The effects of ghrelin on ovary histology in Barbus sharpeyi

Abstract

Ghrelin is expressed in key cells of the female reproductive organ in several species of fishes. It has a role in the control of fertility. In the present study, the histological effect of ghrelin on 48 female Barbus sharpeyi was tested. Twenty-four hours later, microscopic observations and histometric counting was done. The results indicated that ghrelin can increase the number of mature ovarian follicles and sexual maturation and reduce the average oocyte diameter.

The Role of the Gastric Hormones Ghrelin and Nesfatin-1 in Reproduction

“…Acute and 6-day long sc injection of ghrelin in rats reduced mean diameter of oocyte and zona plucida and induced intracellular alteration indicating apoptosis and cell death [151]; similarly, ip injected ghrelin reduced the average oocyte diameter in female fish [160]. However, some authors interpreted the decrease in diameter in the context of an increased number of ovarian follicles as a sign of decreased maturation [151], while others suspected stimulated maturation of oocytes [160], but there were also reports observing no alteration of oocyte nuclear maturation due to ghrelin incubation of oocytes [161]. This gap in knowledge needs to be addressed e.g., by usage of KO animals to understand the endogenous role of ghrelin in oocyte maturation.…”