Control of reproductive function in captivity is essential for the sustainability of commercial aquaculture production, and in many fishes it can be achieved by manipulating photoperiod, water temperature or spawning substrate. The fish reproductive cycle is separated in the growth (gametogenesis) and maturation phase (oocyte maturation and spermiation), both controlled by the reproductive horm...

BACKGROUND In the majority of vertebrates, gametogenesis and gamete-release depend on the pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) from the hypothalamus. Studies attempting to artificially stimulate ovulation and spermiation may benefit from mimicking the naturally episodic secretion of LHRH by administering priming injections of a synthetic analogue (LHRHa). This stu...

Background: The presence of estrogen receptor beta and aromatase in the germ cell has highlighted the physiological role of the traditionally female hormone, estrogen, in spermatogenesis. Estrogen receptor alpha knockouts and aromatase knockouts have further accentuated the role of estrogen in germ cell maturation. To delineate effects of high intratesticular estradiol in the seminiferous epith...