Evidence for enkephalin-like antigenic determinants in the gonads of the icefishChionodraco hamatus

摘要

A possible involvement of enkephalin-like substances in the control of gonadal activities has been suggested in vertebrates. Recently, proopiomelanocortin-related peptides have been detected in the gonads of amphibians and teleosts living in temperate waters. The aim of this study was to look for enkephalin-like peptides in the ovary and in the testis of the icefishChionodraco hamatus. Our results confirmed the presence of enkephalinergic systems in the gonads of Antarctic notothenioid fishes.