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Using specific antisera to neutralize ACTH in sturgeon: a method for manipulating the interrenal response during
S E Lankford1, B M Adams, T E Adams
1Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, Center for Aquatic Biology and Aquaculture, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616, USA. slankford@ncccwa.ars.usda.gov
General and Comparative Endocrinology
|April 25, 2006
Summary
Researchers developed species-specific antibodies for green sturgeon adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). These antibodies successfully reduced the stress response in green sturgeon, demonstrating their ability to target fish ACTH effectively.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Comparative Physiology
- Fish Biology
Background:
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) regulates the stress response in vertebrates.
- Understanding fish ACTH is crucial for assessing environmental impacts and physiological stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize green sturgeon ACTH (gsACTH) and develop species-specific antisera.
- To investigate the role of gsACTH in mediating the stress response in green sturgeon.
Main Methods:
- Determined gsACTH nucleotide sequence via RT-PCR.
- Generated species-specific anti-gsACTH antisera by immunizing sheep with a gsACTH peptide fragment.
- Assessed interrenal function and stress response in passively immunized green sturgeon.
Main Results:
- Identified two gsACTH isoforms (gsACTH1-39) homologous to white sturgeon ACTH but divergent from human ACTH in the C-terminal domain.
- Developed antisera that specifically recognized gsACTH but not human ACTH.
- Passive immunization with anti-gsACTH antisera significantly attenuated cortisol secretion following an air-immersion stressor.
Conclusions:
- Species-specific antisera against gsACTH can be generated and effectively target fish ACTH.
- The developed antisera can discriminate between fish and mammalian ACTH.
- Targeted antibodies can modulate the in vivo stress response in green sturgeon.
