Changes in ovarian histology and serum sex hormone levels of Lavender jobfish Pristipomoides sieboldii preserved under refrigerated conditions

Abstract

 In order to restore the stock of Lavender jobfish Pristipomoides sieboldii, we investigated differences in ovarian histology and serum sex steroid hormone (testosterone and 17-beta estradiol) levels between the time of collection and after 24 hours of refrigeration. Additionally, the maturation process of eggs and differences in ovary location-dependent egg development were examined. In mid-May 2012, 12 females were caught by fishing at Shirama-zone near Ie Island, Okinawa. Gonads and blood were collected immediately after fishing and again after 24 hours of refrigeration. Histological observation of the ovaries revealed that there was no difference in location-dependent egg development, and that oogenic germ cells from oogonia to mature oocytes were localized in the ovary simultaneously. Additionally, we showed that ovarian tissue did not exhibit histological differences, whereas sex steroid hormone levels differed between the time of collection and after 24 hours of refrigeration.