Cloning of bullfrog thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) β subunit cDNA: Expression of TSHβ mRNA during metamorphosis

Reiko Okada*, Takeo Iwata, Takafumi Kato, Motoshi Kikuchi, Kazutoshi Yamamoto, Sakae Kikuyama

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    25 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    A thyroid-stimulating hormone β subunit (TSHβ) cDNA encoding both signal peptide and mature TSHβ molecule was cloned from a cDNA library constructed from total RNA of the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) adenohypophysis. The bullfrog TSHβ mRNA was estimated by Northern blot analysis to be approximately 1 kb. The deduced amino acid sequence showed 40-61% homologies with the sequences of TSH β subunits of other vertebrates. Using the cDNA as a probe, we measured changes in mRNA expression in metamorphosing tadpoles of R. catesbeiana. The TSH β subunit mRNA level increased progressively throughout prometamorphic stages, reaching its maximum at the end of prometamorphosis. The maximum level was maintained throughout early and mid climax, declining at late climax. These results, together with previously obtained data on plasma prolactin and pituitary prolactin mRNA levels, as well as thyroid hormone levels, are discussed in relation to metamorphic changes occurring in the bullfrog larvae. (C) 2000 Academic Press.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)224-231
    Number of pages8
    JournalGeneral and Comparative Endocrinology
    Volume119
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2000

    Keywords

    • Bullfrog
    • Metamorphosis
    • TSHβ cDNA
    • TSHβ mRNA expression

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Endocrinology

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