Growth Hormone Involvement in Growth, Oogenesis, Sex Determination and Differentiation in Russian Sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii): An Integrative Review
Growth hormone (GH) plays a pivotal integrative role in regulating growth, reproduction, sex determination, and differentiation in the Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), a species of major economic importance for caviar production in aquaculture. This mini-review synthesizes current knowledge on the interaction between the somatotropic axis (GH-IGF-I) and the brain-pituitary-gonadal (BPG) axis, highlighting their coordinated involvement across developmental stages. During early life stages (larvae and juveniles), growth is primarily influenced by environmental factors, and no clear sexual dimorphism is observed. However, following gonadal differentiation, pronounced sex-related growth differences emerge, with females exhibiting enhanced somatic growth and lipid accumulation associated with oogenesis and vitellogenesis, while males allocate energy predominantly to spermatogenesis. The review describes the endocrine regulation of oocyte development, including pre-vitellogenic growth, estradiol-induced hepatic vitellogenin synthesis, and final oocyte maturation triggered by luteinizing hormone (LH) and maturation-inducing steroids (MIS). In parallel, spermatogenesis is regulated by gonadotropins (FSH and LH), androgens, and local testicular factors, with additional modulation by the GH-IGF-I system. Furthermore, artificial fertilization is presented as a key aquaculture tool, linking endocrine control mechanisms to practical applications in broodstock management, larval production, and genetic improvement programs. Special emphasis is placed on early sex determination strategies, which are essential for optimizing caviar production efficiency. Overall, this mini-review highlights GH as a central regulator connecting growth, reproductive physiology, and aquaculture performance, providing a comprehensive framework for improving production strategies in Russian sturgeon.
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