Effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids and gonadotropin on prostaglandin series E production in a primary testis cell culture system for the Europeansea bass

Prostaglandin series E (PGE) production by mixed populations of isolated se a bass Dicentrarchus labrax testicular cells was measured after culture at 20 degrees C in L-15 for up to 24 h in the absence or presence of arachidon ic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and/o r gonadotropin (hCG). AA stimulated a significant dose- and time-dependent increase in PGE production. EPA stimulated PGE production only during the f irst 6 h although levels were 26 .4% those induced with AA; DHA reduced PGE production. Although hCG alone had no effect, it enhanced AA-induced PGE f ormation and suppressed EPA-induced PGE production. These results suggest t hat essential PUFAs modulate significantly testicular PGE production in vit ro and therefore may have important effects on steroidogenesis and spermiat ion in the male European sea bass. (C) 2000 The Fisheries Society of the Br itish Isles.