Ovarian steroid sulphate functions as priming pheromone in male Barilius bendelisis (Ham.)

Journal of biosciences

M S Sajwan¹  J P Bhatt1¹ 

[1] Fish Pheromones and Behaviour Study Unit, Zoology Department, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar (Gwl) 246 174 India$$

关键词: Fish;    olfactory pathway;    priming effect;    sex pheromones;    steroid sulphate;   

DOI  :  

来源: Indian Academy of Sciences

【 摘 要 】

The study reveals that pre-ovulatory females of the fish Barilius bendelisis (Ham.) release sex steroids and their conjugates into the water and that a steroid sulphate of these compounds functions as a potent sex pheromone which stimulates milt production in conspecific males prior to spawning. Since males exposed to the purified sub-fraction III of the steroid sulphate fraction have increased milt volume and more spermatozoa with greater motility, the function of this priming pheromone appears to be to enhance male spawning success.High turbulence and faster water currents render the hillstream ecosystem extremely challenging for chemical communication. Therefore, ovulatory female fish secrete highly water soluble steroid sulphates for rapid pheromonal action in males. Inhibited milt volume in olfactory tract lesioned (OTL) males exposed to the steroid sulphate fraction and 17𝛼,20𝛽-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one supports the concept that the pheromonally induced priming effect in male fish is mediated through olfactory pathways.

【 授权许可】

Unknown