Sexual dimorphism in ultradian and 24h rhythms in plasma levels of growth hormone in Indian walking catfish, Clarias batrachus

Growth hormone (GH), a key regulator of somatic and reproductive growth in vertebrates, has been extensively studied, although primarily in female fish. Despite numerous reports about sex- and species-specific growth patterns in fish, to our knowledge, there is no report about the 24 h rhythm of plasma GH in male fish. Thus, we aimed to investigate temporal variations in plasma GH levels and the existence of any rhythms therein during the reproductively active months of March to August in the male walking catfish, Clams batrachus. We also aimed to compare the secretory temporal patterns of GH in male-female specimens of C. batrachus to decipher sexual dimorphism in GH secretions in fish. After 14 days of acclimation to the natural environment, male catfish (N = 240 in total) were sorted and randomly divided into eight groups for study at ZTO (sunrise similar to 06:00 h), 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21. During each month, physical parameters like duration of photoperiod and water temperature were measured. Male catfish (n = 40/month) in all eight groups were sampled (n = 5/group) at each time point under the natural time-of-year 24 h light-dark (LD) cycle. Male catfish were anesthetized and blood was collected through a caudal puncture, centrifuged, and plasma isolated. Plasma GH was measured using a competitive homologous enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Further, testes were removed, weighed, and the gonadosomatic index (GSI) was calculated. A significant effect of time and season (p < 0.05, two-way ANOVA) on plasma GH level was detected. Cosinor analyses verified the existence of statistically significant (p < 0.05) ultradian (12 h) and 24 h rhythms of plasma GH in male C. batrachus, with the higher values of Mesor (time series mean) and amplitude (one-half peak-to-trough difference) of the periodicities from March to July. Mapping of the acrophases (peak times) showed two ultradian and one 24 h acrophase of GH during the early photophase and early scotophase from March to August. Distinct sexual-dimorphism in plasma GH Mesors and acrophases was noticed between male and female catfish. GSI values of male catfish indicate males mature a little earlier than females in terms of size and reproductive activity. The findings that plasma GH show 24 h and seasonal fluctuations in a sex-specific manner collectively demonstrate the importance of considering the effect of biological 24 h and seasonal time and sex on the GH level in regulating the physiology of somatic growth and reproduction in catfish.

Automated summary

The study revealed 24-hour and seasonal fluctuations in plasma GH levels in male walking catfish, with significant sexual dimorphism noted in GH secretion patterns. This emphasizes the importance of considering biological 24-hour and seasonal factors, as well as sex differences, in regulating GH levels for somatic growth and reproductive physiology in catfish.