Abstract
ABSTRACT To demonstrate the role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in yaks (Bos grunniens), we characterized the expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) mRNA and protein. The level of GnRHR mRNA in the hypothalamus was higher than that in the pineal gland, pituitary gland, and ovary during estrus. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that GnRHR was expressed in the pinealocyte, synaptic ribbon, and synaptic spherules of the pineal gland and that melatonin interacts with GnRHR via nerve fibers. In the hypothalamus, GnRHR was [...]
Highlights
Yaks are an important domesticated species that have demonstrated outstanding adaptability to the alpine climates of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in China
Level of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) mRNA was observed between the ovary and the pineal gland
The pinealocyte, synaptic ribbon (SR), and synaptic spherules (SS) of the pineal gland expressed GnRHR protein (Figure 2). These results suggest that gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates the secretion of melatonin from the pinealocyte, SR, and SS of the pineal gland
Summary
The number of yaks in China accounts for greater than 94% of the world’s total yak population (Wiener et al, 2003). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-III may act as a weak competitor for the mammalian GnRHR, which does not support the hypothesis that it selectively regulates the release of FSH in cattle (Amstalden et al, 2004). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone has been reported to selectively stimulate the release of FSH in rodents (Yu et al, 1997) and in cattle during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle (Dees et al, 2001). GnRH is an important factor for maintaining estrus through the production of FSH and LH
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