Advancing Puberty in the Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) and the Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)

Both the genes and cDNA sequences encoding the b-subunits of black carp LH and FSH were isolated, cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis of the bcFSHb and LHb5'flanking regions revealed that the promoter region of both genes contains canonical TATA sequences, 30 bp and 17 bp upstream of the transcription start site of FSHb and LHb genes, respectively. In addition, they include several sequences of cis-acting motifs, required for inducible and tissue-specific transcriptional regulation: the gonadotropin-specific element (GSE), GnRH responsive element (GRE), half sites of estrogen and androgen response elements, cAMP response element, and AP1. Several methods have been employed by the Israeli team to purify the recombinant b subunits (EtOH precipitation, gel filtration and lentil lectin). While the final objective to produce pure recombinantGtH subunits has not yet been achieved, we have covered much ground towards this goal. The black carp ovary showed a gradual increase in both mass and oocyte diameter. First postvitellogenic oocytes were found in 5 yr old fish. At this age, the testes already contained spermatozoa. The circulating LH levels increased from 0.5 ng/ml in 4 yr old fish to >5ng/ml in 5 yr old fish. In vivo challenge experiments in black carp showed the initial LH response of the pituitary to GnRH in 4 yr old fish. The response was further augmented in 5 yr old fish. The increase in estradiol level in response to gonadotropic stimulation was first noted in 4 yr old fish but this response was much stronger in the following year. In vivo experiments on the FSHb and LHb mRNA levels in response to GnRH were carried out on common carp as a model for synchronom spawning cyprinids. These experiments showed the prevalence of FSHP in maturing fish while LHP mRNA was prevalent in mature fish, especially in females. The gonadal fat-pad was found to originate from the retroperitoneal mesoderm and not from the genital ridge, thus differing from that reported in certain amphibians This tissue possibly serves as the major source of sex steroids in the immature black carp. However, such a function is taken over by the developing gonads in 4 yr old fish. In the striped bass, we described the ontogeny of the neuro-endocrine parameters along the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis during the first four years of life, throughout gonadal development and the onset of puberty. We also described the responsiveness of the reproductive axis to long-term hormonal manipulations at various stages of gonadal development. Most males reached complete sexual maturity during the first year of life. Puberty was initiated during the third year of life in most females, but this first reproductive cycle did not lead to the acquisition of full sexual maturity. This finding indicates that more than one reproductive cycle may be required before adulthood is reached. Out of the three native GnRHs present in striped bass, only sbGnRH and cGnRH II increased concomitantly with the progress of gonadal development and the onset of puberty. This finding, together with data on GtH synthesis and release, suggests that while sbGnRH and cGnRH II may be involved in the regulation of puberty in striped bass, these neuropeptides are not limiting factors to the onset of puberty. Plasma LH levels remained low in all fish, suggesting that LH plays only a minor role in early gonadal development. This hypothesis was further supported by the finding that experimentally elevated plasma LH levels did not result in the induction of complete ovarian and testicular development. The acquisition of complete puberty in 4 yr old females was associated with a rise in the mRNA levels of all GtH subunit genes, including a 218-fold increase in the mRNA levels of bFSH. mRNA levels of the a and PLH subunits increased only 11- and 8-fold, respectively. Although data on plasma FSH levels are unavailable, the dramatic increase in bFSH mRNA suggests a pivotal role for this hormone in regulating the onset and completion of puberty in striped bass. The hormonal regulation of the onset of puberty and of GtH synthesis and release was studied by chronic administration of testosterone (T) and/or an analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (G). Sustained administration of T+G increased the mRNA levels of the PLH subunit to the values characteristic of sexually mature fish, and also increased the plasma levels of LH. However, these changes did not result in the acceleration of sexual maturation. The mRNA levels of the bFSH subunit were slightly stimulated, but remained about 1/10 of the values characteristic of sexually mature fish. It is concluded that the stimulation of FSH gene expression and release does not lead to the acceleration of sexual maturity, and that the failure to sufficiently stimulate the bFSH subunit gene expression may underlie the inability of the treatments to advance sexual maturity. Consequently, FSH is suggested to be the key hormone to the initiation and completion of puberty in striped bass. Future efforts to induce precocious puberty in striped bass should focus on understanding the regulation of FSH synthesis and release and on developing technologies to induce these processes. Definite formulation of hormonal manipulation to advance puberty in the striped bass and the black carp seems to be premature at this stage. However, the project has already yielded a great number of experimental tools of DNA technology, slow-release systems and endocrine information on the process of puberty. These systems and certain protocols have been already utilized successfully to advance maturation in other fish (e.g. grey mullet) and will form a base for further study on fish puberty.