. Localization of pre-pro-somatostatin (PSS)-encoding genes in goldfish brain

CANOSA LF; PETER RE

Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada

Congreso; 43rd annual meeting of the Canadian Society of Zoologist; 2004

Localization of pre-pro-somatostatin (PSS)-encoding genes in goldfish brain. The objective of the present study was to analyze the brain distribution of three somatostatin (SRIF)-encoding genes, PSS-I, PSS-II and PSS-III, in the goldfish (Carassius auratus), by in situ hybridization (ISH). The PSS-I mRNA showed a board distribution throughout the brain, whereas PSS-II transcripts were restricted to some hypothalamic nuclei. PSS-III transcripts showed an intermediate distribution pattern. All SRIF encoding genes are expressed in hypophysiotropic nuclei supporting the idea that, in addition to SRIF-14, [Pro2] SRIF-14 and gSRIF-28 have pituitary controlling functions. Besides, each of the genes is expressed in nuclei associated with feeding behavior, suggesting a role for SRIF peptides in the central control of food intake and energy balance. Alternatively they might have a role in processing sensory information related with feeding behavior, since PSS genes are expressed in the main gustatory, olfactory and visual centers, which connect to the hypothalamic-feeding center in teleost fish.