The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises several components, among which specific seven transmembrane-domain receptors (namely CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors), their exogenous (e.g. Δ9-THC) and endogenous ligands (e.g. AEA and 2-AG), and a number of biosynthetic and degradative enzymes. CB1/CB2 receptors are present not only in mammals, but in almost all classes of vertebrates. The fact that the ECS has a rather wide phylogenetic distribution points to a fundamental modulatory role of endocannabinoids in the control of central and peripheral activities, such as neurotransmission, hormone release, neural development, immunomodulation, cardiovascular and respiratory functions, bone formation, appetite regulation and reproduction. In the present study, CB1 immunopositive neurons, fibres and nerve terminals were found throughout the zebrafish prosencephalon, expecially in the dorsal telencephalon, preoptic area and periventricular hypothalamus. In order to establish a possible involvement of the ECS in the central control of the reproduction, we performed immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization for CB1 and signalling systems such as GnRH, TH (the dopamine biosynthetic rate-limiting enzyme) and aromatase. A codistribution of the different markers was found in brain areas which are pivotal for the neuroendocrine control of reproduction, such as the basal telencephalon, the preoptic area and the hypothalamus. Moreover, in the telencephalon and hypothalamus, a close contiguity of CB1 cannabinoid receptors and NPY, an important orexigenic neuropeptide, was observed, thus suggesting a role of the ECS in the control of food intake also in the zebrafish.
Role of the endocannabinoid system in the central regulation of reproduction and food intake: a morphofunctional study in the zebrafish
COTTONE, Erika;POMATTO, VALENTINA;BOVOLIN, Patrizia
2014-01-01
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises several components, among which specific seven transmembrane-domain receptors (namely CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors), their exogenous (e.g. Δ9-THC) and endogenous ligands (e.g. AEA and 2-AG), and a number of biosynthetic and degradative enzymes. CB1/CB2 receptors are present not only in mammals, but in almost all classes of vertebrates. The fact that the ECS has a rather wide phylogenetic distribution points to a fundamental modulatory role of endocannabinoids in the control of central and peripheral activities, such as neurotransmission, hormone release, neural development, immunomodulation, cardiovascular and respiratory functions, bone formation, appetite regulation and reproduction. In the present study, CB1 immunopositive neurons, fibres and nerve terminals were found throughout the zebrafish prosencephalon, expecially in the dorsal telencephalon, preoptic area and periventricular hypothalamus. In order to establish a possible involvement of the ECS in the central control of the reproduction, we performed immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization for CB1 and signalling systems such as GnRH, TH (the dopamine biosynthetic rate-limiting enzyme) and aromatase. A codistribution of the different markers was found in brain areas which are pivotal for the neuroendocrine control of reproduction, such as the basal telencephalon, the preoptic area and the hypothalamus. Moreover, in the telencephalon and hypothalamus, a close contiguity of CB1 cannabinoid receptors and NPY, an important orexigenic neuropeptide, was observed, thus suggesting a role of the ECS in the control of food intake also in the zebrafish.
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