Tissue-specific sexual dimorphism in the expression of kisspeptin and its receptors in spotted snakehead Channa punctatus

The present study paves the way for novel aspects of kisspeptin in the regulation of fish physiology, importantly, immunity and metabolic activities. The expression level of kisspeptin (kiss1) and its receptors (kiss1r, kiss2r) was observed in different regions of the brain, primary and secondary lymphoid organs, liver and gonads of male and female Channa punctatus, suggesting a wider role of kisspeptin in the regulation of fish physiology. Further, expression profile of kiss1, kiss1r and kiss2r revealed sexual dimorphism depending on tissues. Surprisingly, insignificant correlation was observed between the expression of kiss1 and its receptors.