Differential action of androgen implants on the spermatogenesis of pre-pubertal sea bass exposed to a continuous light regime

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of long-term T and 11-KT administration (by means of an implant) on the synthesis and release of gonadotropins (Fsh, Lh) and spermatogenesis progression in juvenile male sea bass exposed to either a natural photoperiod (NP) or continuous light (LL). The results in the control group indicated a clear role for Fsh and 11-KT in the recruitment of type-A spermatogonia (SPGA) towards more advanced stages of spermatogenesis under the NP regime. Fsh promoted androgen synthesis and SPGA differentiation into spermatocytes, while no significant changes in pituitary Gnrh1 and plasma Lh levels were detected. On the other hand, the LL regime inhibited Fsh synthesis, and although no effects were observed on Gnrh1 and Lh, the progression of spermatogenesis was arrested. T and 11-KT administration increased the Gnrh1 and Lh content and reduced the pituitary Fsh content, regardless of the photoperiod regime, although the inhibitory effect of T on pituitary Fsh was stronger than that of 11-KT. Our results show that exogenous 11-KT administration in fish under the LL regime was able to partially restore the progression of spermatogenesis, thus stimulating gonadal development and eliciting spermiation in a few fish, while males that received T implants remained sexually immature under LL. In addition, our results provided new knowledge about the importance of Fsh bioactivity modulation in the regulation of this gonadotropin function, and in turn, on spermatogenesis control in fish.