科研之友
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摘要
The fish reproductive axis is regulated by many neuroendocrine factors. However, factors involved in the suppression of this axis are largely uncharacterized. In this study, we describe a novel neuropeptide derived from the spexin precursor acting as a negative factor to suppress the reproductive axis in teleost. The cDNA sequences of the spexin precursors have been cloned from both zebrafish and goldfish. A 14-aa mature peptide with the C-terminal amidated (spexin-14a: NWTPQAMLYLKGTQ-NH2) is conceivably generated by processing of the spexin precursors in both species. Spexin is mainly expressed in the brain and ovary of zebrafish and spexin-14a-ir cells are located in several brain regions of goldfish. Functionally, goldfish spexin-14a could significantly suppress luteinizing hormone (LH) release in cultured goldfish pituitary cells. Moreover, intraperitoneal injection of spexin-14a could effectively suppress serum LH level. The mRNA expression of spexin is lower in the breeding season and hypothalamic expression of spexin is regulated by gonadal hormones.
