title: Gene Expression of Aromatases, Steroid Receptor, GnRH and GTHs in the Brain during the Formation of Ovarian Cavity in Red Spotted Grouper,Epinephelus akaara.
abstract: Red spotted grouper,Epinephelus akaara, is a popular aquaculture species and a protogynous hermaphrodite. Induction of artificial sex change at the time of primary sex differentiation is of interest but has not been successful due to the lack of necessary basic information. To find out the potential neuroendocrine influence on the primary sex differentiation, the expression of key genes in the brain was investigated during the formation of ovarian cavity. Expression ofcyp19a1b,esr1,gnrhr1,fsh,lhandcgain the brain was positively associated with the formation of ovarian cavity, showing gradual increase as the formation proceeds. However, the expression ofgnrh1was suppressed during the early part of the ovarian cavity formation, signifying potential hypothalamic influence on the primary sex differentiation in this species.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Aquatic Life Medical Science, Sunmoon University, Asan 31460, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyun Kyu
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Aquatic Life Medical Science, Sunmoon University, Asan 31460, Korea.
authors.forename: Jung-Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Marine Biology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea.
authors.forename: Hea Ja
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Baek
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Aquatic Life Medical Science, Sunmoon University, Asan 31460, Korea.
authors.forename: Joon Yeong
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Kwon
keywords: Gonadal sex differentiation; Hermaphroditism; Protogynous; Red spotted grouper