrine system, with a major focus on the increasing role of regulatory peptides. The various aspects investigated concerned the histological descriptions of principal endocrine glands of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, the localization and distribution in the HPG of several different substances (i.e. neurosteroids, hypothalamic peptide hormones, pituitary gonadotropins, gonadal sex steroids, and other molecules), the determination of sex hormone concentrations in both serum and tissues, the hormone manipulations, as well as the gene and protein expression of steroidogenic enzymes and their respective receptors. All together these researches, often conducted considering different periods of the annual reproductive cycle of the green frog, allowed to understand the mechanism of cascade control/regulation of the HPG axis of R. esculenta, characterizing the role of different hormones in the two sexes, and testing the hypotheses about the function of single hormones in different target organs. It becomes evident from the review that, in their simplest form, several features of this species are specular as compared to those of other vertebrate species and that reproduction in this frog species is either under endogenous multi-hormonal control or by a wide array of different factors. Our excursus of this research, spanning almost five decades, shows that R. esculenta has been intensively and successfully used as an animal model in reproductive endocrinology as well as several field studies such as those involving environmental concerns that focus on the effects of endocrine disruptors and other environmental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Sara Falvo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Claudia Pinelli
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
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Robinson ICAF, Hindmarsh PC. The Growth Hormone Secretory Pattern and Statural Growth. Compr Physiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/cphy.cp070512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Solomon KR, Carr JA, Du Preez LH, Giesy JP, Kendall RJ, Smith EE, Van Der Kraak GJ. Effects of Atrazine on Fish, Amphibians, and Aquatic Reptiles: A Critical Review. Crit Rev Toxicol 2008; 38:721-72. [DOI: 10.1080/10408440802116496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Suzuki H, Takemoto Y, Yamamoto T. Differential distribution of orexin-A-like and orexin receptor 1 (OX1R)-like immunoreactivities in the Xenopus pituitary. Tissue Cell 2007; 39:423-30. [PMID: 17897692 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2007.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2007] [Revised: 07/19/2007] [Accepted: 08/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Immunohistochemical techniques were employed to investigate orexin-A-like and orexin receptor 1 (OX1R)-like immunoreactivities in the Xenopus pituitary gland. Orexin-A-immunoreactive cells were mainly scattered in the posterior half of the pars distalis. They corresponded to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-containing cells and so far have not corresponded to other types of pituitary adenocytes. On the other hand, OX1R-immunoreactive cells were mainly distributed in the anterior half of the pars distalis and corresponded to prolactin (PRL)-containing cells; however, we found that OX1R-immunoreactive cells did not correspond to other types of adenocytes in the Xenopus pituitary. These results suggest that an orexin-A-like substance secretes with and/or without TSH from TSH-containing cells and that the peptide modulates the functions of PRL-containing cells via OX1R in a paracrine fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Suzuki
- Department of Biology, Fukuoka University of Education, Akamabunkyo-machi 1-1, Munakata, Fukuoka 811-4192, Japan.
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Mosconi G, Di Rosa I, Bucci S, Morosi L, Franzoni MF, Polzonetti-Magni AM, Pascolini R. Plasma sex steroid and thyroid hormones profile in male water frogs of the Rana esculenta complex from agricultural and pristine areas. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2005; 142:318-24. [PMID: 15935158 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2005.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2004] [Revised: 01/25/2005] [Accepted: 02/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Some chemical compounds used in intensive agriculture have been found to induce estrogenic effects; therefore a histological analysis of the testes and an evaluation of plasma levels of sex steroid, thyroid hormones, and vitellogenin were carried out in adult male water frogs of two coexisting taxa (Rana lessonae and the hemiclonal hybrid Rana esculenta) sampled in agricultural and pristine areas. Differences in seasonal profiles of hormones were found in water frogs living in the agricultural area where the presence of endocrine disrupting compounds was suspected on the basis of a previous study. In R. esculenta, sampled in the pristine area, high androgen levels were found in May; the opposite trend was found for R. esculenta sampled in agricultural areas in which the highest androgen levels were found in September, significantly lower compared with those found in R. esculenta sampled in the pristine area. Low androgen levels were also recorded in R. lessonae males sampled both in pristine and agricultural areas, while the highest levels were found in September. Regarding the trend of estradiol-17beta, an increase of this hormone was found in July both in esculenta and lessonae sampled in the agricultural area, and in the same month an estradiol-17beta peak, even though lower, was also found both in esculenta and lessonae males captured in the pristine area; detectable vitellogenin was found neither in males captured in the agricultural area, nor in those sampled in the pristine one. Moreover, while no significant changes of thyroid hormones were found either in the esculenta or lessonae males sampled in the pristine area, increased T3 and T4 titers were found in July in both esculenta and lessonae captured in the agricultural area. Morphological differences of the testes in males of parental species captured in the agricultural area were also observed. These findings indicate alterations in endocrine and reproductive function in frogs in the agricultural area, that could suggest the presence of endocrine disrupting compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Mosconi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Morfologiche e Biochimiche Comparate, Università di Camerino, Italy.
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Asturiano JF, Romaguera F, Aragón P, Atienza J, Puchades R, Maquieira A. Sandwich immunoassay for determination of vitellogenin in golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) serum as a field exposure biomarker. Anal Bioanal Chem 2005; 381:1152-60. [PMID: 15756602 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-004-3049-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2004] [Revised: 12/09/2004] [Accepted: 12/09/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Vitellogenin (VTG) is a protein produced in the liver of oviparous animals in response to oestrogens. Abnormal production of VTG by males, therefore, is used as a biological indicator of exposure to xeno-oestrogens. In this study, a sandwich-ELISA for measuring VTG in Liza aurata (golden grey mullet) was developed and validated. Plasma VTG was purified from 17beta-oestradiol-injected immature individuals of mullet, by size-exclusion and ion-exchange chromatography. Polyclonal antibodies against VTG were raised in rabbits. A sensitive immunoassay was developed for measurement of vitellogenin in L. aurata serum, reaching a quantification limit of 0.01 microg mL(-1) and a dynamic range from 0.02 to 2 microg mL(-1). The assay is specific, because high levels (>100 microg mL(-1)) of carp (Cyprinus carpio), goldfish (Carassius auratus), tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), tench (Tinca tinca), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and frog (Rana perezi) purified VTG, give negligible responses. The assay was used to analyse plasma samples from wild mullet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Asturiano
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera s/n, 46071, Valencia, Spain
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Polzonetti-Magni AM, Mosconi G, Soverchia L, Kikuyama S, Carnevali O. Multihormonal control of vitellogenesis in lower vertebrates. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2004; 239:1-46. [PMID: 15464851 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(04)39001-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The comparative approach on how and when vitellogenesis occurs in the diverse reproductive strategies displayed by aquatic and terrestrial lower vertebrates is presented in this chapter; moreover, attention has been paid to the multihormonal control of hepatic vitellogenin synthesis as it is related to seasonal changes and to vitellogenin use by growing oocytes. The hormonal mechanisms regulating vitellogenin synthesis are also considered, and the effects of environmental estrogens on the feminization process in wildlife and humans have been reported. It is then considered how fundamental nonmammalian models appear to be, for vitellogenesis research, addressed to clarifying the yolkless egg and the evolution of eutherian viviparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberta Maria Polzonetti-Magni
- Department of Comparative Morphology and Biochemistry, University of Camerino, V. Camerini 2, 62032 Camerino (MC), Italy
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Polzonetti‐Magni AM, Mosconi G, Palermo F, Cottone E, Forno S, Franzoni MF. Amphibians as a model for studying xenoestrogen‐dependent neuroedocrine disruption. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1080/11250000409356615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Mosconi G, Carnevali O, Franzoni MF, Cottone E, Lutz I, Kloas W, Yamamoto K, Kikuyama S, Polzonetti-Magni AM. Environmental estrogens and reproductive biology in amphibians. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2002; 126:125-9. [PMID: 12030767 DOI: 10.1006/gcen.2002.7781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, the effects of an estrogenic compound, 4-nonyl-phenol (NP), on the amphibians Rana esculenta and Triturus carnifex are described together with those on sexual differentiation in Xenopus laevis. NP increased plasma vitellogenin in male frogs and newts in a dose-related manner; moreover, inhibitory effects on gonadotropin and prolactin (PRL) secretion by pituitary were found together with an elevation of plasma androgens. NP treatment also caused a remarkable increase in number of prolactin-immunolabeled cells, suggesting that xenoestrogen might induce, at least in the newt pituitary, a PRL accumulation possibly due to a reduction of the hormone release. In addition, both NP and bisphenol A caused feminization by increasing the percentage of female phenotypes in X. laevis, and the in vivo effects were more pronounced than those of estradiol-17beta.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Mosconi
- Dipartimento Scienze Morfologiche e Biochimiche Comparate, Università di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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Duggan A, Paolucci M, Tercyak A, Gigliotti M, Small D, Callard I. Seasonal variation in plasma lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoprotein A-I and vitellogenin in the freshwater turtle, Chrysemys picta. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2001; 130:253-69. [PMID: 11544071 DOI: 10.1016/s1095-6433(01)00364-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
An analysis of plasma lipids and lipoprotein fractions was performed over the course of the annual ovarian cycle of the female turtle, Chrysemys picta. Determinations of total plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, vitellogenin and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) were made. The lipid and protein composition of the lipoprotein fractions [very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and very high density lipoprotein (VHDL)] were also observed over the same period. Plasma triglyceride and vitellogenin levels were significantly increased in the spring preovulatory period and fall recrudescent phase. Total plasma cholesterol levels were significantly elevated only at the onset of the fall recrudescent phase and apoA-I levels were highest during the postoviposition/ovarian arrest phase. The triglyceride content of VLDL was highest in preovulatory animals and there were apparent seasonal changes in the expression of apoA-I and apoE of HDL/VHDL. We conclude that the coordinate regulation of lipids and protein contributes to seasonal ovarian growth and clearance of lipids from plasma, both of which are most likely under hormonal control.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Duggan
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Yamamoto K, Takahashi N, Nakai T, Miura S, Shioda A, Iwata T, Kouki T, Kobayashi T, Kikuyama S. Production of a recombinant newt growth hormone and its application for the development of a radioimmunoassay. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2000; 117:103-16. [PMID: 10620427 DOI: 10.1006/gcen.1999.7387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster) growth hormone (nGH) was cloned from a cDNA library constructed from mRNAs of newt pituitary glands and was expressed in Escherichia coli. Based on Northern blot analysis using the cDNA as a probe, the nGH mRNA was estimated to be 940 bases in length. The recombinant nGH (nGHr) had a molecular mass of 22 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE and possessed considerable bioactivity as determined in a Xenopus cartilage assay. Using the nGHr, we produced a polyclonal antibody against nGHr. Western blot analysis of newt anterior pituitary gland homogenates revealed that this antiserum specifically detected a single 22-kDa band, and histological studies of newt pituitary gland sections showed that the cells that reacted immunologically by the anti-nGHr antiserum corresponded to those stained by an antiserum against rat GH. A radioimmunoassay (RIA) that is specific and sensitive for nGH was developed, employing the antiserum thus produced. The sensitivity of the RIA was 57 +/- 7 pg/100 microl assay buffer. Interassay and intraassay coefficients of variation were 1.22 and 2.70%, respectively. Serial dilutions of plasma and pituitary homogenate of C. pyrrhogaster yielded dose-response curves that were parallel to the standard curve. Plasma from hypophysectomized newts showed no cross-reactivity. Moreover, displacement curves obtained using pituitary homogenates of the sword-tailed newt (C. ensicauda) and the crested newt (Triturus carnifex) were also parallel to the standard curve. Mammalian and frog GHs and prolactins (PRLs), as well as newt PRL, showed no inhibition of binding, even at relatively high doses, in this RIA. The RIA was used to measure GH released from newt pituitaries in vitro. Enhancement of GH release by 10(-7) M thyrotropin-releasing hormone was observed in cultures of newt pituitaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yamamoto
- School of Education, Waseda University, Nishiwaseda 1-6-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8050, Japan
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Di Fiore MM, Assisi L, Botte V. Aromatase and testosterone receptor in the liver of the female green frog, Rana esculenta. Life Sci 1998; 62:1949-58. [PMID: 9619844 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(98)00164-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the green frog, Rana esculenta, a peculiar feature of female reproductive endocrinology is an high level of circulating testosterone. Although several hypotheses have been set out to explain this phenomenon, the testosterone specific roles in female anuran have not been yet fully explored. This study results propose a testosterone implication in liver vitellogenin synthesis control, since in ovariectomized frogs the hormone induces an increase of circulating vitellogenin. The testosterone action could depend on its local conversion to 17beta-estradiol by aromatase which is present in frog liver tissue. Liver aromatase activity ranges from 7.5 to 26 fmoles E2 formed/mg protein/h and results higher as long as liver is engaged in vitellogenin synthesis. Aromatase activity seems depend on testosterone since it decreases after ovariectomy and is restored by testosterone injection in ovariectomized frogs. In green frog liver, testosterone binding molecules are present both in cytosol and nuclei. These molecule binding properties (Kd and Bmax in nM range; t 1/2 = 85 min; specificity) are in line with those of testosterone receptor of other lower vertebrate target tissue. In liver nuclei, testosterone receptor level undergoes modification throughout the sexual cycle which almost coincides with that of plasma testosterone level and liver aromatase activity. This could indicate that the testosterone induction of liver aromatase in frogs is via the testosterone receptor, as reported for aromatase of mammalian brain tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, II University of Naples, Caserta, Italy
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Mosconi G, Nabissi M, Carnevali O, Cardinali M, Polzonetti-Magni AM, Yamamoto K, Takahashi N, Kikuyama S. Prolactin and stress response in frog Rana esculenta. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1998; 839:639-41. [PMID: 9629230 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1998.tb10903.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Mosconi
- Dipartimento di Biologia MCA, Università di Camerino, Italy
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Carnevali O, Mosconi G, Ridolfi S, Polzonetti-Magni AM. Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I in inducing vitellogenin synthesis by frog hepatocytes. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1998; 839:556-7. [PMID: 9629215 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1998.tb10871.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- O Carnevali
- Dipartimento Biologia MCA, Università di Camerino, Italy
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González Nicolini MV, Orezzoli AA, Villar MJ. An immunohistochemical study of temperature-related changes in galanin and nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in the hypothalamus of the toad. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1998; 110:175-81. [PMID: 9570938 DOI: 10.1006/gcen.1998.7060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Galanin (GAL) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) have been implicated in the control of thermogenesis in mammals. An experimental protocol was designed to determine whether or not the expression of these molecules in the hypothalamus of the toad could be related to environmental temperature changes. Exposure of the animals to low temperature increased the number and intensity of NOS-positive neurons in the magnocellular hypothalamic region, in contrast to a weak immunoreactivity observed in control animals kept in a natural environment at a spring-summer temperature (23-27 degrees C). Also a significantly higher number of GAL-immunoreactive (-IR) cells was observed in the preoptic area as compared to that observed in controls, while no difference in the intensity of GAL immunostaining intensity was detected. These results show a temperature-related expression of GAL and NOS in the hypothalamus and preoptic area of the toad. The results suggest a possible role of GAL and NOS in the regulation of hibernation in these animals.
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Carnevali O, Sabbieti MG, Mosconi G, Polzonetti-Magni AM. Multihormonal control of vitellogenin mRNA expression in the liver of frog, Rana esculenta. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1995; 114:19-25. [PMID: 8674844 DOI: 10.1016/0303-7207(95)03637-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In Rana esculenta in an in vitro system, hepatic vitellogenin synthesis can be induced by growth hormone in both sexes. In this study: (1) the ability of this hormone to induce transcription of the VTG gene was determined, and (2) this ability was compared with that of estradiol-17 beta. The results indicate that growth hormone stimulates VTG mRNA transcription both in vivo and in vitro, in both sexes. The levels of mRNA are related to protein levels in the medium. In addition, seasonal variation occurs in the VTG gene transcription under growth hormone and estradiol-17 beta; indeed the more active inducer was growth hormone during the reproductive period and estradiol-17 beta during the preproductive phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Carnevali
- Department of Biology (MCA), University of Camerino, Italy
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