团头鲂(Megahbrama amblycephala) Caspase 9基因全长cDNA的克隆及在氨氮胁迫下的表达分析

为了解团头鲂(Megahbrama amblycephala)Caspase 9基因序列特征及其在氨氮胁迫过程中的作用,应用末端快速扩增(Rapid amplification of c DNA ends,RACE)技术克隆得到团头鲂Caspase 9基因全长1613 bp的cDNA序列,包括185 bp的5'末端非翻译区(Untranslated regions,UTR)、96 bp的3'UTR、1332 bp的开放阅读框(Open Reading Frame,ORF)。氨基酸多序列比对显示,平均同源性为77.74%,表明团头鲂Caspase 9基因具有较高的保守性;系统进化分析显示,该基因氨基酸序列与其他鱼类Caspase 9聚为一支,并与锦鲤(Cyprinus carpio)Caspase 9亲缘关系较近;荧光定量PCR结果显示,Caspase 9基因在团头鲂各组织中均有表达,在脑中表达量最高,在肌肉中表达量最低,同时,在胁迫和恢复过程中,该基因在肝和脑中的表达规律相似,均在胁迫期间出现表达量上调,整体呈类似波浪形表达谱。研究结果表明,氨氮胁迫下,Caspase 9基因参与团头鲂的免疫防御,并与细胞凋亡分子过程有关。本研究结果可为进一步了解团头鲂应答氨氮胁迫分子机制提供理论依据。     

团头鲂铁蛋白基因的克隆及其在嗜水气单胞菌感染下的表达

利用cDNA末端快速扩增法(RACE)克隆团头鲂Megalobrama amblycephala铁蛋白基因c DNA全长序列;同时研究经嗜水气单胞菌Aeromonas hydrophila攻毒后团头鲂肝组织中铁蛋白表达的变化,了解铁蛋白基因在团头鲂免疫应答中的作用。结果表明:团头鲂铁蛋白c DNA全长序列包括150bp的5’末端序列(untranslated region,UTR),270bp的3’UTR,以及522bp编码174个氨基酸的开放阅读框(open reading frame,ORF)。这些氨基酸序列同其他鱼类铁蛋白M链氨基酸序列同源性较高。团头鲂铁蛋白基因在5’非编码区核甘酸序列124~154的位置有个特殊的结构,即铁反应元件(iron response element,IRE)。荧光定量PCR分析表明:铁蛋白基因在团头鲂肌肉、心脏、鳃、肝胰脏、脑和肾脏等组织器官中都有表达,在肝胰脏的表达量最高,脑组织表达量最低。经嗜水气单胞菌急性感染后,团头鲂肝胰脏组织中铁蛋白基因表达量显著上调。上述结果表明:团头鲂铁蛋白M亚基在团头鲂免疫应答过程中起重要作用。     

斑节对虾谷氨酸脱氢酶基因克隆及氨氮胁迫对其时空表达的影响

采用cDNA末端快速扩增技术(rapid amplification of cDNA ends,RACE)获得了斑节对虾(Penaeus monodon)谷氨酸脱氢酶基因(PmGDH)的cDNA序列。该序列全长2386 bp,开放阅读框(ORF)为1677 bp,3'非编码区(UTR)为688 bp,包括含有27个碱基的poly(A)尾,5'非编码区(UTR)为21 bp。ORF可编码558个氨基酸,预测分子量为61.837 k D,理论等电点为6.57。序列含有ELFV dehydrog N与NAD bind 1 Glu DH两个保守结构域,37个磷酸化位点,3个糖基化位点。通过同源性、相似性以及系统进化树分析,斑节对虾的GDH基因与凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)GDH基因的同源性和相似性最高,并与其聚为一支。采用荧光定量的方法研究了PmGDH基因在斑节对虾不同组织、氨氮胁迫过程中差异表达情况。结果表明,PmGDH的m RNA在各组织中都有表达,其中,在肌肉组织中表达量最高,其次为眼柄神经,在血淋巴与肠组织中表达量最低。96 h氨氮胁迫后,荧光定量PCR分析结果表明PmGDH在肝胰腺和鳃组织中的表达与对照组相比都具有显著差异(P0.05),都具有不同程度的表达上调。表明PmGDH在氨氮代谢方面具有重要的作用,参与了斑节对虾机体的急性氨氮胁迫应答反应。     

斑节对虾谷氨酸脱氢酶基因的克隆及氨氮胁迫对其时空表达的影响

采用cDNA末端快速扩增技术(rapid amplification of cDNA ends, RACE)获得了斑节对虾(Penaeus monodon)谷氨酸脱氢酶基因(PmGDH)的cDNA序列。该序列全长2386 bp,开放阅读框(ORF)为1677 bp,3?非编码区(UTR)为688 bp,包括含有27个碱基的poly(A)尾,5?非编码区(UTR)为21 bp。ORF可编码558个氨基酸,预测分子量为61.837 kD,理论等电点为6.57。序列含有ELFV dehydrog N与NAD bind 1 Glu DH两个保守结构域,37个磷酸化位点,3个糖基化位点。通过同源性、相似性以及系统进化树分析,斑节对虾的GDH基因与凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)GDH基因的同源性和相似性最高,并与其聚为一支。采用荧光定量的方法研究了PmGDH基因在斑节对虾不同组织、氨氮胁迫过程中差异表达情况。结果表明, PmGDH的mRNA在各组织中都有表达,其中,在肌肉组织中表达量最高,其次为眼柄神经,在血淋巴与肠组织中表达量最低。96 h氨氮胁迫后,荧光定量PCR分析结果表明PmGDH在肝胰腺和鳃组织中的表达与对照组相比都具有显著差异(P<0.05),都具有不同程度的表达上调。表明PmGDH在氨氮代谢方面具有重要的作用,参与了斑节对虾机体的急性氨氮胁迫应答反应。     

虎皮鱼热激蛋白PtHsp70基因序列与低温表达分析

通过同源克隆和cDNA末端快速克隆技术扩增获得狭温热带鱼类虎皮鱼热激蛋白70(PtHsp70)基因的cDNA序列,BLAST比对分析基因序列同源性,预测其编码氨基酸序列和结构,实时荧光定量PCR技术分析虎皮鱼PtHsp70基因组织特异性表达谱和低温胁迫下PtHsp70基因的表达模式。研究结果表明,PtHsp70基因cDNA序列全长2317 bp,其中5′非编码区120 bp,3′非编码区266 bp,编码区1932 bp,对应的开放阅读框为121～2052 bp,预测编码643个氨基酸。PtHsp70基因mRNA在成年虎皮鱼不同组织中表达水平依次为肝脏肌肉鳃脑,其中肝脏PtHsp70基因本底表达水平显著高于其他组织(P0.01),表明其在肝脏中具有重要的生物学功能。而随温度降低,肝脏PtHsp70基因表达水平呈先降后升的趋势,表明肝脏PtHsp70基因参与虎皮鱼应对低温胁迫的过程;随温度降低,虎皮鱼脑、鳃和肌肉组织PtHsp70基因mRNA水平显著上调(P0.01),说明低温胁迫诱导PtHsp70基因mRNA表达。本研究克隆并鉴定了PtHsp70基因序列和组织表达谱,分析了低温胁迫下PtHsp70基因表达模式,研究结果显示,狭温热带鱼类虎皮鱼的PtHsp70基因具有组织特异性和温度诱导型表达特征。研究发现,PtHsp70基因在响应低温胁迫过程中具有重要作用,具有作为虎皮鱼低温胁迫分子标志物的潜能。     

团头鲂 HSP70 cDNA 的克隆、序列分析以及热应激对其 mRNA 表达的影响

采用RT-PCR和cDNA末端快速扩增法(RACE)分离、克隆出团头鲂(Megalobrama amblycephala)肝脏热休克蛋白70(HSP70)基因全长cDNA序列,共2 224 bp,包括135 bp5'非翻译区、1 932 bp阅读框以及157 bp 3'非翻泽区[不包括Poly(A)].阅读框共编码643个氨基酸,分子量计算值为70.53 kD,理论等电点为5.25.该HSP70基因在翻译区不含内含子,符合诱导型HSP70的特征.团头鲂HSP70氨基酸序列中含有HSP70家族的3个签名序列以及细胞质特异性调控基序EEVD等.同源性分析表明,团头鲂HSP70氨基酸序列与斑马鱼等脊椎动物的相似性高达84.0%以上,与无脊椎动物果蝇的相似性也高达73.4%.生物信息学分析显示,团头鲂HSPTO基因所编码的蛋白质以亲水性区域为主,具有丰富的B细胞抗原位点,无信号肽,无跨膜区域,为非分泌型蛋白;同时还含有众多的蛋白激酶C磷酸化位点、N-肉豆蔻酰化位点、酪蛋白激酶Ⅱ磷酸化位点和N-糖基化位点,推测其可能在细胞信号转导与调控中发挥重要作用.该蛋白含有2个部分重叠的双向核定位序列,二级结构以α-螺旋和无规卷曲为主,空间结构包括N端ATPase功能域和C端多肽结合功能域.应用实时定量PCR研究高温(34℃)应激对团头鲂HSP70 mRNA表达的影响.结果表明,在热应激过程巾肝脏HSP70 mRNA水平呈先升高后下降的变化趋势,说明该基因的表达受热应激调控,本实验克隆的序列为诱导型HSP70 cDNA.     

鳜胃蛋白酶原基因cDNA全长的克隆与序列分析

利用RT–PCR和cDNA末端快速扩增法(RACE)克隆鳜(Siniperca chuatsi)胃蛋白酶原基因cDNA全长序列，并对该基因的结构特征和系统进化关系进行了分析。鳜胃蛋白酶原基因cDNA序列全长1367 bp，5′端非翻译区43 bp，3′端非翻译区187 bp，开放阅读框(ORF)1137 bp，共编码378个氨基酸。鳜胃蛋白酶原氨基末端存在信号肽和激活肽序列，序列中含有催化活性必需的2个天冬氨酸残基和构成二硫键的6个半胱氨酸残基。鳜胃蛋白酶原氨基酸序列与其他脊椎动物胃蛋白酶原氨基酸序列的同源性为59.9%～91.2%，表明胃蛋白酶原基因在脊椎动物的长期进化中比较保守。鳜胃蛋白酶原基因的成功克隆不仅为进一步研究该基因的时空表达奠定基础，而且为鱼类胃蛋白酶原的分子特征和进化提供了新的资料。     

Na+-K+-ATPase α1基因全长cDNA的克隆及序列分析和表达

为了解Na+-K+-ATPase α1基因的分子结构及其在建鲤盐度调控过程中起到的作用,采用同源克隆和末端快速扩增(RACE)的方法分离克隆了建鲤(Cyprinus carpio var.jian)Na+-K+-ATPase α1基因全长cDNA,得到3 397 bp的全长cDNA,包括3 081 bp的开放阅读框(ORF),232 bp的5-末端非编码区(UTR)以及219 bp的3-末端非编码区(UTR)。对推测的该基因氨基酸序列进行同源性比对和系统分析显示:建鲤与其他鱼类该基因的氨基酸序列相似度为90.22%~95.52%,与斑马鱼(Danio rerio)相似度最高(95.52%),与虱目鱼(Chanos chanos)相似度偏低,其次是平鲷(Rhabdosargus sarba)、萨罗罗非鱼(Sarotherodon melanotheron)、底鳉(Fundulus heteroclitus)、黑鲷(Acanthopagrus schlegelii)、马苏大马哈鱼(Oncorhynchus masou)和虹鳟(Oncorhynchus mykiss),与大西洋鲑(Salmo salar)的相似度最低(90.22%),与非洲爪蟾(Xenopus laevis)和人(Homo sapiens)的相似度分别为89.62%和89.51%。以上结果表明,不同物种间的Na+-K+-ATPaseα1基因的氨基酸序列极为保守。用实时定量PCR(RT-PCR)检测该基因在建鲤鳃、肾、肠、肝、脑和脾的相对表达量,其中脑最高,其次是鳃、脾、肾、肠,肝最低,这表明脑、鳃和脾是建鲤Na+-K+-ATPase α1基因主要的表达器官。本研究旨为进一步探索建鲤的盐度调控机制奠定分子基础。     

拟穴青蟹GRP78基因的克隆与应激表达

葡萄糖调节蛋白78(glucose regulated protein 78 ku,GRP78)是热休克蛋白70家族成员之一,在调节蛋白质折叠和维持内质网稳态过程中起着分子伴 侣作用。采用RT-PCR、RACE等技术,首次从拟穴青蟹获得了GRP78的cDNA全长序列。该序列全长2 284 bp,开放阅读框(ORF)为1 962 bp,编码653个氨基酸残基。 同源分析显示,该基因编码的蛋白含有HSP70家族的签名序列,C末端为内质网蛋白滞留信号KDEL,与其他物种具有很高相似性。实时荧光定量PCR结果表明,GRP78 基因在拟穴青蟹多个组织中均有表达。第一期仔蟹在不同的温度和盐度下暴露12 h后,GRP78基因表达量随环境温度升高而增加;在高盐(30)条件下GRP78表达量 较高,进而推测拟穴青蟹GRP78参与蛋白质折叠和环境胁迫的应答。     

剑尾鱼卵黄蛋白原C(Vg C)全长cDNA的克隆及表达

利用逆转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)和cDNA末端快速扩增(RACE)等方法,克隆获得剑尾鱼卵黄蛋白原C(Vg C)基因的全长cDNA序列。剑尾鱼Vg C基因cDNA序列全长4 011 bp,其5′非编码区包含12 bp和3′非编码区包含246 bp;含有一个3 753 bp的开放阅读框(ORF),编码1 250个氨基酸,推测其编码氨基酸分子量大小为141.7 ku,编码氨基酸序列与其他鱼类卵黄白原C编码氨基酸序列相似性在44%～85%。荧光定量PCR结果显示,Vg C在剑尾鱼肝脏中表达量最高,脾、肾、卵巢中有微量表达,脑、肌肉、鳃中几乎没有检测到表达;对不同时间暴露在雌激素中剑尾鱼肝脏进行实时荧光定量PCR表达分析的结果表明,Vg C在剑尾鱼肝脏中第5天表达量最高,随后降低,第9天后维持相对较低的表达量。研究首次克隆了剑尾鱼Vg C基因全长cDNA序列,并对Vg C在剑尾鱼体内表达组织器官分布及雌激素诱导后不同时间表达谱进行了初步研究,为剑尾鱼生殖生理及环境污染物监测应用等不同领域研究打下重要基础。     

Association between the interannual variation in the oceanic environment and catch rates of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the Atlantic Ocean

The environmental processes associated with variability in the catch rates of bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean are largely unexplored. This study used generalized additive models (GAMs) fitted to Taiwanese longline fishery data from 1990 to 2009 and investigated the association between environmental variables and catch rates to identify the processes influencing bigeye tuna distribution in the Atlantic Ocean. The present findings reveal that the year (temporal factor), latitude and longitude (spatial factors), and major regular longline target species of albacore catches are significant for the standardization of bigeye tuna catch rates in the Atlantic Ocean. The standardized catch rates and distribution of bigeye tuna were found to be related to environmental and climatic variation. The model selection processes showed that the selected GAMs explained 70% of the cumulative deviance in the entire Atlantic Ocean. Regarding environmental factors, the depth of the 20 degree isotherm (D20) substantially contributed to the explained deviance; other important factors were sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height deviation (SSHD). The potential fishing grounds were observed with SSTs of 22–28°C, a D20 shallower than 150 m and negative SSHDs in the Atlantic Ocean. The higher predicted catch rates were increased in the positive northern tropical Atlantic and negative North Atlantic Oscillation events with a higher SST and shallow D20, suggesting that climatic oscillations affect the population abundance and distribution of bigeye tuna.     

Growth performance,digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass,Lateolabrax japonicus fed with fructooligosaccharide

In this experiment, a feeding trial was performed to determine the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus juveniles (initial weight 38.3 ± 0.5 g), and the fish were examined following feeding with six levels of FOS (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 g/kg) for 28 days. Significant enhancement of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was found in fish fed 1 g/kg FOS incorporated diets (p < .05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 1, 2 g/kg FOS groups reduced significantly compared with the control (p < .05). Besides, the crude lipid in the 4, 6 g/kg FOS groups increased significantly compared with the control (p < .05). On the other hand, the erepsin and lipase activities significantly elevated in intestine of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS (p < .05) and the lysozyme activity in serum of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than that in the control (p < .05). Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase activities in serum of fish fed 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than in control (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that the relationships between dietary FOS levels and either SGR, FCR, erepsin or lysozyme activities were best expressed by regression equations, and the optimal inclusion levels are 1.37, 1.80, 3.06, 3.11, 1.93 and 1.80 g/kg for SGR, FCR, erepsin, lipase, lysozyme and total superoxide dismutase activities, respectively. Overall, this study revealed that FOS incorporated diets could beneficial for L. japonicus culture in terms of increasing the growth, digestion and immune activities. Under the present experimental condition, the optimal supplementary level of FOS in the diet of L. japonicus is 1–3 g/kg.     

Involvement of gonadal steroids in final oocyte maturation of white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops): in vivo and in vitro studies

Plasma estradiol-17 (E₂), testosterone (T), 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and 17,20,21-tri-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20-S) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops) that were induced to undergo final oocyte maturation (FOM) with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Plasma DHP levels increased in females of both species in association with oocyte germinal vesicle migration (GVM) and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and decreased thereafter. Plasma 20-S levels also increased with oocyte GVM in white bass, but were several-fold lower than DHP levels. Circulating E₂ and T levels were greatest during GVM and GVBD in both species and decreased to low levels during oocyte hydration and ovulation. Follicles from white perch and white bass which received a priming injection of hCG in vivo, produced both DHP and 20-S in vitro after exposure to hCG and their oocytes underwent GVBD. Ovarian incubates from unprimed fish of either species produced only E₂ and T and their oocytes did not complete GVBD. Oocytes from unprimed bass, but not perch, matured when follicles were exposed to hCG in vitro. Both trilostane and cycloheximide blocked in vitro production of DHP and 20-S and oocyte GVBD by white perch follices. DHP and 20-S were equipotent inducers of FOM in the GVBD bioassay. None of several other structurally-related steroids tested were effective within a physiological range of concentrations. These results indicate a role for DHP and 20-S in the control of FOM in white perch and white bass.     

Cardiac,ventilatory and metabolic responses of two ecologically dissimilar species of fish to waterborne cyanide

Changes in heart rate, ventilatory activity and oxygen consumption were determined in trout (Salmo gairdneri) and brown bullhead catfish (Ictalurus nebulosus) during exposure to a steadily increasing concentration of waterborne cyanide selected to produce death in 8–9 hours for each species. The lethal cyanide concentration for the bullheads was an order of magnitude higher than for trout. Trout developed an immediate and gradually increasing bradycardia throughout the exposure period. Cyanide produced tachycardia in the bullhead followed by a gradual onset of bradycardia as the concentration of cyanide was raised. Pericardial injection of atropine (a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist) indicated that bradycardia in the trout was due initially to increased vagal tone but later due to the direct effect of cyanide on the heart. Hyperventilation in the trout persisted throughout the exposure period, although the rate and amplitude fluctuated and was variable between individual fish. During the last hour of exposure (highest cyanide concentration), ventilation was characterized by rapid, shallow breaths followed by a sudden respiratory arrest. The bullheads exhibited hyperventilation during the first 3 hours of exposure followed by a gradual, linear drop in ventilation rate and amplitude until death occurred. Cardiac and ventilatory responses in both species were attributed to stimulation of central and peripheral chemoreceptors by cyanide. Evidence is presented which suggests the initial response in the bullheads was due, at least in part, to gustatory stimulation by the cyanide. Oxygen consumption of the trout remained above pre-exposure levels for the majority of the test period. Oxygen consumption in the bullhead paralleled the changes in heart and ventilatory rates. Whole-body lactate levels of fingerlings of both species during cyanide exposure were measured to estimate the extent of anaerobiosis. Whole-body lactate levels were much greater in the bullheads than the trout, indicating a higher capacity for anaerobiosis, possibly due to a greater fuel supply. Overall, the trout responded to cyanide in a manner similar to that produced by environmental hypoxia whereas the bullheads experienced a gustatory stimulus which masked the hypoxia-like response.     

An overview of stress physiology of fish transport: changes in water quality as a function of transport duration

This study brings an integrated analysis about the relationship between water deterioration and its physiological consequences in live fish transport. The analysis was focused on the transport water and its deterioration, and physiological challenges imposed on the fish. Usual commercial handling procedures employed to mitigate fish stress during transport were discussed. Future topics of research for the establishment of safer fish transport protocols were proposed. Transport was classified into short (≤8 h) or long transport (>8 h). The main issue in short transports should be the prevention of water pH reduction, while in long transports it is the increase in ammonia. Plasma cortisol is the most employed marker for stress and is acutely elevated upon short episodes of transport, but remains elevated even in long‐transport events. Plasma glucose is perhaps a better marker for handling stress. Plasma lactate, pH, osmolality CO₂ and ions should be more often evaluated. Plasma Na⁺ and Cl^‐ are very useful markers of acidosis, due to their respective exchange for H⁺ and , for acid–base regulation. The establishment of species‐specific transport protocols should be preceded by such combined analyses of water and physiological parameters.     

Are hatchery‐reared abalone naïve of predators? Comparing the behaviours of wild and hatchery‐reared northern abalone,Haliotis kamtschatkana (Jonas, 1845)

Abalone populations have declined worldwide, generating interest in enhancement using hatchery‐reared individuals. In many cases, such restoration efforts have met with limited success due to high predator‐induced mortality rates. Furthermore, the mortality rates of outplanted hatchery abalone are often considerably higher than for wild individuals. This study uses northern abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) as a case study to determine whether hatchery‐reared abalone behave differently than their wild counterparts. In the field, outplanted hatchery‐reared abalone were significantly less responsive than wild abalone, in terms of number of abalone responding and intensity of response, to nearby movement and to physical contact with an inert probe. Also, when encountering a cue to which all abalone responded (a seastar predator), hatchery‐reared individuals remained subdued. Anti‐predator behavioural deficits in hatchery‐reared abalone were more pronounced in 4‐year‐old individuals than in 1‐year‐old individuals, suggesting an influence of either age or amount of time spent in the hatchery environment. These behavioural differences are expected to increase the vulnerability of hatchery‐reared abalone to predators, and are likely a major cause of their elevated predator‐induced mortality when outplanted.     

Effects of cadmium on the kinetics of calcium uptake in developing tilapia larvae, Oreochromis mossambicus

The toxic effects of Cd²⁺ on Ca²⁺ influx kinetics in developing tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae were evaluated. Addition of 20 µg l^-1 of Cd²⁺ to the environment of 0 and 3 day-old larvae competitively inhibited the Ca²⁺ uptake within 4h resulting in a great increase in K_m values for Ca²⁺ influx (19.3 and 17.4 fold, respectively) as compared with their respective controls. Consequently, the actual Ca²⁺ influx of larvae in solutions of 0.2 mM Ca²⁺ are suppressed by 32–45%. Also, 3 day-old larvae were more sensitive to internally accumulated Cd²⁺ than 0 day-old larvae. Although the Ca²⁺ influx in 0 and 3 day-old larvae may be restored to the levels of their respective controls with 24h of being transferred to a 20 µg l^-1 Cd²⁺ solution, total body Ca²⁺ content was significantly reduced in 3 day-old larvae. Increased Ca²⁺ uptake efficiency ensures sufficient Ca²⁺ for normal growth. However, rapid increase in Ca²⁺ influx after hatching also leads to higher Cd²⁺ uptake. Exposure to Cd²⁺ will lead to a drop in body Ca²⁺ content resulting in retardation of larval growth. Therefore, we conclude that if Ca²⁺ uptake is interfered with at this critical stage of development, larvae will not be able to maintain normal levels of body Ca²⁺ and will show signs of Cd²⁺ poisoning.     

Migratory dynamics of stream-spawning longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus)

Abstract– Literature evidence suggests that lake-dwelling longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) enter tributary streams to spawn, Until the present study, the dynamics of this breeding migration had never been investigated quantitatively. During the summers of 1991 and 1992, longnose gar were captured as they entered Weaubleau Creek, Missouri, a tributary of Harry S. Truman Reservoir. The in-stream spawning migration began in early April and ended in late May, and was positively correlated with stream flow and water level, and negatively correlated with water temperature. In-stream residence times ranged from 15 to 94 days, with males exhibiting longer residence times than females. Once in-stream, longnose gar travelled as far as 10 km upstream and occupied certain pools at greater relative frequencies. Although the reason for this preferential utilization is not completely understood, it may relate to pool depth and riffle proximity. Longnose gar disperse from the spawning stream great distances, with gar captured in Weaubleau Creek being recaptured up to 48 km away. This information should provide fisheries biologists the means to consider the reproductive ecology of this species in their conservation and management decisions.     

Nutritional regulation of hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The desaturation and elongation of [1-¹⁴C]18:3n-3 was investigated in hepatocytes of the tropical warm freshwater species, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pathway was assayed before and after the fish were fed two experimental diets, a control diet containing fish oil (FO) and a diet containing vegetable oil (VO; a blend of olive, linseed and high oleic acid sunflower oils) for 10 weeks. The VO diet was formulated to provide 1% each of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3, and so satisfy the possible EFA requirements of zebrafish and tilapia. At the end of the dietary trial, the lipid and fatty acid composition was determined in whole zebrafish, and liver, white muscle and brain of tilapia. Both zebrafish and tilapia expressed a hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pattern consistent with them being freshwater and planktonivorous fish. The data also showed that hepatic fatty acid desaturation/elongation was nutritionally regulated with the activities being higher in fish fed the VO diet compared to fish fed the FO diet. In zebrafish, the main effect of the VO diet was increased fatty acid Δ6 desaturase activity resulting in the production of significantly more 18:4n-3 compared to fish fed the FO diet. In tilapia, all activities in the pathway were greater in fish fed the VO diet resulting in increased amounts of all fatty acids in the pathway, but primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3). However, the fatty acid compositional data indicated that despite increased activity, desaturation of 18:3n-3 was insufficient to maintain tissue proportions of EPA and DHA in fish fed the VO diet at the same level as in fish fed the FO diet. Practically, these results indicate that manipulation of tilapia diets in commercial culture in response to the declining global fish oil market would have important consequences for fish fatty acid composition and the health of consumers. Scientifically, zebrafish and tilapia, both the subject of active genome mapping projects, could be useful models for studies of lipid and fatty acid metabolism at a molecular biological and genetic level. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Protein and amino acid composition from the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris exposed to prolonged starvation

Protein and amino acid composition of the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) during fasting for 27 days were determined. Average protein content of octopus mantle was of 711.19 ± 46.80 g kg^?1 DW, and it decreased with increasing fasting days. The non‐essential amino acids content was higher (486.18 ± 11.08 g kg^?1 protein) than essential amino acids (425.82 ± 9.15 g kg^?1 protein) at the start of the experiment (unstarved animals). The results suggest that the amino acid profile of the mantle where the most abundant amino acids are Arg, His, Lys, Gly, Leu and Pro could indicate a prolonged fasting condition (>20 days) or poor nutrition of O . vulgaris. This study supports the idea of using mantle for metabolic needs of starved O . vulgaris suggesting that the degradation pathway of amino acids to pyruvate and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates was favoured contrary to the degradation pathway of ketogenic amino acids. Special considerations should be taken concerning Thr, Ile, Ser, Ala, Asx (Asp, Asn), Glx (Glu, Gln) (because of their fast intake) and Lys and His (due to their stable contents) during a prolonged period of fasting.