Meeting Abstract

P1.226  Friday, Jan. 4  Effects of short-term food restriction on gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH) receptor mRNA expression the brain and testes of zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). PUSCH, E.A.*; NAVARA, K.J.; THOMPSON, J.; Univ. of Georgia; Univ. of Georgia; Univ. of Georgia pusche@uga.edu

Zebra finches do not follow the seasonal breeding patterns of other passerine species. They are able to breed continuously if conditions are favorable, if food and water is available. This means they are more sensitive to changes in food and water availability. Gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a recently discovered neuropeptide that controls reproduction by inhibiting gonadotropin release from the pituitary and acting on the gonads in avian species. It has been documented that short-term fasting in zebra finches decreases testosterone levels and increases corticosterone levels in the plasma. In this study we assessed the effects of short term fasting on the testes and brain of adult male zebra finches to determine if GnIH receptor mRNA expression is changed. Male finches were fasted for 10 hours at which time blood, brains, and testes were collected for analysis. Results will be discussed.