Emerging questions on the teleost hypothalamic-pituitary system during developmental and adult stages

VISSIO, PAULA G.; PÉREZ-SIRKIN, DANIELA I.; SOMOZA, GUSTAVO M.; DI YORIO, MARÍA P.

FARO

Congreso; 9th International Symposium on Fish Endocrinology; 2022

ENDOCRINOLOGY SOCIETY

The hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) system regulates major physiological functions in vertebrates through acomplex network involving different neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and pituitaryhormones. Among vertebrates, the fish HP system presents unique characteristics such as directinnervation of pituitary cells, a high regionalization of the different cell types, and the presence of twodifferent gonadotrops, among others. These characteristics make this system an excellent model forcomparative neuroendocrinological studies. Recently, the classical concept of HP regulation in fish hasbeen modified by the use of different tools including knockdown of specific neuropeptides, transgenicfish, and advanced microscopic technics. So, new and interesting lines of research on this topic areknocking labs’ doors. In addition, the HP axis develops early in life, and it is functional from its earlyestablishment. The early appearance of different players of this network during embryonic or larvalstages, and the fact, that if they are silenced, developmental alterations beyond the classical functionknown in adults occur, suggest that these components play specific roles during development. Besides,any developmental alteration on the components of the HP system may have an impact on adult life. Inthis presentation, historic and new perspectives of the HP system will be presented, focusing on possible new developmental functions of the classical neurohormones. In this frame we will also discuss results obtained in different Neotropical fish species.