Serum concentrations of steroid hormones during reproduction in the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina

    Authors

    F. F. Snelson; L. E. L. Rasmussen; M. R. Johnson;D. L. Hess

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Gen. Comp. Endocrinol.

    Keywords

    GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING-HORMONE; PETROMYZON-MARINUS; TORPEDO-MARMORATA; BONNETHEAD SHARK; SPHYRNA-TIBURO; RHESUS-MONKEY; SEA LAMPREY; PLASMA; FETAL; RADIOIMMUNOASSAY; Endocrinology & Metabolism

    Abstract

    The Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina, has a well-defined annual reproductive cycle in Florida. We collected adult specimens over 12 months and evaluated reproductive parameters and serum levels of five steroid hormones, 17 beta-estradiol (E-2), progesterone (P-4), testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and corticosterone (CS). Female E-2 peaked twice, once in mid-March to early April in association with ovulation and again in mid-June to mid-July in association with the enlargement of a second group of ovarian follicles. Female P-4 peaked in early March and early April, coincident with the peak in E-2. Female DHT was variable but exhibited a pattern not clearly associated with known events in the reproductive cycle. Female T and CS levels did not vary significantly through time. In males, T DHT, anti CS increased progressively through winter and spring, peaking in March when females were ovulating and when copulation probably took place. DHT concentrations were usually at least twice T levels. These three hormones peaked long after the November/December peak in gonadosomatic index. E-2 was measurable in males and was highest during the period of testicular development. Male P-4 varied in a pattern not clearly associated with known reproductive events. (C) 1997 Academic Press.

    Journal Title

    General and Comparative Endocrinology

    Volume

    108

    Issue/Number

    1

    Publication Date

    1-1-1997

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    67

    Last Page

    79

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:A1997XZ49800006

    ISSN

    0016-6480

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