Experimentally induced depletion of germ cells in sub-adult Patagonian pejerrey (Odontesthes hatcheri)

Germ cell (GC) transplantation (GCT) is a novel reproductive technology with application in seed production and conservation of endangered species. This study examined the suitability of treatment with Busulfan, a cytotoxic agent, and warm water, known to cause GC degeneration, for depletion of endogenous GCs in sub-adult Patagonia pejerrey Odontesthes hatcheri intended as hosts in GCT. In two experiments, fish were treated with six combinations of temperature (intermediate and high, 20 and 25 °C, respectively) and Busulfan (0, 20, and 40 mg/kg body weight), given intraperitoneally (ip) as a single (0 week) or repeated (0 and 4 week) dose. The effectiveness of the treatments was assessed by gonado-somatic index, histology, and (germ cell-specific) vasa gene expression after 8 weeks. Fish were allowed to recover at 17 °C for 4–8 weeks after the treatments to ascertain the permanency of the effects. The high temperature (25 °C) alone induced only incipient gonadal degeneration and germ cell loss, but was highly effective in combination with double administration of 40 mg/kg Busulfan. Males tolerated Busulfan better and were more easily depleted of germ cells than females. Animals treated for 8 weeks were severely devoid of germ cells, but were still capable of gametogenesis. Thus, the combination of Busulfan and high water temperature appeared to be efficient for depletion of GCs in adult fish; and the treated gonads retained the ability to support GC proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of vasa transcript levels was found to be an useful to monitor the degree of gonad sterility during treatment.