Changes in serum vitellogenin levels and immunohistochemical localization of vitellogenin in hepatic cells during ovarian development in the Japanese eel |
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Authors: | Hiromi Okumura Hajime Matsubara Shinji Adachi Kohei Yamauchi |
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Institution: | Division of Marine Biosciences, Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Hokkaido 041-8611, Japan |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACT: The present study was designed to quantify changes in serum vitellogenin (VTG) levels and to localize VTG in hepatic cells immunohistochemically during artificial maturation of the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica . Hormone treatment resulted in a gradual rise in serum VTG levels, in which the highest values were attained at the migratory nucleus stage. Hepatocytes responded to hormone treatment by increased immunoreactivity; both staining area and intensity were enhanced with ongoing gonadal development. Moreover, cytoplasmic vacuoles increased in number during artificial maturation, occupying large areas inside hepatocytes. The unusual appearance of hepatocytes may reflect the effect of artificial maturation. |
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Keywords: | Japanese eel lipovitellin liver vitellogenesis vitellogenin |
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