Melatonin-induced changes in ovarian function in the freshwater fish Channa punctatus (Bloch) held in long days and continuous light

Abstract

It is possible to manipulate fish gonadal function through exogenous melatonin. However gonadal responses to melatonin vary and depend on time, mode and duration of the administration of the hormone. The present study describes the effects of different photoperiods and melatonin treatments on the ovarian kinetics of the fish Channa punctatus. Fish held in long days (LD 14:10) were injected melatonin daily (10 ?g im) either at 08.00 or 17.00 h, respectively or immersed in melatonin water (100 ?g/l) for 24 or 15 h daily. In another experiment fish held in long days or continuous light (LL; LD 24.00) were immersed in melatonin water (100 ?g/l) either for 24 or 15 h daily. Both experiments had appropriate controls. The GSI (Gonadosomatic index = gonadal wt./100 g body weight) increased (P < 0.01) in fish immersed in melatonin water daily for 24 h when compared either with the GSI of control fish or with fish held in melatonin water daily for 15 h (17.00-08.00 h). The GSI decreased (P < 0.01) in fish that received melatonin daily by injection mode. Data from follicular kinetics largely corroborate the GSI data. Fish exposed to melatonin water daily for 24 h had more vitellogenic follicles (VF) and fewer atretic follicles (AF). There was a general decrease (P < 0.01) in previtellogenic follicles (PVF) in all treated groups. Melatonin by injection mode did not affect the number of VF but it significantly increased (P < 0.01) the AF. In the other experiment, the GSI increased (P < 0.01) in fish held in long days and immersed in melatonin water 24 h daily. However, the GSI decreased in fish held in long days and immersed in melatonin water for a restricted period (between 17.00 and 08.00 h). The GSI of fish held in LL and immersed in melatonin water daily for 24 h increased (P < 0.01), whereas it decreased (P < 0.01) in fish that were immersed in melatonin water daily for 15 h. The data from follicular kinetics revealed a decrease in PVF of fish held in LL and in all the melatonin-exposed groups irrespective of the duration of exposure to melatonin. However the VF increased markedly in fish held in LL and immersed in melatonin water daily for 24 h. VF of fish held in LL but immersed in melatonin water daily for restricted period decreased. In fish held in long days and immersed in melatonin water daily either for 24 or 15 h the VF number increased (P < 0.01). Marked increase in AF was seen fish held in LL and exposed to melatonin-containing water daily for restricted period. The effect of melatonin on reproduction seems to depend on the photoperiod and duration of exposure to melatonin. In fish held either in long days or LL, daily restricted exposure to melatonin tends to inhibit gonads, whereas continuous exposure to melatonin either stimulate or has no effect. The results apparently support the view that duration of exposure to melatonin signals darkness. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.