Differential expression of PTHrP and its receptor in pituitary gland and gills in estradiol-treated gilthead sea bream (Sparus auratus, L.).

In the gilthead sea bream (Sparus auratus) 17β-estradiol (E₂) plays an important role in the synthesis of vitellogenin. During vitellogenesis, vitellogenin as a nutritional precursor protein is loaded with calcium, which requires elevated plasma calcium levels. This is accomplished via E₂-dependent processes.

CYP27A1 expression in gilthead sea bream (Sparus auratus, L.): effects of calcitriol and parathyroid hormone-related protein.

Little is known about vitamin D metabolism in fishes. Several reports have shown hydroxylase activities in various organs to produce vitamin D metabolites, but the enzymes involved have not been isolated or characterized. We isolated and characterized a renal mitochondrial hydroxylase, CYP27A1, that governs vitamin D metabolism in gilthead sea bream, Sparus auratus.

PTHrP regulation and calcium balance in sea bream (Sparus auratus L.) under calcium constraint.

Juvenile gilthead sea bream were exposed to diluted seawater (2.5 per thousand salinity; DSW) for 3 h or, in a second experiment, acclimated to DSW and fed a control or calcium-deficient diet for 30 days. Branchial Ca2+ influx, drinking rate and plasma calcium levels were assessed.

PTHrP potentiating estradiol-induced vitellogenesis in sea bream (Sparus auratus, L.).

In fish, vitellogenin is an important nutritional precursor protein produced solely in the liver and released into the blood where it binds calcium. In the gilthead sea bream (Sparus auratus) 17beta-Estradiol (E2) plays an important role in the synthesis of vitellogenin, but also the pituitary hormones prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) can stimulate vitellogenin induction in fish. Considering the emerging involvement of PTHrP in fish calcium metabolism and the importance of calcium regulation in reproduction, we investigated the possible role of PTHrP in vitellogenesis.

Calcium handling in Sparus auratus: effects of water and dietary calcium levels on mineral composition, cortisol and PTHrP levels.

Juvenile gilthead sea bream (Sparus auratus L.; 10-40 g body mass) were acclimatized in the laboratory to full strength (34 per thousand) or dilute (2.5 per thousand) seawater and fed normal, calcium-sufficient or calcium-deficient diet for nine weeks.