In vitro effect of pituitary,interrenal and gonadal hormones on vitellogenin synthesis in primary hepatocyte cultures of Chalcalburnus tarichi

Vitellogenin (Vtg) is an important precursor yolk protein in egg‐laying vertebrates, including fish. The 17β‐oestradiol (E2) plays a crucial role in the Vtg synthesis; moreover, certain hormones can stimulate Vtg synthesis. We investigated the possible role of E2, carp recombinant growth hormone (crGH), insulin (Ins), progesterone (P4) and 11‐deoxycortisol (11‐DOC) hormones in Vtg synthesis on primary juvenile Chalcalburnus tarichi hepatocyte culture. The amount of Vtg in the medium was measured at 2‐day intervals using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The hepatocytes were maintained in culture for more than 2 weeks without the addition of serum components. Vitellogenin localization was visualized with the immunofluorescence method in E2‐supplemented hepatocytes. Among hormones applied to the culture, only E2 had an influence on Vtg synthesis in a time‐dependent manner, while crGH, Ins, P4 and 11‐DOC had no effect. However, in hepatocytes stimulated with E2 in combination with P4, a lower Vtg production was seen compared with Vtg produced when hepatocytes were stimulated with E2 alone. P4 proved to have potentiating effects on co‐treatment with E2‐induced Vtg production. As a result, E2 and P4 are the most important hormones for Vtg synthesis in juvenile C. tarichi hepatocyte culture.