First insights about orexigenic activity and gastrointestinal tissue localization of ghrelin from Corvina drum (Cilus gilberti)

The croaker Cilus gilberti commonly known as Corvina drum is considered a target marine species for the diversification of Chilean aquaculture. To optimize culture conditions, molecular markers appetite regulation must be examined. Ghrelin, gastrointestinal peptide, plays stimulatory role in food intake mammals and teleost fish. Nevertheless, even though appetite-controlling system relatively well conserved among vertebrates, bioactivity these molecules should analyzed each fish species. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate expression orexigenic ability C. ghrelin. After pre postprandial period, stomach ghrelin mRNA juvenile was analyzed. coding sequence used identify mature peptide then chemically synthesized. acylated (cgGhre) non-acylated (D-cgGhre) tested juveniles. Moreover, blood location synthetic after intraperitoneal injection were measured. results showed that has highest mRNA, levels increased preprandial period diminished it. There no differences secondary structure D-cgGhre compared cgGhre but with serine acylation stabilized its unordered conformation. However, cumulative feed occurred intraperitoneally injected cgGhre. In addition, maintained until 8 h post-injection (hpi). Finally, biotinylated allowed localizing digestive tissue, mainly pyloric caeca. growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), also receptor, organs supports idea peripheral tissues. conclusion, suggest conserves reported other regulatory tract (GIT) drum. This first report demonstrating uptake distribution small tissues South American sciaenid. Although promising marker analysis culture, further research needed continue evaluating effects aquaculture practices on signalizer.