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J M Olivereau

Publications and source records attributed to J M Olivereau.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Immunocytochemical identification of growth hormone (GH) cells in the pituitary of three anuran species using an antiserum against purified bullfrog GH.

An antiserum was prepared against the recently purified bullfrog (bf) growth hormone (GH); it was applied to sections of brain and pituitary of three urodele (Ambystoma, Pleurodeles and Cynops) and three anuran (Xenopus, Bufo vulgaris and B. japonicus) species. No immunostaining was obtained in the urodele pituitary, being consistent with the results of immunoblot analysis of the pituitary homogenate. In the three anuran species, strong immunoreactivity was observed in GH cells that were concentrated in the posterodorsal region of the pars distalis. No GH-like immunoreactivity was detectable in the brain of any of the species. A comparison using adjacent sections stained with anti-bf prolactin (PRL) confirmed the anteroventral localization of PRL cells. Colocalization of GH and PRL was not apparent. These data suggest that the molecular structure of amphibian GHs is considerably different between anurans and urodeles. The antiserum used in the present work shows a high species specificity, recognizing only anuran GHs. In contrast anti-bfPRL labeled PRL cells in all the amphibian species studied in the present work, suggesting that PRLs possess common amino acid sequences recognized by the anti-bfPRL.

Animals↗

Immunocytochemical localization of a galanin-like peptidergic system in the brain of two urodele and two anuran species (Amphibia).

Galanin-like immunoreactivity was localized in the brain of Urodela (Ambystoma, Pleurodeles) and Anura (Bufo, Xenopus) by immunocytochemistry with anti-porcine galanin antiserum. In the four species, immunoreactive perikarya were observed in the telencephalon (striatum, amygdala), diencephalon preoptic area mainly along the anterodorsal wall of the preoptic recessus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, lateral hypothalamus, ventral and dorsal infundibular nuclei, paraventricular organ, and rhombencephalon (nucleus of the solitary tract). Galaninergic fibres extended in similar regions and in the medial septum, ventral telencephalon, ventral hypothalamus, median eminence, and various mesencephalic and rhombencephalic regions. Contacts with the cerebrospinal fluid cavity occurred along the preoptic recessus (Ambystoma) and the ventral infundibular wall (all species). Fibres were scarce in the neurohypophysis. The distal and intermediate lobes of the pituitary were virtually devoid of immunoreactivity. The galaninergic system appeared more developed in adult amphibia than in young animals, suggesting the stimulating influence of sex steroids on the expression of galanin as previously described in Anguilla. The extensive distribution of the galanin-like immunoreactive neurons in amphibian brains suggests that this peptide may act as a neuromodulatur and/or neurotransmitter.

Ambystoma↗

Immunocytochemical localization of a galanin-like peptidergic system in the brain and pituitary of some teleost fish.

Immunostaining of brain and pituitary sections of teleost fishes (eels, salmonidae, cyprinidae, gourami, sculpin, mullet) with anti porcine galanin (GAL) revealed the presence of immunoreactive (ir) perikarya and a rich network of fibers. Ir-perikarya were located rostrodorsally to the recessus preopticus, and in the posterior tuberal hypothalamus. Ir-fibers were abundant in basal telencephalon and around diencephalic ventricular recesses but never contacted their lumen. Furthermore, they were observed in basal hypothalamus, brainstem and ventral medulla. Ir-fibers passed along corticotropic (ACTH), gonadotropic cells and somatotropes (GH cells) in eel and trout pars distalis, but rarely ended in caudal neurohypophysis. In goldfish pituitary ir-fibers occurred in neural digitations and among different cell types which however did not contain a GAL-like peptide. The relation GAL fibers/GH cells appeared more evident in species with a high growth rate. The other species showed a similar distribution of brain GAL. In eels and trout, ir-perikarya were not observed in areas containing somatostatin, GH- and ACTH-releasing factor, and ACTH-like perikarya, suggesting that GAL did not coexist with these peptides. The widespread distribution of a GAL-like peptide in teleost brain suggests that it could play a role of neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator and regulate the secretion of adenohypophysial hormone(s).

Animals↗

Corticotropin-like immunoreactivity in the brain of intact, hypophysectomized, cortisol- and metopirone-treated eels. Comparison with changes in pituitary corticotropes and brain corticotropin-releasing factor.

An ACTH-like peptidergic system was demonstrated in the brain of three teleost species by immunocytochemistry. In order to investigate the origin of brain ACTH and factors modulating its synthesis, similar techniques were applied to the brain of eels (1) submitted to hypophysectomy in order to suppress pituitary ACTH and plasma cortisol, (2) injected with cortisol to inhibit pituitary ACTH synthesis and release, and (3) injected with metopirone to block cortisol synthesis and stimulate ACTH synthesis and release. Hypophysectomized eels showed a normal distribution of immunoreactive perikarya in the ventral hypothalamus and fibers in the brain, suggesting that brain ACTH does not arise from the pituitary. In cortisol-treated eels immunostaining was markedly reduced in brain perikarya and pituitary corticotropes, suggesting a reduced synthesis. In metopirone-injected eels, one third of the animals showed an increased immunostaining in perikarya and a dense network of immunoreactive fibers, suggesting that ACTH synthesis was increased. Brain ACTH was not affected in other animals. Pituitary corticotropes were rapidly degranulated. Responses of ACTH in the brain and pituitary occur independently when cortisol synthesis is inhibited. These responses are compared to those of the corticotropin-releasing factor system in the same eels.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Corticotropin-like immunoreactivity in the brain and pituitary of three teleost species (goldfish, trout and eel).

Immunostaining of brain and pituitary sections of three teleost species (goldfish, trout and eel) with antisera to porcine and human ACTH 1-39 revealed the presence of an ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)-like peptide in the ventral hypothalamus. Perikarya were localized in the rostral, median and posterior portions of the nucleus lateralis tuberis (NLT); some were in contact with the cerebrospinal fluid. A dense network of immunoreactive (ir) fibers occurred in the peri-infundibular region and extended into the periventicular tissue, around the lateral and posterior recesses. Rostrally directed ir-fibers reached the telencephalon either ventrally or mediodorsally; some were observed in the olfactory lobe. In the mesencephalon, ir-fibers penetrated into the optic tectum of the goldfish. In the pituitary, both antisera intensely labeled rostral ACTH cells. Small groups of labeled cells were scattered in the rostral pars distalis and the proximal pars distalis. A gradient of activity was evident among ACTH cells: those located along the rostral neurohypophysis containing corticotropin-releasing factor nerve terminals were larger and often more marked than those farther away from the neural tissue. ACTH-like peptide in the brain may act as a neuromodulator, mainly in the NLT and the preoptic nucleus, and around the nuclei of the ventricular recesses containing serotonin and catecholamines.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Cytological responses of the pituitary (rostral pars distalis) and immunoreactive corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the goldfish treated with dopamine antagonists.

The in vivo effects of three dopamine (DA) antagonists on the cytology of the rostral pars distalis (RPD) were investigated in young goldfish (Carassius auratus L.). Pimozide, sulpiride, and domperidone were injected for 5 (low dose, Experiment I) and 7 days (higher dose, Experiment II). Cytological and immunocytochemical techniques using antisera to (1-24) ACTH and (1-39) ACTH, human beta-thyrotropin (TSH beta), and synthetic (1-41) CRF were applied to pituitary and brain sections. Cytometrical studies showed that the three drugs induced similar quantitative changes in the cells of the RPD. Prolactin (PRL)-secreting cell hypertrophy was significant in Experiment II, whereas the nuclear enlargement was significant in both experiments. The numbers of cytoplasmic granules were similar in control and treated goldfish. Thyrotropic (TSH) cells and their nuclei were significantly enlarged in both experiments; their content in immunoreactive TSH was not clearly modified. Corticotropic (ACTH) cells showed significant nuclear and cellular hypertrophy, and labeled granules were often concentrated along the cell membrane. The amount of immunoreactive CRF present in the rostral neurohypophysial ramifications was reduced in the majority of treated fish. Solvent-injected controls showed no significant changes in the RPD. These results suggest that DA inhibits PRL cell activity in goldfish. TSH and ACTH cells appear stimulated by DA-receptor blockers, although differential effects on synthesis and release cannot be evaluated in in vivo experiments. A release of corticotropin-releasing factor may be involved in the ACTH cell stimulation. These data are compared with those obtained in other vertebrates.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Immunocytochemical localization and spatial relation to the adenohypophysis of a somatostatin-like and a corticotropin-releasing factor-like peptide in the brain of four amphibian species.

The distribution of somatostatin (SRIF) - and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-like - immunoreactive material was studied in the brain of four amphibian species (Ambystoma mexicanum, Pleurodeles waltlii, Xenopus laevis, Rana ridibunda) by use of immunocytochemistry. A wide network of SRIF-immunoreactive fibers and numerous perikarya were observed in all amphibians examined, with a dense accumulation of nerve endings in the external layer of the median eminence (ELME). In the representatives of the four amphibian species the CRF-like system was more circumscribed. Immunoreactive perikarya were present in the preoptic area, mainly in a ventrobasal position, and in the interpeduncular nucleus. The tract running along the ventral part of the tuber cinereum ends in the ELME facing the rostroventral lobe of the pars distalis that contains corticotrophs. CRF fibers were scarce or absent in the neural lobe. In all species studied in the present work, CRF fibers end in the area of the ELME close to the pituitary lobe containing corticotrophs. This correlation is similar to that reported for the Japanese quail and several teleosts.

Ambystoma↗

In vivo effect of dopamine antagonists on melanocyte-stimulating hormone cells of the goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) pituitary.

Young goldfish were injected with three dopaminergic antagonists, pimozide, sulpiride, and domperidone, for 5 (low dose) and 7 days (higher dose). Cytological and immunocytochemical techniques using anti-alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) serum were applied to the pituitary. MSH cells in the three treated groups showed a decrease in immunoreactive cytoplasmic granules, a significant nuclear hypertrophy, and, after 7 days, a cellular enlargement. The nucleolus and the lamellar endoplasmic reticulum were more developed and some mitotic figures occurred. Erythrophores and occasional melanophores were in a stage of maximal dispersion. These changes were not apparent in the solvent-injected controls. The responses to the three blockers of dopaminergic receptors were similar. These data suggest that MSH release seems to be under a dopaminergic inhibitory control in the goldfish. The other cell type of the pars intermedia (PAS-positive and calcium-sensitive in the goldfish) was not clearly affected by the three drugs.

Animals↗

Response of prolactin cells in the goldfish adapted to diluted seawater with or without calcium.

The activity of prolactin (PRL) cells was investigated in goldfish gradually adapted to diluted (30%) artificial seawater (ASW) or directly immersed in 23% ASW and in similar saline solutions free of calcium. When Ca2+ is omitted, PRL cells appear slightly more active than those in saline solutions with calcium, nuclear areas having intermediate values between those in freshwater (FW) and those in diluted SW. Nuclear areas are also slightly larger in Mg-free SW. Other signs of stimulation are not apparent. These data are compared to those obtained in other teleost species. The lack of stimulation in PRL cells of goldfish adapted to deionized water (DW) suggests that calcium plays a minor role in controlling prolactin secretion in this teleost.

Animals↗

Response of calcium-sensitive cells in the pars intermedia of the goldfish adapted to diluted sea water with different calcium and magnesium contents.

Goldfish kept in diluted Ca-free sea water (SW) (23 or 30%) or in Ca-Mg-deficient SW (23%) have a limited survival, release large amounts of mucus, and show spasmodic seizures. Plasma calcium decreases. The PAS-positive calcium-sensitive (Ca-s) cells of the pars intermedia show a low activity in diluted SW and in 23% Mg-free SW. In diluted Ca-free SW, Ca-s cells are stimulated, but cell hypertrophy is not uniform and often restricted to an area adjacent to the proximal pars distalis. Nuclear hypertrophy is significant in the reactive area, although less pronounced or even absent at the periphery of the lobe. Mitotic activity occurs in the Ca-s cells of goldfish gradually adapted to diluted Ca-free SW and Ca-Mg- deficient SW, and sacrificed after 19 and 28 days, respectively. A general stimulation of the Ca-s cells, which remains less intense than that in goldfish kept in deionized water (DW), appears unable to ensure the survival of the goldfish in an isosmotic Ca-free environment containing Mg2+ (0.1, 12 or 16.8 mM). These data are compared with those obtained in the eel kept in Ca-free SW.

Acclimatization↗

Specific effect of calcium ions on the calcium-sensitive cells of the pars intermedia in the goldfish.

Cytological changes in the calcium-sensitive (Ca-s) cells (formerly termed PAS-positive cells) of the pars intermedia were investigated in the goldfish after adaptation to deionized water (DW), with or without addition of sodium, potassium and magnesium. These ions were added as chloride salts at concentrations similar to those present in fresh water (FW). The marked stimulation of the Ca-s cells is not inhibited in DW supplemented with Na+ (0.35 mM/l), K+ (0.05 mM/l), and Mg2+ (0.2 mM/l) for a period of 24 days. The inhibition of the response to DW with calcium chloride (2 mM/l). These data show that chloride ions are not responsible for the regression of the Ca-s cells observed in goldfish kept in DW supplemented with calcium chloride. The effect of calcium ions on the Ca-s cells appears to be specific. These results support the hypothesis that the Ca-s cells synthesize a factor (hypercalcin?) involved in calcium regulation, and that its release is influenced by the calcium content of the environment. The role of the pars intermedia in calcium metabolism is strengthened by the present results. Biochemical data suggest the presence of a hypercalcemic factor in the pituitary of fish (Parsons et al. 1978) and are in agreement with the present cytological findings.

Animals↗

[Response of the pars intermedia of the goldfish pituitary to deionized water, buffered or not, and to calcium and magnesium supplementation (author's transl)].

In the goldfish, one cell type of the pars intermedia, slightly PAS positive, is highly stimulated in deionized water (E Dés). This response is not influenced by the pH of the water (E Dés pH 5.3, E Dés buffered with imidazole pH 6.7) for 20 days. Stimulation is prevented when the E Dés is supplemented with CaCl2 (2mM), but it is not affected by the addition of MgCl2 (2 mM). When goldfish are kept in E Dés for 20 days, and subsequently in E Dés supplemented with calcium gluconate (1 mM), a granule storage occurs in the cytoplasm of the enlarged cells within 48 hours. These cells are therefore sensitive to the lack or presence of calcium in the environment. The term of calcium-sensitive (Ca-s) cells appears justified in the goldfish, as in the eel; their putative role in the control of the pigmentation is not evident.

Animals↗

Responses of MSH and prolactin cells to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) in amphibians and teleosts.

Injection of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a precursor of serotonin, induces dispersion of melanin in the amphibians, Pleurodeles waltlii (Urodela) and Xenopus laevis (Anura), in the goldfish, Carassius auratus, and in the carp, Cyprinus carpio. It is accompanied by a dispersion of erythrophore pigments. In the pituitaries of Pleurodeles and goldfish, a stimulation of MSH cells, characterized by a significant nuclear hypertrophy, is also observed; in Carassius, MSH cells may become degranulated. Serotonin appears to exert a stimulating effect on MSH release in lower vertebrates. Swimming behavior is disturbed in the goldfish and the carp; gaseous metabolism in the swim-bladder may be affected by injection of 5-HTP, as previously reported in the eel. Prolactin (PRL) cells appear activated, but remain granulated in the treated goldfish. No clear response of PRL cells to injection of 5-HTP can be observed in Pleurodeles. A possible role of serotonin in Pleurodeles submitted to an experimental aeroionization is briefly discussed.

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗

Responses of the teleost pituitary (goldfish, eel) to deionized water.

The cytological responses of the pituitary gland during adaptation to deionized water (DW) were investigated in the goldfish and the eel. In both teleost species, a stimulation of the prolactin (PRL) cells could not be detected, although the levels of blood electrolytes (Na+, Ca2+, Cl-) are reduced in the eel. PRL cells appear less active in DW-adapted eels. A striking stimulation of the PAS-positive cells of the pars intermedia occurs in both species after 3 weeks and, in the eel, is still present after 11 weeks. Cell and nuclear hypertrophy, mitoses and a well-developed endoplasmic reticulum are observed. MSH cells are partially degranulated when pigmentation is affected; a reduced activity of MSH cells is evident after 11 weeks. The amount of neurohypophysial tissue is reduced. In the goldfish and the eel, during adaptation to DW, an unknown factor secreted by the PAS-positive cells of the pars intermedia appears to play a more important role than the secretion of PRL. These two species are able to survive in fresh water without the pituitary. The control of the PAS-positive cells by external sodium or calcium is discussed.

Adaptation, Physiological↗