3种磺胺类药物在中国对虾(Fenneropenaeus chinensis)体内的药代动力学特征

采用高效液相色谱法研究了3种磺胺类药物在中国对虾体内的药物代谢动力学特征,这3种磺胺类药物包括磺胺二甲嘧啶(SM2)、磺胺嘧啶(SD)及磺胺对甲氧嘧啶(SMD)。实验期间,中国对虾的养殖水温为(24.6±2.4)℃,单次口服3种磺胺类药物的剂量均为100 mg/kg。结果显示,3种磺胺类药物在中国对虾体内的血药经时过程均符合一级吸收二室开放模型,SM2的主要药动学参数T1/2β、AUC、Vd、CL、Tmax、Cmax分别为25.812 h、34.066 mg/L·h、94.553 L/kg、2.608 L/h·kg、2 h、1.07 mg/L;SD的主要药动学参数T1/2β、AUC、Vd、CL、Tmax、Cmax分别为46.446 h、45.39 mg/L·h、97.207 L/kg、1.504 L/h·kg、1 h、1.17 mg/L;SMD的主要药动学参数T1/2β、AUC、Vd、CL、Tmax、Cmax分别为66.296 h、65.917 mg/L·h、40.015 L/kg、0.763 L/h·kg、2 h、2.00 mg/L。结果表明,SMD在中国对虾体内分布比SM2、SD更广泛;中国对虾体内SM2的消除相半衰期最短,SD次之,SMD消除相半衰期最长;3种磺胺类药物在中国对虾体内72 h药物吸收量SMD最高,SD次之,SM2最低;且SMD药物清除率最低,SD次之,SM2药物清除率最高,所以口服3种磺胺类药物72 h中国对虾体内SMD残留最多,SD次之,SM2残留最少。SMD在中国对虾体内药效更加持久,故在不考虑使用成本及毒副作用等其他因素的前提下,比较这3种磺胺类药物的药物代谢动力学特征,更加推荐使用SMD。     

复方磺胺嘧啶口灌给药在拟穴青蟹(Scylla paramamosain)体内药动学和组织分布与消除

研究了水温为(27±1)℃、盐度为10条件下,单剂量(100 mg/kg)口灌给药复方磺胺嘧啶(磺胺嘧啶SD:甲氧苄啶TMP=5:1)后,SD和TMP在拟穴青蟹(Scylla paramamosain)体内的药动学以及在肌肉、肝胰腺和鳃组织中的分布和消除规律.结果显示,拟穴青蟹口灌复方磺胺嘧啶后,血淋巴中SD和TMP药物浓度-时间关系曲线均符合一级吸收二室模型,SD和TMP的峰浓度(Cmax)分别为49.56 mg/L和2.79 mg/L,药时曲线下面积(AUC)分别为1417.6 mg/L.h和82.7 mg/L·h;肝胰腺是SD和TMP峰浓度最高的组织,其Cmax分别为59.36 mg/kg和74.82 mg/kg.由此可见,大量TMP蓄积在肝胰腺中,进入血液循环的TMP很少.在鳃组织中,SD和TMP的Cmax分别为51.89 mg/kg和42.58 mg/kg,消除半衰期分别为23.28 h和25.29 h;鳃组织中药物浓度比较高,且消除速度较快,推测其在药物代谢中承担着消除功能.在肌肉中,SD和TMP的Cmax分别为44.95 mg/kg和10.09 mg/kg,消除半衰期分别为25.09 h和35.08 h.以0.1 mg/kg和0.05 mg/kg分别为SD和TMP的最高残留限量(MRL),95％置信区间,推算SD和TMP在拟穴青蟹肌肉中的理论休药期分别为290.6 h和302.8 h,在肝胰腺中分别为340.4 h和377.0 h.     

噁喹酸在凡纳滨对虾体内药动学和对弧菌的体外药效

采用高效液相色谱法,研究了复方噁喹酸粉药饵投喂在凡纳滨对虾体内药动学和组织中消除规律,同时检测了噁喹酸对对虾源弧菌的最小抑菌浓度(MIC),建立了药动/药效(PK/PD)关系,提出了用药方案和休药期建议。结果显示,复方噁喹酸粉拌饵投喂给药,噁喹酸给药剂量为30 mg/kg(体质量),凡纳滨对虾血浆噁喹酸浓度—时间关系曲线均符合一级吸收二室开放动力学模型。血淋巴中噁喹酸达峰浓度(Cmax)、达峰时间(Tmax)、曲线下面积(AUC0-24)和消除半衰期(t1/2z)分别为14.70 mg/L、2 h、244.6 mg/(L·h)和18.56 h;肌肉、肝胰腺和鳃的峰浓度(Cmax)分别为4.11、17.20和7.01 mg/kg,消除半衰期(t1/2z)分别为10.71、12.31和16.75 h。噁喹酸对132株弧菌的MIC主要分布在0.15~1.25μg/m L,MIC50和MIC90分别为0.62和1.25μg/m L。PK/PD相互关系参数Cmax/MIC90和AUC0-24/MIC90分别为11.76和195.7。研究表明,噁喹酸以30 mg/(kg体质量)剂量药饵给药,凡纳滨对虾能很好地吸收噁喹酸,可以有效地防治弧菌引起的细菌性疾病。     

磺胺甲基异(口恶)唑在中国明对虾体内的药代动力学研究

采用高效液相色谱法为定性、定量手段,研究了19℃下单次肌注给药后磺胺甲基异(口恶)唑在健康中国明对虾体内的代谢规律。给药后血淋巴内的药物浓度即达到峰值,此后迅速下降;肝胰腺内药物浓度较低,给药2小时后达到最高浓度(4.97μg/ml),此后迅速下降,至48小时不能检出。采用MCP-KP自动化药动学分析程序对数据进行分析,结果表明,中国明对虾单次肌肉注射磺胺甲基异曝唑后(50mg/kg),血药经时过程符合一级吸收二室开放模型。主要动力学参数如下:吸收半衰期(t1/2α)为0.41小时,消除半衰期(t1/2β)为10.87小时,药时曲线下面积(AUC)为64.51mg/L.小时,表观分布容积(vd)为12.21L/kg,总体清除率(CL)为780.05ml/kg/小时。结果表明,磺胺甲基异(口哑)唑在中国明对虾体内分布较广、代谢较快。     

2种水温条件下罗非鱼体内氟苯尼考的药物动力学比较

采用药饵给药，药物剂量为10mg·kg^-1，比较研究了22和28℃水温条件下奥尼罗非鱼（Oreochromis niloticus×O．aureus）体内氟苯尼考的药物动力学。结果得出，22℃组和28℃组罗非鱼血浆的峰药浓度（Cmax）分别为4．46和3．90μg·mL^-1，达峰时间（Tmax）均为12h，消除半衰期（T1/2β）分别为10．03和8．12h，药-时曲线下面积（AUC）分别为86．68和72．44h·μg·mL^-1。相应条件下的肌肉Cmax分别为6．88和4．59μg·g^-1，Tmax均为12h，T1／2β分别为10．97和8．03h，AUC分别为112．71和73．66h·μg·g^-1。低温组罗非鱼血浆和肌肉中药物的T1／2β均长于高温组，前者分别比后者长1．91和2．96h，表明低温组罗非鱼体内药物的消除速度慢于高温组。虽然2个水温组血浆和肌肉中药物的Tmax相同，但低温组血浆、肌肉的Cmax和AUC均明显高于高温组，表明低温组罗非鱼吸收利用药物程度高于高温组。     

氟苯尼考在猪体内混饲给药药动学研究

选取保育舍25日龄仔猪6头,一次性混饲给药66mg/kg氟苯尼考后,进行药物代谢动力学研究,所得数据经PKS药动学分析软件进行处理。结果表明:混饲给药氟苯尼考后,血药浓度与时间关系均符合二室开放模型,其主要药代动力学参数如下:T1/2β为(25.54±6.66)h,CL/F为(3.87×10-3±9.98×10-5)L/(kg.h),Vd/f为(1.4206±0.3349)L/kg,AUC为(230.878±5.955)mg/(h.L),LagTime为(0.1777±0.2514)h,Tmax为(1.3828±0.6463)h,Cmax为(7.4419±0.1207)μg/mL。从以上参数可以看出,保育舍仔猪一次性混饲给药后,氟苯尼考仍表现出吸收迅速、广泛和消除较慢的特点,与直接口灌给药方式比较,混饲给药的最高血药浓度较低,但消除半衰期明显延长,二者的生物利用度相当。     

伊维菌素在鲫体内的药代动力学

以0.4 mg/kg的给药剂量进行口灌和肌肉注射给药,研究伊维菌素(IVM)在鲫体内的药代动力学。两种给药方式下,鲫组织中的IVM药—时曲线大都呈现多峰现象。肌肉注射给药后,药动学统计矩参数为Cmax=0.445 mg/L、Tmax=48 h、t1/2z=524.2 h、MRT(0-∞)=788 h、AUC(0-∞)=289.2(mg/L).h;口灌给药后,药动学统计矩参数为Cmax=0.264 mg/L、Tmax=8 h、t1/2z=153.9h、MRT(0-∞)=269.78 h、AUC(0-∞)=83.77(mg/L).h。两种给药方式相比,口灌组鲫对药物的吸收和清除均较快,而肌肉注射组鲫各组织中的药物浓度高,AUC值也较大。两种给药方式下,IVM在鲫各组织中AUC(0-600)值呈现相同的排列顺序,由大到小分别为性腺、血液、肾脏、肝胰脏、肌肉。IVM在鲫性腺和肾脏中均具有一定的蓄积作用,其主要表现为药物浓度高,MRT值大,且清除率低于血药的清除率,其中卵巢的积蓄作用最为明显。25℃的水温条件下,肌肉注射给药后,鲫休药期应不低于25 d;口灌给药后,鲫的休药期应不低于15 d。休药期与水温条件和给药剂量有关,因此在养殖生产过程中的休药期要根据实际情况适当调整。     

恩诺沙星及其代谢产物在中华绒螯蟹血淋巴中的比较药代动力学

研究了不同水温(16℃、25℃)、不同给药剂量(10 mg/kg、20 mg/kg)和不同给药方式(肌注、口灌)等条件下,恩诺沙星及其代谢产物环丙沙星在中华绒螯蟹体内的药代动力学,比较了不同条件下药物在蟹血淋巴中的吸收、分布和代谢的差异。结果表明,恩诺沙星在蟹血淋巴中的药-时数据符合开放式二室模型。16℃时以10 mg/kg剂量肌注给药后,恩诺沙星在蟹血淋巴的主要药代动力学参数为:AUC96.818 mg/(L.h),Cmax6.54μg/mL,t1/2α0.851 h,t1/2β95.415 h;25℃时以10 mg/kg剂量肌注给药后,恩诺沙星的主要药代动力学参数为:AUC168.457 mg/(L.h),Cmax7.12μg/mL,t1/2α0.58h,t1/2β88.833 h;25℃时以20 mg/kg剂量肌注给药后,恩诺沙星的主要药代动力学参数为:AUC155.612 mg/(L.h),Cmax11.045μg/mL,t1/2α5.239h,t1/2β88.378 h;25℃时以10 mg/kg剂量口灌给药后,恩诺沙星的主要药代动力学参数为:AUC86.525 mg/(L.h),Cmax3.469μg/mL,t1/2α8.071h,t1/2β61.842 h。不同条件下,恩诺沙星在蟹血淋巴中的主要药代动力学参数差异较大。恩诺沙星的活性代谢产物环丙沙星在各种给药条件下的蟹血淋巴中均能检出,但含量均处于较低值,且药-时数据不能用房室模型拟合,表明恩诺沙星在蟹体内只有极少部分代谢为环丙沙星。     

磺胺邻二甲氧嘧啶在牙鲆体内的代谢动力学

采用超高效液相色谱法（UPLC）测定磺胺邻二甲氧嘧啶（Sulfadinoxine,SDM’）在牙鲆Paralichthy solivaceus血浆、肌肉和肝脏中浓度随时间的变化,通过DAS2．0版药物代谢动力学软件研究了SDM,在牙鲆体内的药代动力学。研究结果表明,以200mg/kg的剂量进行单次口灌,SDM,在血浆、肌肉和肝脏中的代谢过程均符合二室模型,药一时曲线呈现单峰变化;达到Cmax的时间分别是24、24、8h,Cmax分别是158．09、43．04和6．71mg/kg;消除半衰期分别为48．9、501．5和116．1h。SDM’在牙鲆体内消除较慢,残留时间较长。     

诺贝脂质体注射液在猪体内的药代动力学研究

以反相高效液相色谱法为定量手段,研究了诺贝脂质体注射液给猪单剂量用药后的药物代谢动力学规律,药物由甲醇二氯甲烷混合提取液提取,采用C5柱为固定相,以甲醇-乙氰-乙酸钠为流动相,可变波长检测,诺贝脂质体注射液三组分主要的药代动力学参数为:泰乐菌素:Ka=1.263±0.004h-1;T1/2(α)=0.548±0.02h;Tmax=1.76±0.309h;Cmax=1.614±0.53ug/ml;AUC=26.282±4.96h.ug/ml;Vd=583.88±47.1L/kg;T1/2(β)=9.962±0.53h。双氢链霉素:Ka=2.873±0.55h-1;T1/2(β)=10.39±1.67h;Tmax=3.520±0.715h;Cmax=44.85±6.29ug/ml;AUC=312.08±91.06h.ug/ml。泼尼松:Tmax=1.675±0.096h;Cmax=0.261±0.085ug/ml;AUC=1.253±0.33h.ug/ml;T1/2(β)=1.672±0.202h。     

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.     

Production of diatom–bacteria biofilm isolated from Seriola lalandi cultures for aquaculture application

Controlled incorporation of selected microalgae and bacteria in aquaculture systems can be beneficial because they can act as microbiological control. That is why the characteristics of biofilm generated naturally in Seriola lalandi culture cages were analysed, their potential benefit to the growth of larvae was studied, and their controlled use for improving the larval viability and as a vector to improve incorporation of previously studied probiotic bacteria was tested. According to biodiversity results, these biofilms are composed of a diatom–bacteria mix showing a decrease in biodiversity in laboratory culture conditions being dominated by Navicula phyllepta and bacteria of the family Rhodobacteraceae. This can be produced on mesh substrates incorporated in bioreactors with rapid growth rate and adhesiveness. Preliminary results from the addition of substrates with this specific biofilm in larvae culture systems showed that it is consumed by the larvae without negative effects, while positive effects on the viability of larvae in combination with probiotics were observed. Considering preliminary results, the addition of these specific substrates with diatom–bacteria biofilms could be a good improvement for aquaculture systems and together with the use of probiotics can contribute to maintaining a stable and controlled system improving the viability of the larval fish culture in its early stages.