title: Cellular localization of PACAP and its receptors in the ovary of the spotted ray Torpedo marmorata Risso 1880 (Elasmobranchii: Torpediniformes).
abstract: The pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a member of the glucagon-related family and occurs in two amidated forms, PACAP38 and PACAP27, with 38 and 27 amino acids, respectively. PACAP acts by binding to three different receptors, that are classified by their binding affinity for PACAP and VIP (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide): PAC(1)R (PACAP-specific receptor) exclusively binds PACAP, while VPAC(1)R (VIP/PACAP receptor, subtype 1) and VPAC(2)R (VIP/PACAP receptor, subtype 2) bind both PACAP and VIP. PACAP, first discovered in the brain, was then localized in several peripheral tissues of mammals, including the ovary. Besides mammals, PACAP and its receptors have been reported in fish too; however, less is known about the presence of PACAP in the fish ovary and the studies are limited to teleosts. The aim of our work was to study the distribution of the PACAP/PACAP-Rs system in the ovary of the cartilaginous fish Torpedo marmorata. Using in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry techniques, we demonstrated that PACAP and its receptors are widely represented in the Torpedo ovary in a stage-dependent manner. Moreover, our findings suggest an involvement of this peptide in the whole follicologenesis, probably influencing steroidogenesis, follicle development, and oocyte growth.
authors.affiliation: Evolutionary and Comparative Biology Division, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy.
authors.forename: Marisa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Agnese
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Valiante
authors.forename: Vincenza
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Laforgia
authors.forename: Piero
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Andreuccetti
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Prisco
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000662:veterinary; D017403:In Situ Hybridization / Q000662:veterinary; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism*; D051219:Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051237:Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide, Type I / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051239:Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, Type II / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051238:Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide, Type I / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014101:Torpedo / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D051219:Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide; D051237:Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide, Type I; D051239:Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, Type II; D051238:Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide, Type I