Immunohistochemical analysis of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in dogs: Sex-linked and seasonal variation

Gallelli, Maria Florencia
Lombardo, D.
Vissio, Paula Gabriela
Quiroga, A.
Caggiano, N.
Soler, E.
Meikle, A.
Castillo, Victor Alejandro

Open link

Publication date

February 2016

DOI

10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.11.003

Publisher

Elsevier BV

Journal

Research in Veterinary Science

Abstract

This study evaluated sexual dimorphism and seasonal variations in corticotrophs and adrenal zona fasciculata in dogs, as well as the expression of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα). An immunohistochemical analysis was conducted in pituitaries for ACTH and in adrenal glands for ERα and for the melanocortin-2-receptor (MC2R) in winter and summer. Double immunofluorescence was performed to identify ERα in corticotrophs. Females had a greater proportion of corticotrophs per field (p < 0.01), with a greater cellular area and optical density (p < 0.001) than males. Optical density of corticotrophs was greater in winter for both sexes (p < 0.001). In zona fasciculata, ERα and MC2R expression was greater in females (p < 0.001) and was greater in winte...