Induction of spermatogenesis and spermiation by a single injection of human chorionic gonadotropin in intact and hypophysectomized immature European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.).

Intact and hypophysectomized male silver eels (Anguilla anguilla) in fresh water received a single injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (250 C) or solvent (0.15 M NaCl). No effect of solvent was observed. Spermatogonia proliferated in testis of hCG-treated intact or hypophysectomized eels. One month after the injection, primary and secondary spermatocytes were found. After 3 months, numerous spermatozoa were present. In hypophysectomized eels, hCG was also effective even though maturing germ cells were less numerous and spermiation was less frequent than in intact animals. Within 1 week after hCG injection, plasma levels of free and glucuroconjugated androgens (testosterone and 11-oxotestosterone) rose significantly in intact and hypophysectomized fish. The highest values were observed within 1 month, and then plasma levels decreased to pretreatment values. The most important changes were observed in the case of free 11-oxotestosterone. The long-term effects of hCG can be explained partly by the long half-life of this hormone. The effects of hypophysectomy on the response of testis to hCG caused us to think that some endogenous pituitary secretions must interfere in the intact fish so that maximal effects of hCG, especially on the induction of spermiation, are obtained.