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Estradiol, testosterone, 11‐ketotestosterone, 17, 20β‐dihydroxy‐4‐pregnen‐3‐one and vitellogenin plasma levels in females of captive European sturgeon, Acipenser sturio
Author(s) -
DavailCuisset B.,
Rouault T.,
Williot P.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of applied ichthyology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.392
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1439-0426
pISSN - 0175-8659
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0426.2011.01730.x
Subject(s) - vitellogenin , endocrinology , medicine , testosterone (patch) , biology , ovulation , hormone , oogenesis , acipenser , ovulation induction , sturgeon , fish <actinopterygii> , embryogenesis , embryo , fishery , microbiology and biotechnology
Summary The changes for plasma level of sex steroid hormones and vitellogenin (VTG) during oogenesis and at ovulation are studied in the aim of being potentially used as predictive markers of breeding performance in sturgeon species. In the present work we describe the development of plasma steroid hormones and vitellogenin (VTG) profiles in three females which were followed over 5 years and approaching the spawning, and we focus on the months preceding the spawning induction. Plasma estradiol (E 2 ), testosterone (T), 11‐ketotestosterone (11KT), 17, 20β dihydroxy‐4‐pregnen‐3‐one (17, 20βP) and vitellogenin (VTG) are measured by Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbant Assay (ELISA). During the 5‐year period study, hormonal profile varies differently from one female to the other, linked to stage of development of the ovary. High levels of E 2 and VTG are found, although restricted to the years when oocytes develop. There is some seasonal variation, with a peak of E 2 at the end of winter, and a dramatic decrease in May. During months before the spawning induction, E 2 levels are decreasing, while VTG remains at high level, 11KT sharply increases while 17, 20βP increases 20 to hundred fold during the same time. Only one female achieves GVBD that triggered ovulation and gives fertile eggs. The comparison of the three females is a first step aiming at correlating some of the plasma parameters to the success of hormone‐induced ovulation in this highly endangered species.