Masculinization of the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) by treatment with an androgen or aromatase inhibitor involves different gene expression and has distinct lasting effects on maturation.

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Citation

Navarro-Martin L, Blazquez M, Piferrer F

Masculinization of the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) by treatment with an androgen or aromatase inhibitor involves different gene expression and has distinct lasting effects on maturation.

Gen Comp Endocrinol. 2009 Jan 1;160(1):3-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.10.012. Epub 2008 Oct 18.

PubMed ID
18983844 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

The objective of this study was to contribute to our understanding of the role of sex steroids in fish sex differentiation and male maturation. Sexually undifferentiated sea bass were administered 17alpha-methyldihydrotestosterone (MDHT), estradiol-17beta (E(2)), fadrozole (Fz), cyproterone acetate (CPA) or tamoxifen (Tx). MDHT produced 100% males whereas E(2) and Tx resulted in 100% females. Fz produced 95% males while CPA did not alter sex ratios. E(2) treatment did not affect gonadal aromatase (cyp19a) expression levels, supporting the possibility that the feminizing effect of exogenous E(2) are not directly related to cyp19a regulation. Both MDHT and Fz decreased cyp19a expression. Moreover, androgen receptor (ar) expression levels increased during development in all but the MDHT group, suggesting that early exposure to an androgen down-regulates subsequent ar expression in males and that Fz does not interact with the androgen receptor. Together, these observations indicate that although MDHT and Fz result in a similar phenotype, the molecular pathways involved are likely different, and show that Fz masculinization is the consequence of inhibited ovarian differentiation rather than of a direct androgenic effect. Further, since CPA did not alter sex ratios when administered during the period of highest androgen sensitivity, we suggest that androgens are not required for initial testicular differentiation in the sea bass. MDHT and Fz did not alter the number of precocious males but reduced and increased, respectively, their gonadosomatic index (GSI). In addition, Fz had lasting effects on the GSI of precocious and non-precocious males, probably due to alterations of estrogen function in the testis.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Enzymes
DrugEnzymeKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
DrostanoloneCytochrome P450 19A1ProteinHumans
Unknown
Inhibitor
Details