title: Diurnal dynamics of S-phase entry of germ cells in the secondary testis of the bambooleaf wrasse (Pseudolabrus sieboldi).
abstract: The diversity of reproductive strategies found in fish is attributed to the adaptation of gametogenesis to different habitats. To date, however, information about the dynamics of male gametogenesis and its molecular mechanisms of control by the brain-pituitary-gonadal (BPG) axis, a well-known facet of the endocrine system in vertebrates, is not sufficient to explain the variation in spawning and regulatory mechanisms among species. The bambooleaf wrasse (Pseudolabrus sieboldi) is a protogynous hermaphrodite fish that shows clear diurnal fluctuations in gonadotropin gene expression and serum sex steroid levels associated with spawning. In this study, morphometrical and histological analyses were performed to determine the number of spermatogonial generations in the testis of the sex-changed male (secondary testis). In addition, the diurnal dynamics of S-phase entry of germ cells was explored by measuring the frequency of BrdU-incorporating germ cells at different times of day. We found that the bambooleaf wrasse spermatozoa were generated through nine spermatogonial generations, followed by meiotic divisions accompanied by loss of some spermatocytes and spermatids through apoptosis. BrdU analyses revealed a high frequency of entry into S-phase of undifferentiated type A spermatogonia at 03:00 hr. On the other hand, the frequency of spermatocytes at S-phase of the cell cycle decreased during 00:00-09:00 hr. This study demonstrates for the first time the daily fluctuations of S-phase entry of male germ cells in fish. These results will provide a useful foundation for understanding the roles of endocrinological and cytological regulation of fish spermatogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
authors.forename: Hajime
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kitano
authors.forename: Susumu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Irie
authors.forename: Akihiko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yamaguchi
authors.forename: Michiya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matsuyama
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000502:physiology; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000097:blood; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D008540:Meiosis; D010473:Perciformes / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D016196:S Phase / Q000235:genetics; D019849:Sex Determination Processes / Q000502:physiology*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D013093:Spermatogonia / Q000502:physiology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D006062:Gonadotropins