Identification of sbGnRH-GTHs system and estrogen receptor α (ER α) immunoreactivities in the mature testicular tissue in rastrelliger brachysoma (Bleeker, 1851)

Abstract

© 2018 Senarat et al. Background: Comprehensive information of reproductive physiology in the testis of Rastrilliger brachysoma is not well known. In this study, the distributions of sbGnRH-GTHs system and estrogen receptor-α (ERα)–immunoreactivities (–ir) in the mature testicular tissue of male Rastrelliger brachysoma were described. Material and Methods: Sexually mature Rastrelliger brachysoma, 17-18 cm with average 17.4 cm in standard length (n = 10 individual fish) were used and investigated using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Results: Immunolocalization confirmed that the intense staining of sbGnRH, GTHs and ERα, in the mature testicular tissues of R. brachysoma were co-located and prominently observed in the Leydig cells and fibroblasts in the interstial compartment. Strong immunostaining of Sertoli cell was also observed, whereas intermediate/moderate immunoreactivity of the spermatogonia in the stromal compartment was seen. Conclusion: This data is reported for the first time and indicated that the testicular tissue and spermatogenesis of the R. brachysoma may locally produce sbGnRH, GTHs and ERα, which all are probably concerned with reproductive activity.