The effect of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue (LHRHa) in combination with different drugs with anti-dopamine and anti-serotonin properties on gonadotropin release and ovulation in the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus

Under hatchery conditions the reproduction of the African catfish depends on artificial induction of egg maturation and ovulation. In this study the effect of a number of potential psychotropic drugs with variable anti-dopamine and/or anti-serotonin properties in combination with LHRHa on gonadotropin release and ovulation was investigated. Drugs with a potent anti-dopaminergic character caused a preovulatory gonadotropin surge, which seems to be independent of their anti-serotonergic properties. One drug, however, did not follow this rule. Drugs exhibiting low interaction with dopamine and high interaction with serotonin receptors had no effect on the LHRHa-induced gonadotropin release.