Inhibition of gametogenesis by the cestodeLigula intestinalisin roach (Rutilus rutilus) is attenuated under laboratory conditions

Abstract

SUMMARYReproductive parameters ofLigula intestinalis-infected roach (Rutilus rutilus) which were held under long-tem laboratory conditions with unlimited food supply were investigated. Although uninfected and infected roach showed no difference in condition factor and both groups deposited perivisceral fat, the gonadosomatic-index was significantly lower in infected female and male roach. Quantitative histological analysis revealed that gonad development was retarded upon parasitization in both genders. In contrast to the phenotype described in the field, infected females were able to recruit follicles into secondary growth, but a high percentage of secondary growth follicles underwent atresia. In both genders, the histological data corresponded well with reduced expression of pituitary gonadotropins and lowered plasma concentrations of sex steroids, as revealed by real-time RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Furthermore, a reduction of vitellogenin mRNA and modulated expression of sex steroid receptors in the liver was demonstrated. Like in the field, there was a significant adverse impact ofL. intestinalison host reproductive physiology which could not be related to parasite burden. Our results show, for the first time, that maintenance under laboratory conditions can not abolish the deleterious effect ofL. intestinalison gametogenesis in roach, and indicate a specific inhibition of host reproduction by endocrine disruption.