LE3 .A278 2010

2010

Wilson, Brian

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Biology

Biology

Relaxin, a hormone discovered in 1926 by Frederick L. Hisaw, belongs to the family of insulin- like peptides and has been found to be involved in such mammalian female reproductive processes as follicular growth and ovulation. The objectives of this study were to investigate the possible expression of various relaxin peptides in the ovary of killifish ( Fundulus heteroclitus) and to study the effect of relaxin on cell proliferation in developing killifish ovarian follicles. Total RNA was extracted from killifish ovarian tissue and used to synthesize cDNA; the cDNA in turn was subjected to RT- PCR using primers constructed based on sequences of known teleost relaxin peptides. In addition, two groups of killifish ovarian follicles ( control and treatment) were harvested and separated into five growth stages; follicles of the treatment group were incubated overnight in a solution containing human relaxin. All samples were embedded in paraffin, mounted on slides and observed for cell proliferation using a BrdU staining kit. BrdU acts as a thymidine analogue and is incorporated into the DNA of dividing cells. Sites of BrdU incorporation are identified using specific monoclonal antibodies which are subsequently detected in processed tissue as blue- black stain. The relaxin peptide, TelRLN3b ( formerly termed rln3b) was expressed in the killifish ovary whereas TelINSL3 ( formerly known as insl3) was not. The presence of relaxin in the killifish ovary may suggest a reproductive function such as the promotion of follicular cell proliferation. However, analyses of BrdU staining in this study do not support this hypothesis.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:693