title: Developmental role of GnRH and PACAP in a zebrafish model.
abstract: GnRH is expressed early in development long before reproduction begins. To determine whether GnRH has a role in development, gene knockdown with morpholinos was used in one-cell zebrafish embryos to block translation of gnrh mRNA into protein. Gene knockdown of gnrh2, gnrh3 or both at the one-cell stage resulted in a high percentage of embryos at 24-48 h with a defective mid-hindbrain boundary and underdeveloped eyes; a small percentage of embryos at 72 h had a defective heart. In similar studies on GHRH-PACAP, gene knockdown resulted in a smaller brain and eyes, but a normal-appearing heart. The evidence supports a role for the three neuropeptides in early development.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 3N5. nsherwoo@uvic.ca
authors.forename: Nancy M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Sherwood
authors.forename: Sheng
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D051219:Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide; D018005:Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; D015027:Zebrafish / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology*; D029961:Zebrafish Proteins
chemical_list: D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009479:Neuropeptides; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D051219:Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide; D018005:Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; D029961:Zebrafish Proteins; C495405:vipr2 protein, zebrafish; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone