Effects of cortisol and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) on ovulation in ayu Plecoglossus altivelis (Temminck & Schlegel) with special respect to water and ion balance*

This study was undertaken to discern the effects of cortisol and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) on ovulation in ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis (Temminck & Schlegel), with special reference to water and ion changes. Cortisol as well as HCG was very effective in inducing ovulation of ayu. The best response was obtained with 10 mg of cortisol. In combination of cortisol and HCG, the effective dosage of cortisol was less than when cortisol was used singly. In fish which received cortisol and/or HCG, both the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the percentage increase in body weight were significantly greater when compared to the control. The increase in body weight appeared to be due to an ingestion of water in fish treated with hormone, as described in our previous report. At ovulation there was a high sodium content in the ovary of fish treated with hormone, whereas a low sodium content was seen in the muscle. It appears that the fish imbibes some water resulting in hydration of the oocytes with concurrent ion movement during maturation and ovulation. These results suggest that gonadotrophin and cortisol may exert their initial effect on the oocytes in a direct or indirect manner, possibly acting to affect the sodium transport system or to alter passive permeability of the egg membrane.