Light-induced hormone conversion of T4 to T3 regulates photoperiodic response of gonads in birds

Takashi Yoshimura (), Shinobu Yasuo, Miwa Watanabe, Masayuki Iigo, Takashi Yamamura, Kanjun Hirunagi and Shizufumi Ebihara
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Takashi Yoshimura: Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho
Shinobu Yasuo: Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho
Miwa Watanabe: Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho
Masayuki Iigo: Utsunomiya University, Mine-Machi
Takashi Yamamura: Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho
Kanjun Hirunagi: The Nagoya University Museum, Furo-cho
Shizufumi Ebihara: Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho

Nature, 2003, vol. 426, issue 6963, 178-181

Abstract: Abstract Reproduction of many temperate zone birds is under photoperiodic control. The Japanese quail is an excellent model for studying the mechanism of photoperiodic time measurement because of its distinct and marked response to changing photoperiods. Studies on this animal have suggested that the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) is an important centre controlling photoperiodic time measurement1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. Here we report that expression in the MBH of the gene encoding type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase (Dio2), which catalyses the intracellular deiodination of thyroxine (T4) prohormone to the active 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3), is induced by light in Japanese quail. Intracerebroventricular administration of T3 mimics the photoperiodic response, whereas the Dio2 inhibitor iopanoic acid prevents gonadal growth. These findings demonstrate that light-induced Dio2 expression in the MBH may be involved in the photoperiodic response of gonads in Japanese quail.

Date: 2003
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DOI: 10.1038/nature02117

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