Studies on the neuroendocrine regulation of puberty and reproductive function.
Item
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Title
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Studies on the neuroendocrine regulation of puberty and reproductive function.
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Identifier
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AAI9432357
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identifier
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9432357
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Creator
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Magliulo-Cepriano, Lucia.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Martin P. Scheibman
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Date
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1994
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Biology, Neuroscience | Biology, Animal Physiology
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Abstract
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Xiphophorus maculatus, a small freshwater teleost commonly known as the platyfish, has served as a valuable model for investigations into the regulation of sexual maturation and reproductive physiology. This study has elucidated some of the neuroregulatory factors that may impact on gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and on pituitary functions involved in growth and reproduction, through the immunocytochemical mapping of neuroregulatory factors in the brain and pituitary gland of Xiphophorus at significant stages of development from birth to sexual maturation.;The immunocytochemical distribution of FMRF-amide, galanin, neurotensin, neuropeptide Y, dynorphin, dopamine, serotonin, androgen receptors, Gonadotropin (GTH) I, GTH II, salmon GnRH, chicken II GnRH, mammalian GnRH, and lamprey GnRH in the brain and pituitary gland is detailed in this report. The results gathered have led us to the following conclusions: (1) We have established that FMRF-amide- and neuropeptide Y-like peptides are located in the nucleus olfactoretinalis (NOR), a brain nuclei believed to be of major importance in mediating events involved in the orchestration of puberty and of reproductive function. We have further established that the NOR is not a homogenous cluster of neurons but rather a heterogenous mixture of morphologically similar but physiologically different neurons that serve different functions. (2) Multiple forms of GTH and GnRH are present in the platyfish and are associated with specific stages of development. Specifically, GTH II and chicken II GnRH appear in later stages of puberty while GTH I, mammalian GnRH, salmon GnRH and lamprey GnRH are present from early developmental stages and throughout sexual maturation. Lamprey GnRH was seen only in the pituitary gland. (3) Neural regulation of pituitary function is accomplished by means of a network of regulatory events. This network includes a number of pituitary cell types and a variety of neuroregulatory factors all of which are capable of interacting with one another under the appropriate conditions.;Our findings on the temporal appearance and distribution of neuroregulatory factors gives us a better understanding of the process of sexual maturation and of the neurophysiology of reproductive function in platyfish.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
