The role of prolactin in the regulation of brood care in the cooperatively breeding fish Neolamprologus pulcher.

摘要: The hormone prolactin (PRL) is important for the regulation of parental care in many species mammals, birds and fish, alloparental (care directed at nondescendant young) some mammals birds. Its significance brood cooperatively breeding fish has not yet been assessed. Here, we test role PRL behavior cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher. expression mRNA was determined pituitary glands breeders both sexes, helpers that showed nonbreeding as controls. In addition, levels were experimentally manipulated male by intraperitoneal injections ovine PRL, these recorded toward standardized clutches. Adult females had higher than adult males, which true nonbreeders. Contrary to expectation, there no positive correlation between any category experimental application did change propensity. Interestingly, brood-caring significantly lower female nonbreeders, whereas difference similar-sized group members. increased with body mass juveniles, but decreased adults. conclusion, found evidence elevated are directly involved this species.