Characterization of neuropeptide Y expression in the brain of a perciform fish, the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

The distribution of neuropeptide Y (NPY) gene expression was mapped in the brain of the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) by in situ hybridization with S-35-UTP labeled cRNA probes. Gene expression was mainly detected within th e forebrain, although NPY mRNA transcripts were also localized in the tectu m and tegmentum mesencephali and posterior brain. New NPY-expressing nuclei were found in the dorsal and ventral telencephalon, preoptic area, tuberal hypothalamus, synencephalon, tegmentum mesencephali and posterior brain. T he profuse NPY gene expression within the main neuroendocrine areas of the teleost fish Further supports a physiological role in the control of the pi tuitary secretion. In addition, NPY gene was expressed within the primary v isual, olfactory and gustatory circuits of teleost which, subsequently. pro ject to hypothalamic feeding center in teleost fish. Our results extend the NPY-expressing areas known n in teleost species. (C) 219 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.