Localization of Neuropeptide Y-like Immunoreactive Structures in the Brain of the Pejerrey, Odontesthes bonariensis (Teleostei, Atheriniformes)

• Published in: Anatomia, histologia, embryologia Vol. 32; no. 1; pp. 29 - 35
• Main Authors: Traverso, J. M., Ravaglia, M. A., Vissio, P. G., Maggese, M. C., Paz, D. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin, Germany Blackwell Verlag GmbH 01.02.2003
• Subjects: Animals; Brain - anatomy & histology; Brain Chemistry - physiology; Fishes - anatomy & histology; Immunohistochemistry - veterinary; Nerve Fibers - chemistry; Neurons - chemistry; Neuropeptide Y - isolation & purification; Pituitary Gland - metabolism
• ISSN: 0340-2096; 1439-0264
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0264.2003.00434.x

Summary The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of Neuropeptide‐Y (NPY) immunoreactive neurons and fibres in the brain and pituitary of Odontesthes bonariensis by immunohistochemical methods. A wide distribution of immunoreactive NPY (ir‐NPY) cells and fibres in the forebrain and midbrain was observed. A prominent ir‐NPY nucleus was found in the ventral telencephalon and other ir‐NPY cells groups were recognized at the dorso‐medial telencephalon. The diencephalon showed ir‐NPY cells in the Nucleus entopeduncularis, the Nucleus preopticus periventricularis and in the Nucleus lateralis tuberis. Ir‐NPY fibres were conspicuous in the preoptic region and the hypothalamus. There were also numerous ir‐NPY fibres at the epithalamic level running ventrally to the hypothalamus and the pituitary stalk. At the rhomboencephalic level, the ir‐NPY neurons were observed in the Locus coeruleus. Double‐labelled immunostaining showed a close association between ir‐NPY fibres that reach the adenohypophysis and growth hormone (GH)‐ and gonadotropin (GtH)‐expressing cells. Although our results exhibit some relevant differences when compared to other fish groups, they support the existence of a conserved NPY system in teleosts.