Distribution of gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunoreactivity in the brain of Ichthyophis beddomei (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)

From a comparative viewpoint, we have investigated the presence and neuroanatomical distribution of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-immunoreactive material in the brain of a gymnophione amphibian, Ichthyophis beddomei. Immunocytochemical analysis of the adult brain and terminal nerves in both sexes shows the presence of neurons and fibers containing mammalian GnRH (mGnRH)- and chicken GnRH-II (cGnRH-II)-like peptides. With respect to GnRH-immunoreactive material, there are two distinct neuronal systems in the brain: one containing mGnRH, which is located in the forebrain and terminal nerve, and the other containing cGnRH-II, which is restricted to the midbrain tegmentum. Basically, this distribution pattern parallels that of many species of anurans and a urodele. Whereas the presence of cGnRH-II-immunoreactive fibers in the dorsal pallium of I. beddomei is a feature in common with a urodele amphibian, the total absence of cGnRH-II-like material in the median eminence is unique to this species. It is suggested here that the distribution profile of GnRH-like material within the brain and terminal nerve of I. beddomei represents a primitive pattern. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.