Transport of maternal transthyretin to the fetus in the viviparous teleost Neoditrema ransonnetii (Perciformes, Embiotocidae)

The molecular basis of viviparity in non-mammalian species has not been widely studied. Neoditrema ransonnetii , a surfperch, is a matrotrophic teleost whose fetuses grow by ovarian cavity fluid (OCF) ingestion and by nutrient absorption via their enlarged hindgut. We performed a proteomics analysis of N. ransonnetii plasma protein and found proteins specific to pregnant females; one of these was identified as transthyretin (TTR), a thyroid hormone distributor protein. We synthesized recombinant protein rNrTTR and raised an antibody, anti-rNrTTR, against it. Semi-quantitative analysis by western blotting using the antibody demonstrated that plasma TTR levels were significantly greater in pregnant fish than in non-pregnant fish. OCF and fetal plasma also contained high TTR levels. Immunohistochemical staining showed that large amounts of maternal TTR were taken up by fetal intestinal epithelial cells. These results indicate that maternal TTR is secreted into OCF and taken up by fetal enterocytes, presumably to deliver thyroid hormones to developing fetuses.