09-P084 A role for BMP signalling in paratympanic organ development

Oogenesis begins when the stem cell (oogonium) transforms into leptotene oocytes at the initiation of meiosis. The cell now called an oocyte produces the cellular material needed to complete the pre-vitellogenic phase of development. These may include gene amplification and organelle production. In addition, this leads to the accumulation of nutrients, messenger RNAs (mRNA), precursors of DNA and RNA, proteins and metabolic substrates necessary for early embryonic development. Lastly, the oocyte undergoes a final meiotic maturation and ovulation, which prepares the female gamete for fertilization. The use of the African butter catfish as a model for studying developmental processes has been initiated. This fish is one of the endangered species of Lake Victoria, whose fishery was once of commercial importance. Following the introductions of top predators and exotic species into the lake in 1950’s the fishery of these species declined tremendously. There is also very little information on their reproductive biology. The aim of the present study to is give a detailed description of oogenesis in juvenile and adult fish inhabiting the Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria using histological techniques. We will report on the previously unknown histological analysis of stages of oogenesis in the Silver Butter Catfish (Schilbe intermedius).