Localization of relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide expression in starfish reveals the gonoducts as a source for its role as a regulator of spawning.

ABSTRACT: Oocyte maturation and gamete release (spawning) in starfish are triggered by relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP), a neuropeptide that was first isolated from the radial nerve cords of these animals. Hitherto, it has generally been assumed that the radial nerve cords are the source of RGP that triggers spawning physiologically. To investigate other sources of RGP, here we report the first comprehensive anatomical analysis of its expression, using both in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to map RGP precursor transcripts and RGP, respectively, in the starfish Asterias rubens. Cells expressing RGP precursor transcripts were revealed in the ectoneural epithelium of the radial nerve cords and circumoral nerve ring, arm tips, tube feet, cardiac stomach, pyloric stomach, and, m

SUBMITTER: Feng Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10952978 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature