LE3 .A278 2005

2005

Wilson, Brian

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Biology

Biology

Previous bioinformatic analyses have indicated the presence of relaxin 3, believed to be the ancestral form of the relaxin family of peptides, in teleost fish. Previous western blot evidence showed that relaxin 3 is expressed in brain, ovary and gut of killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus. In this study, immunohistochemical experiments were done to identify specific areas in the killifish brain expressing relaxin 3 and one of its receptors, LGR 7 (leucine-rich G-protein coupled receptor 7). Rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised against human relaxin 3 and LGR 7 were used to immunostain slide-mounted serial, coronal sections of killifish brain. Relaxin 3 and LGR 7 staining was observed in key areas mediating visual perception and visually guided behaviours. In addition, structures involved with integrating information from the lateral line system displayed relaxin 3 staining. These data suggest that relaxin 3 may be a neuropeptide involved in sensorymotor integration in killifish.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:453