Evidence for lamprey GnRH-I and -III-like molecules in the brains of the southern hemisphere lampreys Geotria australis and Mordacia mordax

Co-localization of three gonadotropin-releasing hormone transcripts in larval, parasitic, and adult sea lamprey brains

RNA expression of lamprey gonadotropin-releasing hormone (lGnRH)-I, -II, and -III was demonstrated in the brains of larval, parasitic phase and adult sea lampreys, Petromyzon marinus, using a highly sensitive triple-label in situ hybridization technique. In female larval lampreys, lGnRH-I and-II were co-expressed in the same neurons throughout the olfactory bulbs, preoptic area (POA), and rhombencephalon (hindbrain); lGnRH-I, -II and -III were triple co-expressed in the hypothalamus and in the paranuclear region of neuronal somas in the rhombencephalon. In female parasitic phase lampreys, lGnRH-I and -II were co-expressed in the POA, thalamus, and preoptico-neurohypophyseal tract (PNT); lGnRH-III was minimally triple co-expressed with lGnRH-I and -II in the hypothalamus. In adult female lampreys, lGnRH-I and -III were co-expressed in the hypothalamus; lGnRH-I was also expressed in the neurohypophysis (NH). In adult male lampreys, lGnRH-I and-III were co-expressed in the primordial hippocampus, POA, thalamus, hypothalamus, NH, and PNT; lGnRH-I was also expressed in the epithalamus. In summary, we provide the first study using in situ hybridization of all three lGnRHs (lGnRH-I, -II, and -III) at three major life stages (larval, parasitic, and adult) of lampreys, which strongly supports previous immunohistological studies and suggests that lGnRH-I and -II are the predominant lGnRHs in larval and parasitic phase lampreys, and that lGnRH-I and -III are the predominant lGnRHs in adult female and male lampreys. Therefore, our results show that lGnRH-I, -II, and -III have different localization and co-expression in the development and sexual maturation of lampreys, which may suggest unique physiological roles at each life stage and sex in the developing and mature lamprey brain.

Two novel gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRHs) from the urochordate ascidian, Halocynthia roretzi: implications for the origin of vertebrate GnRH isoforms

Three forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) are found in vertebrates; these differ in amino acid sequence, localization, distribution, and embryological origin. We used northern blot analysis, and in situ hybridization to detect GnRH transcripts in various tissues in the large ascidian Halocynthia roretzi. We cloned a cDNA encoding two novel GnRHs, termed tGnRH-10 and tGnRH-11, from H. roretzi, with deduced amino acid sequences of QHWSYGFSPG and QHWSYGFLPG, respectively. Both GnRHs are highly similar to those of teleosts and tetrapods. For example, the tGnRH-10 sequence is 90% identical to seabream GnRH1, and tGnRH-11 is 90% identical to salmon GnRH3. The primary structure of the deduced preprotein is similar to that of chordate GnRHs and consists of a signal peptide, two decapeptides, up- and downstream processing sequences (containing lysine and arginine), and a GnRH-associated peptide. The transcripts of the H. roretzi GnRH gene were expressed in all tissues examined. Comparison of the signal peptide of the lamprey GnRH-II precursor with those of three forms from representative vertebrates revealed homology to GnRH2 precursors. These novel ascidian GnRHs offer a new perspective on the origin of vertebrate GnRH subtypes. We hypothesize that gnathostome GnRH2 was derived only from lamprey GnRH-II and that ancestral gnathostome GnRH, which produces neurons that originate in peripheral organs, gave rise to vertebrate GnRH1 and GnRH3 through whole-genome duplication.

Glutamatergic neuronal populations in the forebrain of the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus: an in situ hybridization and immunocytochemical study

Despite the importance of glutamate as a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, the distribution of glutamatergic populations in the brain of most vertebrates is still unknown. Here, we studied for the first time the distribution of glutamatergic neurons in the forebrain of the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), belonging to the most ancient group of vertebrates (agnathans). For this, we used in situ hybridization with probes for a lamprey vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT) in larvae and immunofluorescence with antiglutamate antibodies in both larvae and adults. We also compared glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunoreactivities in sections using double-immunofluorescence methods. VGLUT-expressing neurons were observed in the olfactory bulb, pallium, septum, subhippocampal lobe, preoptic region, thalamic eminence, prethalamus, thalamus, epithalamus, pretectum, hypothalamus, posterior tubercle, and nucleus of the medial longitudinal fascicle. Comparison of VGLUT signal and glutamate immunoreactivity in larval forebrain revealed a consistent distribution of positive cells, which were numerous in most regions. Glutamate-immunoreactive cell populations were also found in similar regions of the adult forebrain. These include mitral-like cells of the olfactory bulbs and abundant cells in the lateral pallium, septum, and various diencephalic regions, mainly in the prethalamus, thalamus, habenula, pineal complex, and pretectum. Only a small portion of the glutamate-immunoreactive cells showed colocalization with GABA, which was observed mainly in the olfactory bulb, telencephalon, hypothalamus, ventral thalamus, and pretectum. Comparison with glutamatergic cells observed in rodent forebrains suggests that the regional distribution of glutamatergic cells does not differ greatly in lampreys and mammals.

Existence and distribution of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-like peptides in the central nervous system and ovary of the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

We used antibodies against octopus gonadotropin-releasing hormone (octGnRH) and tunicate GnRH (tGnRH-I) in order to investigate the existence and distribution of GnRH-like peptides in the central nervous system (CNS) and in the ovary during various stages of the ovarian cycle of the white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. OctGnRH-immunoreactive and tGnRH-I-immunoreactive neurons and fibers were present in several regions of the supraesophageal ganglion (brain), subesophageal ganglion (SEG), thoracic ganglia, and abdominal ganglia. In the brain, both octGnRH immunoreactivity (ir) and tGnRH-I-ir were detected in neurons of clusters 6, 11, 17, and associated fibers, and the anterior medial protocerebral, posterior medial protocerebral, olfactory, and tegumentary neuropils. In the SEG and thoracic ganglia, octGnRH-immunoreactive and tGnRH-I-immunoreactive neurons and fibers were present in dorsolateral and ventromedial cell clusters and in surrounding fibers. Only immunoreactive fibers were detected in the abdominal ganglia. In the ovary, both octGnRH and tGnRH-I were detected at medium intensity in the cytoplasm of early step oocytes (Oc2) and, at high intensity, in Oc3. Furthermore, octGnRH-ir and tGnRH-I-ir were intense in follicular cells surrounding Oc2 and Oc3. The presence of GnRH-ir in the CNS and ovary indicates that GnRH-like peptides occur in the white shrimp, and that GnRHs are involved in the reproductive process, especially ovarian maturation and the differentiation of oocytes, as reported in other species.

The identification and distribution of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-like peptides in the central nervous system and ovary of the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

In the present study, we demonstrated the existence of GnRH-like peptides in the central nervous system (CNS) and ovary of the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii using immunocytochemistry. The immunoreactivity (ir) of lamprey (l) GnRH-III was detected in the soma of medium-sized neurons located in neuronal cluster number 11 in the middle part of supraesophageal ganglion (deutocerebrum), whereas ir-octopus (oct) GnRH was observed in the soma of both medium-sized and large-sized neurons in thoracic ganglia, as well as in the fibers innervating the other medium-sized and large-sized neuronal cell bodies in the thoracic ganglia. In addition, ir-lGnRH-I was observed in the cytoplasm of late previtellogenic oocyte and early vitellogenic oocyte. These data suggest that M. rosenbergii contain at least three isoforms of GnRH: two GnRH isoforms closely related to lGnRH-III and octGnRH in the CNS, whereas another isoform, closely related to lGnRH-I, was localized in the ovary. This finding provides supporting data that ir-GnRH-like peptide(s) may exist in this decapod crustacean.

Patterns of proopiomelanotropin and proopiocortin gene expression and of immunohistochemistry for gonadotropin-releasing hormones (lGnRH-I and III) during the life cycle of a nonparasitic lamprey: relationship to this adult life history type

There are two adult life history types among lamprey species, nonparasitic and parasitic, with the former commencing the final interval of sexual maturation immediately after metamorphosis. There are no extensive studies that directly compare hormone profiles during the life cycles of nonparasitic and parasitic lamprey species, yet such data may explain differences in development, reproductive maturation, and feeding status. The present study uses immunohistochemistry to show the life cycle profiles for gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH-I and -III) in the brain of the nonparasitic species, the American brook lamprey, Lampetra appendix, for comparison with the extensive, published, immunohistochemical data on these hormones in the parasitic species, the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus. The complete cDNAs for the two lamprey prohormones, proopiocortin (POC), and proopiomelanotropin (POM), were cloned for L. appendix and both nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences were compared with those previously published for P. marinus. The POC and POM cDNAs for both species were used in expression studies, with Northern blotting, throughout their life cycles. Although GnRH-I and -III immunohistochemistry revealed a similar distribution of immunoreactive cells and fibers in the two species during the life cycles, a qualitative evaluation of staining intensity in L. appendix, implied early activity in the brains of metamorphosis of this species, particularly in GnRH-I. GnRH-III seems to be important in larval life and early metamorphosis in both species. A novel feature of this immunohistochemical study is the monthly observations of the distribution and relative intensity of the two GnRHs during the critical period of final sexual maturation that lead to spawning and then the spent animal. L. appendix POC and POM nucleotide sequences had 92.9 and 94.6% identity, respectively, with P. marinus POC and POM and there was an earlier increase in their expression during metamorphosis and postmetamorphic life. Since there was some correlation between the timing of metamorphic development, gonad maturation, and brain irGnRH intensity with POC and POM expression in L. appendix, it was concluded that these prohormones yield posttranslational products that likely play a substantial role in development and maturation events that lead to the nonparasitic adult life history of this species.

Comparison of synthesis of 15 alpha-hydroxylated steroids in males of four North American lamprey species

Recent studies have provided evidence that 15 alpha-hydroxytestosterone (15 alpha-T) and 15 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (15 alpha-P) are produced in vitro and in vivo in adult male sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus), and that circulatory levels increase in response to injections with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). We examined four species from the Petromyzontidae family including silver lampreys (Ichthyomyzon unicuspis), chestnut lampreys (I. castaneus), American brook lampreys (Lethenteron appendix), and Pacific lampreys (Entosphenus tridentatus) to determine if these unusual steroids were unique to sea lampreys or a common feature in lamprey species. In vitro production was examined through incubations of testis with tritiated precursors, and 15 alpha-T and 15 alpha-P production was confirmed in all species through co-elution with standards on both high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin layer chromatography. In vivo production was proven by demonstrating that HPLC-fractionated plasma had peaks of immunoreactive 15 alpha-T and 15 alpha-P that co-eluted with standards through using previously developed radioimmunoassays for 15 alpha-T and 15 alpha-P. The possible functionality of 15 alpha-T and 15 alpha-P was further examined in silver and Pacific lampreys by investigating the effect of injection of either type of lamprey GnRH on plasma concentrations of 15 alpha-T and 15 alpha-P. Injections with exogenous GnRH did not affect circulatory levels of either steroid in silver lampreys, and only GnRH III elicited higher levels of both steroids in Pacific lampreys. The 15 alpha-hydroxylase enzyme(s) for steroids appeared to present in adult males of all species examined, but the question of whether 15 alpha-hydroxylated steroids are functional in these lamprey species, and the significance of the 15-hydroxyl group, requires further research.

Anatomy of the Hesse photoreceptor cell axonal system in the central nervous system of amphioxus

The present study reports the organization of the Hesse cell axonal system in the central nervous system of the amphioxus, with the use of a polyclonal antiserum raised against lamprey gonadotropin-releasing hormone-I (GnRH-I). In the spinal cord, the rhabdomeric photoreceptor cells of the bicellular organs were well labeled with this antibody. These cells sent smooth, straight, lateral processes that bent and became beaded as they passed ventrally and crossed to the contralateral side of the cord. There, the processes of several cells aggregated to give rise to a longitudinal fiber bundle. Beaded collaterals of these processes were directed to ventral neuropil and did not appear to contact giant Rohde cell axons. The crossed projections of the Hesse photoreceptors are compared with those of vertebrate retinal ganglion cells. Other antisera raised against GnRH weakly labeled rhabdomeric photoreceptors located dorsally in the brain, the Joseph cells. The finding that GnRH antibodies label amphioxus photoreceptor cells and axons is not definitive proof that the photoreceptors contain GnRH. Regardless of whether the antibody recognizes amphioxus GnRH, which has not yet been identified by structure, the antibody has revealed the processes of the Hesse photoreceptor cells.

Cloning and analysis of the lamprey GnRH-III cDNA from eight species of lamprey representing the three families of Petromyzoniformes

The lamprey, which are divided into three families, including the Petromyzonidae, Geotriidae, and Mordaciidae, have been shown to regulate the reproductive axis through a functional hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. To date, two forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) have been identified in the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), lamprey GnRH-I (decapeptide and cDNA) and lamprey GnRH-III (decapeptide), both of which have been shown to be expressed in the preoptic-anterior hypothalamic region and both forms have been demonstrated to regulate reproductive function (i.e. steroidogenesis and gametogenesis). The objective of this study was to isolate the cDNA encoding the prepro-lamprey GnRH-III from eight species of lamprey using a PCR based subcloning procedure. A degenerate primer designed to the lamprey GnRH-III decapeptide was used to amplify the 3' end of each transcript, while gene specific primers were used to amplify the 5' ends. Phylogenetic analysis using the prepro-lamprey GnRH-III amino acid sequences was performed, in which the lamprey GnRH-III sequences divided into three groups, supporting the current view of the lamprey lineage at the family level. Finally, a phylogenetic analysis of these newly identified deduced amino acid sequences together with 64 previously described GnRH sequences suggests that the lamprey GnRHs are unique, as they group together separately from the three previously described paralogous lineages of the GnRH family.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): from fish to mammalian brains

This work deals with a family of neuropeptides, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), that play a key role in the development and maintenance of reproductive function in vertebrates. 2. Until now, a total of 16 GnRH structural variants have been isolated and characterized from vertebrate and protochordate nervous tissue. All vertebrate species already investigated have at least two GnRH forms coexisting in the central nervous system. However, it is now well accepted that three forms of GnRH in early and late evolved bony fishes are present. 3. In these cases, cGnRH-II is expressed by midbrain neurons, a species-specific GnRH is present mainly in the preoptic area and the hypothalamus, and sGnRH is localized in the terminal nerve ganglion (TNG). In this context it is possible to think that three GnRH forms and three GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) subtypes are expressed in the central nervous system of a given species. 4. Then it is possible to propose three different GnRH lineages expressed by distinct brain areas in vertebrates: (1) the conserved cGnRH-II or mesencephalic lineage; or (2) the hypothalamic or "releasing" lineage whose primary structure has diverged by point mutations (mGnRH and its orthologous forms: hrGnRH, wfGnRH, cfGnRH, sbGnRH, and pjGnRH); and (3) the telencephalic sGnRH form. Also different GnRH nomenclatures are discussed.

Update: brain and pituitary hormones of lampreys

Lampreys and hagfish of the class Agnatha are of particular importance in understanding endocrinological relationships since they represent the oldest lineages of extant vertebrates which evolved over 550 million years ago. This review briefly summarizes the latest findings on the reproductive endocrinology of the sea lampreys. Since the First International Symposium of Fish Endocrinology in 1988, when virtually little was known of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, substantial new biochemical, molecular, physiological and immunological evidence has now clearly shown that lamprey reproduction is controlled by the neuroendocrine axis. In addition, five brain and six pituitary hormones of lampreys have been identified mainly by Sower and Kawauchi and colleagues between 1986 and 2000. We now hypothesize that lamprey reproduction is a highly synchronized process that is initiated or mediated by a coordination of complex integration of environmental cues and hormonal mechanisms which is broadly similar to that exhibited by gnathostome vertebrates.