Leptin/leptin receptor system in the regulation of reproductive functions and stress response in the European beaver

• 来源期刊: 动物学报（英文版）
• 年，卷（期）: 2019,（2）
• 页码范围: 197-203
• 页数: 7页
• 语种: 英文
• DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoy030

摘要

The European beaver (Castor fiber L.) is the largest free-living rodent in Eurasia.The present work aimed to determine sex-and season-related changes in leptin receptor (Ob-R) expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal/adrenal axes and uterus of beavers during breeding-(April),postbreeding-(July),and pre-breeding-(November) periods.The expression of Ob-R gene and protein was found in all analyzed tissues.The expression of Ob-R mRNA remained constant in the hypothalamus of both sexes during the analyzed stages.Sex-and season-related changes were found in the pituitary gland;the greatest level was observed in July in both sexes.The same expression pattern was noted in the testis,whereas in the ovary a lack of seasonal changes was found.In uterine tissues,the greatest expression occurred in November.The impact of season was also demonstrated in the adrenal cortex.In females,a higher Ob-R transcript level was noted in April,while in males,an increased mRNA abundance was noted in November than July.Our study suggests that in the beaver,leptin acting via the Ob-R can be an important endocrine factor engaged in the regulation of reproductive functions and stress response.