Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
08:45
Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice
Published on: January 25, 2016
Melatonin effects on Fundulus heteroclitus reproduction
Francesco Lombardo1, Elisabetta Giorgini, Giorgia Gioacchini
1Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente (DISVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
Reproduction, Fertility, and Development
|July 12, 2012
Summary
Exogenous melatonin significantly enhanced reproductive capacity in Fundulus heteroclitus at a 1µM dose, increasing fecundity and embryo survival. This highlights melatonin's positive role in fish reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Melatonin is a hormone involved in various physiological processes, including reproduction.
- Fundulus heteroclitus is a model organism for studying fish reproduction and environmental effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of exogenous melatonin on the reproductive capacity of Fundulus heteroclitus.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying melatonin's influence on oogenesis and reproduction.
Main Methods:
- Fundulus heteroclitus were exposed to two doses of melatonin (100nM and 1µM) for eight days.
- Reproductive parameters (fecundity, embryo survival, hatching rate) were assessed.
- Melatonin receptor gene expression, in vitro follicle maturation, SDS-PAGE, and Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy were used to analyze molecular changes.
Main Results:
- The 1µM melatonin dose significantly increased fecundity and embryo survival.
- Melatonin treatment in vitro enhanced germinal vesicle breakdown in follicles.
- Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy revealed changes in oocyte macromolecular composition, including increased β-structure, at the higher melatonin dose.
Conclusions:
- Exogenous melatonin, particularly at a 1µM dose, positively enhances the reproductive capacity of Fundulus heteroclitus.
- Melatonin influences oogenesis and may play a significant role in regulating reproduction in this marine species.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise molecular pathways involved.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Management of Insomnia
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
01:02The Pineal Gland
The pineal gland, a diminutive endocrine structure named for its pinecone-shaped appearance, is situated atop the third ventricle within the diencephalon region of the forebrain. This gland, composed of secretory cells known as pinealocytes arranged in compact cords and clusters around dense particles of calcium salts, plays a pivotal role in hormonal regulation.
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
02:19Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent years,...
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...