PUBLICATION

Arginine Vasotocin Directly Regulates Spermatogenesis in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Testes

Authors

Zanardini, M., Zhang, W., Habibi, H.R.

ID

ZDB-PUB-240627-7

Date

2024

Source

International Journal of Molecular Sciences 25(12): (Journal)

Registered Authors

Keywords

AVP, ex vivo culture, male reproduction, spermatogenesis, vasotocin, zebrafish

MeSH Terms

Testis*/metabolism
Male
Animals
Spermatogonia/cytology
Spermatogonia/metabolism
Zebrafish*/metabolism
Zebrafish Proteins/genetics
Zebrafish Proteins/metabolism
Vasotocin*/metabolism
Vasotocin*/pharmacology
Spermatogenesis*
Spermatozoa/metabolism
Cell Proliferation
Receptors, Vasopressin*/genetics
Receptors, Vasopressin*/metabolism

(all 15)

PubMed

38928267 Full text @ Int. J. Mol. Sci.

Abstract

The neuropeptide vasopressin is known for its regulation of osmotic balance in mammals. Arginine vasotocin (AVT) is a non-mammalian homolog of this neuropeptide that is present in fish. Limited information suggested that vasopressin and its homologs may also influence reproductive function. In the present study, we investigated the direct effect of AVT on spermatogenesis, using zebrafish as a model organism. Results demonstrate that AVT and its receptors (avpr1aa, avpr2aa, avpr1ab, avpr2ab, and avpr2l) are expressed in the zebrafish brain and testes. The direct action of AVT on spermatogenesis was investigated using an ex vivo culture of mature zebrafish testes for 7 days. Using histological, morphometric, and biochemical approaches, we observed direct actions of AVT on zebrafish testicular function. AVT treatment directly increased the number of spermatozoa in an androgen-dependent manner, while reducing mitotic cells and the proliferation activity of type B spermatogonia. The observed stimulatory action of AVT on spermiogenesis was blocked by flutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist. The present results support the novel hypothesis that AVT stimulates short-term androgen-dependent spermiogenesis. However, its prolonged presence may lead to diminished spermatogenesis by reducing the proliferation of spermatogonia B, resulting in a diminished turnover of spermatogonia, spermatids, and spermatozoa. The overall findings offer an insight into the physiological significance of vasopressin and its homologs in vertebrates as a contributing factor in the multifactorial regulation of male reproduction.

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