Identification and distribution of CCK-related peptides and mRNAs in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Peptides homologous to mammalian cholecystokinin (CCK), and their corresponding cDNAs, have been isolated and sequenced from the rainbow trout. Oncorhynchus mykiss. Three cDNAs encoding CCK-like preprohormones were identified from the brain. The cDNAs encode three different putative CCK-8 peptides containing Asn, Leu or Thr, in position 6 (counting from the C-terminus). Hence, the trout CCKs are named CCK-N, CCK-L and CCK-T respectively. RT-PCR showed differential expression of the three mRNAs although all were detected in the brain and intestine, similar to the expression pattern of CCK in tetrapods. In situ hybridization on trout brain sections using S-35-labeled gene-specific antisense oligonucleotides showed that the three mRNAs were present in different parts, suggesting that the three CCK peptides may have different functions in the brain. Purification of CCR-immunoreactive material from the trout brain resulted in two CCK octapeptides: DYNGWMDF . NH2 (CCK-N) and DYLGWMDF . NH2 (CCK-L) present in equal amounts. In the pyloric caeca, three forms of CCK-L were identified, consisting of 7, 8 and 21 residues, respectively. The last was dominating and had the sequence ASGPGPSHKIKDRDYLGWMDF . NH2. All isolated peptides were fully sulfated. The trout is the first species in which three different CCK-like cDNAs have been identified. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.