The dopamine β-hydroxylase gene in Chinese goose (Anas cygnoides): cloning characterization and expression during the reproductive cycle

摘要

BackgroundDopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) is a critical enzyme in the biosynthesis of catecholamines. This enzyme’s role in neuroendocrine regulation is well known, but there are some indications that it may also modulate reproduction and endocrine in mammals and birds. We selected goose (Anas cygnoides) as an ideal model species for investigating the role of DBH in avian reproduction.