A mini-review on kisspeptin hormone as an inducing agent in fish breeding

Abstract

Kisspeptin system is involved in the control of reproduction in vertebrates, including teleost fish. Neuroanatomical distribution of kisspeptin neurons has confirmed their distribution in the preoptic area and hypothalamus of several teleost fish. In few species including chub mackerel, kisspeptin system has been shown to stimulate GnRH neurons in regulating the reproductive processes. Expression changes of kiss and gnrh mRNAs in teleost fish have demonstrated increased expression during the reproductive cycle. Interestingly, like mammalian species kisspeptin mediates the positive feedback effect of sex steroids in sexually mature fish including medaka and goldfish. In several teleosts, pharmacological administration of synthetic kisspeptin peptides affects gene expression of gnrh1, fshβ and lhβ, and also induces gonadal development in immature fish, suggesting their possible application in captive reproduction. This review highlights the importance of selection of suitable mature peptides of fish kisseptins for induced maturation in captivity.