The cellular localization of
IGF-I,
IGF-II and MSTN
proteins was investigated during ontogenesis of
triploid sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) by an immunohistochemical approach. The results were compared with those observed in diploids.
IGF-I immunostaining was mainly observed in skin, skeletal muscle, intestine and gills of both diploids and
triploids. From day 30 of larval life,
IGF-I immunoreactivity observed in skeletal muscle, intestine, gills and kidney was stronger in
triploids than in diploids. At day 30,
triploids exhibited a standard length significantly higher than the one of diploids. Although
IGF-II and MSTN immunoreactivity was detectable in different tissues and organs, no differences between diploids and
triploids were observed. The spatial localization of
IGF-I,
IGF-II and MSTN
proteins detected in this study is in agreement with previous findings on the distribution of these
proteins in diploid larvae and fry. The highest
IGF-I immunoreactivity observed in
triploids suggests a possible involvement of ploidy in their growth performance.