Molecular cloning and histological localization of LH-like substances in a bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus) placenta

All mammals exhibit pituitary-specific expression of LH and FSH, whereas placental expression of gonadotropins has been reported only in primates and equids. Some cetaceans, such as dolphins, have a long gestational period and a sexual cycle of about 27 days almost comparable with that of humans. Histologically, dolphins have an epitheliochorial placentae that resembles placentas of Perissodactyla including horses. In the present study, we cloned cDNAs encoding gonadotropins and observed their immunohistochemical localization in the placenta of bottlenose dolphin. The cDNAs obtained encoded 120 amino acids for the α-subunit (including 96 amino acids of mature proteins), and 141 amino acids for the β-subunit (including 121 amino acids of mature proteins). The sequence of the α-subunit was similar to that in the pig (Artiodactyla) pituitary glycoprotein hormone [96.7% homology at amino acids (aa) level], and the sequence of the β-subunit was similar to that of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the pig [94.3% homology at aa level] and white rhinoceros (Perissodactyla) [93.3% homology at aa level]. Of interest, dolphin LHβ lacks carboxyl-terminal-peptides (CTP). This fact suggests that CTP are not essential for placental expression of gonadotropin in dolphins. Immunohistochemical observations employing anti-ovine LHβ antibody revealed positive staining in the villositycal tissue. Our observations suggest placental expression of gonadotropin homologues in cetaceans and possible evolutionary conservation of placentae-derived hormonal control of ovarian functions during pregnancy.