Estrogen Stimulation of Vitellogenin Production in the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle
Loading...
Authors
Heck, Jennifer A.
Issue Date
1990
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Studies of reproductive endocrinology are necessary for the
conservation of critically endangered species such as the Kemp's Ridley sea
turtle, Lepidochelys kempi. Among reproductive hormones, the role of
estrogen is poorly understood. This examination of the effects of estrogen
on hepatic production of vitellogenin, the precursor to yolk protein in
oocytes of all lower vertebrates, was conducted to enhance understanding of
estrogen cycles as they correlate with the dynamics of ovarian growth in
these animals. L. kempi were injected with estradiol and blood was
sampled over a 12 week period. During this time, it was found that serum
total protein, phosphoprotein and total calcium levels increased
significantly. Associated with these changes, a novel band of 205,000
daltons was observed on polyacrylamide gels. Unlike findings in teleost
fishes, estrogen did not influence free thyroid hormone binding to plasma
proteins in L. kempi. It was concluded that estrogen does induce
vitellogenesis in these animals and that the vitellogenin obtained is very
similar to that found in other species of fish, amphibians and turtles. This
protein may be used in the future to develop techniques which will refine
the study of ovarian development in these animals, thereby creating
opportunities for conservation of their populations.
Description
v, 39 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.