Morpho-Functional Features of the Gonads of Danio rerio: the Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

Zebrafish, a suitable and widely used teleost fish model in basic biomedical research, displays morphophysiological features of adult gonads that share some commonalities with those of mammalian species. In mammals, gametogenesis is regulated, among several factors, by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This neurotrophin has a well-established role in the developing and adult nervous system, as well as gonads development and functions in vertebrate species. We hypothesize that BDNF has a role also in the gonadal functions of zebrafish. At this purpose, we investigated BDNF and its receptors p75 and TrkB in the ovary and testis of adult zebrafish, kept under laboratory conditions. Our results display (1) the expression of BDNF mRNA and pro-BDNF protein outside of the nervous system, specifically in the ovary and testis; (2) the presence of pro-BDNF in primary oocytes and follicular layer, and p75 in follicular cells; (3) the localization of pro-BDNF in type B spermatogonia, and Sertoli cells in testis. Altogether, these data lead us to consider that BDNF is involved in the gonadal function of adult zebrafish, and mainly in the adult ovary. Anat Rec, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 301:140–147, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.