“黄海1号”中国明对虾抗逆性状SRAP标记

采用序列相关扩增多态性(sequence-related amplified polymorphism,SRAP)分子标记技术,结合分群分析法(bulk segregate analysis,BSA)对中国明对虾(Fenneropenaeus chinensis)高氨氮和高pH胁迫敏感组和耐受组进行分析研究,筛选出与高氨氮或高pH耐受性相关的遗传标记.应用110对SRAP引物进行筛选研究,根据在BSA基因池产生的差异,筛选出与高氨氮耐受相关引物77对,与高pH耐受相关引物102对,以用于验证分析.根据片段在群体中出现频率和变化规律,筛选出6个可能与高氨氮耐受性相关的分子遗传标记,其中耐受高氨氮负相关标记1个,正相关标记5个;7个可能与高pH耐受性相关的分子遗传标记,其中耐受高pH负相关标记2个,正相关标记5个.对获得的13个序列片段进行回收,连接于pMD-18T载体后转化于大肠杆菌TOP10感受态细胞,进行了克隆和测序.将测序结果进行了BLAST分析比对,发现测得片段序列与数据库中序列同源性较低(一般都低于15％),未找到与之同源性较高的功能基因,推论这些特异性序列片段标记可能与高氨氮或高pH耐受性性状密切相关,后续群体验证工作正在进行,以期筛选出与中国明对虾抗逆性状密切相关的序列特征性片段扩增区域(sequence characterized amplified region,SCAR)分子标记,为分子标记辅助育种提供技术支持.     

对虾抗病性状遗传标记的RAPD分析

对人工选育的第3代中国对虾和选育的第1代凡纳对虾进行个体人工感染WSSV后，选取感染WSSV十余天但仍健康的对虾为实验材料，用220个随机引物进行RAPD分析，得到抗病性状相关的特异性遗传标记99个。其中中国对虾抗病组特异性片段出现了18个，片段大小在460－2305bp之间；凡纳对虾抗病组特异性片段产生81个，片段大小在435－2287bp。77个引物在两种对虾的抗病组扩增出特异性遗传标记，其中有4个引物各获得了三个特异性片段，有13个引物各获得了两个特异性片段，其余61个引物各获得了1个特异性片段。     

中国对虾生长性状相关遗传标记的筛选与克隆

采用随机扩增多态性DNA(RAPD)技术,对中国对虾“黄海1号”快速生长的第6代群体同一养殖池中生长性状发生分离的两个极端群体、海捕的中国对虾对照群体,进行生长相关遗传标记的筛选。采用240个RAPD引物,共产生标记数2156个。筛选出与生长性状相关的遗传标记65个,其中正相关标记55个,负相关标记10个。依据这些标记在群体中出现的频率和变化规律,筛选出9个特异性标记,其中正相关标记7个,负相关标记两个。对这些特异性标记进行序列测定,获得了6个完整的DNA序列(Genebank注册号DQ185932-DQ185937),并将测序结果进行BLAST分析,发现测得DNA的序列与数据库中已注册序列的相似性较低,未能找到同源性较高的功能基因。根据每一序列重新设计引物,已有两个RAPD标记成功转化为稳定的SCAR标记。     

中国明对虾主要过敏原基因分子克隆与序列分析

就中国明对虾主要过敏原原肌球蛋白基因进行了分子克隆与序列分析.从中国明对虾肌肉中提取总RNA,反转录合成第一链cDNA;根据原肌球蛋白cDNA的保守序列设计引物并进行PCR扩增,最后测序获得了中国明对虾原肌球蛋白的cDNA序列(GenBank accession:GU233303).该cDNA 序列含有长855nt的完...     

中国明对虾抗菌肽基因应答WSSV侵染的表达及其SNP分析

通过白斑综合征病毒(WSSV)感染实验,利用实时定量PCR技术研究了中国明对虾(Fenneropenaeus chinensis)应答病毒侵染后,已知的3种抗菌肽(对虾肽)在肝胰腺、肌肉、肠和鳃4种组织中的差异表达情况.结果显示,虽然3种抗菌肽表现出明显的组织表达特异性,即在不同组织中的表达趋势和表达丰富度存在明显的差异,但是就同一个组织而言,3种抗菌肽在1～120 h WSSV侵染区间内的表达趋势基本一致,在0 h(未侵染病毒)时,3种抗菌肽的表达量极低(为0);在6～24 h期间,检测到明显的表达量;48～120 h期间,3种抗菌肽的表达量总体呈现下降的趋势.这暗示3种抗菌肽在对虾机体内可能具有相似的生物学功能.在此基础上,本研究对各类型中国明对虾抗菌肽的SNP位点进行了筛选,进一步对不同SNP类型与抗WSSV或易感WSSV的关联程度进行了分析,结果显示3种抗菌肽基因的SNP位点很少,且在抗性和易感对虾群体内不存在明显的偏向分布.     

罗氏沼虾白斑综合征病毒囊膜蛋白VP28基因的克隆及分析

根据已公布的罗氏沼虾白斑综合征病毒(WSSV)囊膜蛋白VP28基因序列设计一对特异性引物,从疑似患白斑病毒病的罗氏沼虾(Macrobrachium rosenbergii)中提取总DNA,并以此为模板,经PCR扩增、克隆并测序后将该片段通过GenBank比对,证实为WSSV的VP28基因;与20个已公布的WSSV VP28进行同源性比较,结果显示:从中国对虾、斑节对虾、南美白对虾、日本对虾、波纹龙虾提取的病毒株聚为一类,印度对虾WSSV VP28为另一类,罗氏沼虾WSSV VP28又单独为一类。根据测序结果推测VP28蛋白的二级结构在氨基酸的7～29区间可能为跨膜螺旋区,且该区域高度保守。     

中国明对虾WSSV携带量、生长和抗WSSV育种值的相关性分析

为评估中国明对虾生长及抗WSSV能力与中国明对虾WSSV携带量之间的相关性,实验对130个中国明对虾家系进行生长及抗WSSV性能测试,对收集到的中国明对虾生长和抗病数据,输入“水产动物育种分析与管理系统”数据库,利用综合选择指数法估计中国明对虾各个家系的育种值。根据分析结果,选择出生长育种值最大的5个家系和最小的5个家系、抗WSSV育种值最大的5个家系和最小的5个家系,分别检测上述20个家系的亲虾、养殖50 d及170 d中国明对虾的WSSV携带量。结果显示,亲虾、50 d中国明对虾及170 d中国明对虾的WSSV携带量分别为0.190 8、0.286 6和0.232 9 copies/ng DNA,三者之间差异均不显著。亲虾、50 d中国明对虾和170 d中国明对虾的WSSV携带量与中国明对虾的生长育种值相关系数分别为 0.021、0.363和0.185,亲虾、50 d中国明对虾和170 d中国明对虾的WSSV携带量与抗WSSV育种值相关系数分别为0.033、0.048和0.019。研究表明,中国明对虾的生长育种值和抗WSSV育种值与中国明对虾体内的WSSV携带量均无显著的相关性。     

近交对中国明对虾生长、存活及抗逆性的影响

以"中国对虾遗传育种中心"2个近交家系为基础培育近交群体,近交系数为0375;以"中国对虾遗传育种中心"选育的核心群体做对照群体.将实验对虾养殖60 d,每隔20 d测量体长与体质量.通过体长、体质量、存活率、耐盐力、耐温力和抗白斑综合症病毒(WSSV)感染能力6个指标来评价近交对中国明对虾生长、存活和抗逆性的影响.方差分析表明,近交群体和对照群体在体长、体质量和存活率这3个性状上差异显著(P＜0.05),近交衰退系数分别为-4.027 0%、-7.300 0%、-5.803 3%;而近交群体和对照群体在耐盐力、耐温力和抗WSSV感染能力3个抗逆性状上差异不显著(P＞0.05),近交衰退系数分别为0.084 1%、-0.739 4%、1.911 0%.研究结果表明,近交使中国明对虾生长、存活等性状产生显著的衰退,而对抗逆性这-性状没有显著影响.     

中国明对虾低温下显著上调表达抗凋亡与免疫相关类基因的筛选分析

为了筛选出中国明对虾(Fenneropenaeus chinensis)低温下显著上调表达的基因,揭示中国明对虾耐低温分子调控机制.利用DEseq2方法对3种类型中国明对虾常温和低温转录组进行差异表达基因(differential expression genes,DEG)检测,筛选出6条低温下显著上调表达的抗凋亡与免疫相关类基因.并运用生物信息学的分析方法,分析这些基因的表达产物,功能性状,以及低温上调表达的原因.研究结果显示,6条中国明对虾低温上调表达基因的编码产物包括:发挥分子伴侣作用的HSP70、HSP20、DEAD-box RNA解旋酶,发挥抗凋亡作用的Pim-1激酶和富甘氨酸蛋白以及发挥免疫作用的丝氨酸蛋白酶.本研究筛选并鉴定了中国明对虾耐低温相关基因,揭示了其耐低温胁迫下分子调控机制,以期为中国明对虾耐低温品系育种工作的改良提供参考.     

WSSV感染对中国明对虾bantam及其候选靶基因的影响

Bantam能够调控细胞增殖、细胞凋亡等过程,影响生物的免疫过程。本研究利用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)技术对感染WSSV的中国明对虾(Fenneropenaeus chinensis)肝胰腺和鳃组织内bantam表达水平进行检测,发现感染WSSV后6、12、24和48 h,中国明对虾肝胰腺中的bantam表达水平分别是对照组的(0.16±0.03)(P<0.05)、(0.63±0.26)、(0.32±0.06)(P<0.05)和(0.41±0.13)倍;中国明对虾鳃中的bantam表达水平分别是对照组的(0.30±0.17)(P<0.05)、(1.88±0.26)(P<0.01)、(0.84±0.36)和(0.51±0.25)倍。利用miRanda软件进一步对中国明对虾bantam靶基因进行预测分析,评分最高的靶基因是泛素缀合酶E2。中国明对虾泛素缀合酶E2包含UBCc功能域。多序列比对显示,UBCc功能域氨基酸残基序列在不同物种间保守性较高。进化树分析显示,分类学地位相近的物种的泛素缀合酶E2聚为一类。qRT-PCR检测感染WSSV的中国明对虾肝胰腺和鳃中的泛素缀合酶E2表达水平,结果显示,在感染WSSV后6、12、24和48 h,中国明对虾肝胰腺中泛素缀合酶E2的表达水平分别是对照组的(0.54±0.10)、(1.19±0.62)、(3.69±0.51) (P<0.01)和(1.94±0.07)(P<0.05)倍;中国明对虾鳃中泛素缀合酶E2的表达水平分别是对照组的(0.22±0.05)、(1.34±0.38)、(4.29±0.52)(P<0.01)和(1.28±0.79)倍。研究表明,bantam和泛素缀合酶E2的表达都受WSSV侵染的影响,可能与中国明对虾和WSSV之间的互作相关。但bantam和泛素缀合酶E2表达水平的变化是对虾抵抗WSSV侵染过程的免疫反应,还是宿主基因被病毒胁迫后的结果,需要进一步验证。     

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.     

Rare serotype occurrence and PFGE genotypic diversity of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from tilapia in China

Previously, we reported 10 PEGE types of 85 tilapia Streptococcus agalactiae(GBS), which shifted from Streptococcus iniae in China, by using PEGE method. Presently, larger and more representative tilapia GBS were isolated, for the ?rst time in China, to characterize their serotypes and genetic diversities more precisely than had done before. 168 GBS strains were distributed in ?ve provinces of China, in which Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan were the major ones, holding36.9%(62/168), 37.5%(63/168) and 19.6%(33/168), respectively. Serotypes, Ia, Ib and III, were observed in these strains and the most predominant one was Ia(95.2%), which mainly distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan. Ia initially occurred in 2009, it shoot up to 32.1% in 2010,but decreased to 16.1% in 2011 before went up to 45.2% in 2012. Ib sporadically occurred during2007–2011, III onlyoccurred in 2012. 14 different PFGE types, including 4 new types(N, O,P and Q), were observed, in which B, D, F and G were the predominant types, holding 83.9%(141/168) of the total GBS strains. Ia corresponded to 11 PFGE types(A–H, N–P), in which type D predominated(51%). Ib represented 3 genotypes(I, J and Q) and III harbored only 2genotypes(N and F). Type N and Fsynchronously presented in Ia and III. In summary, the genetic diversity of tilapia GBS varied by serotypes and changed with geographical locations and years.Although Iastillpredominated, new rareserotypeIII alreadyoccurred in China.     

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.     

Purification and partial characterization of GtHs (cfLH and cfFSH) from Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) (L.) and development of a homologous ELISA for cfLH

Two gonadotropins (GtH; Qa and Qb) were purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography from the pituitaries of Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus). The presence of GtH during purification was assessed by in vitro oocyte maturation and in vivo steroidogenic activity, and their identities were determined by elution profiles, molecular weight, biological activities and yield. The molecular weights of Qa and Qb were 37 and 42 kDa, respectively, and composed of distinct subunits (Qa: 20 and 14 kDa and Qb: 26 and 18 kDa). Polyclonal antibodies raised against Qa immunostained Qa, Qb and pituitary GtH cells. A competitive Qa‐ELISA was developed whose sensitivity was 6.25 ng mL^?1 (1.25 ng well^?1) with intra‐ (3.5%) and inter‐ (12.4%) assay coefficients of variation. Displacement curves parallel to the standard were obtained with plasma and pituitary extracts of catfish, Qb and carp GtHII. The assay was validated by measuring the plasma Qa levels after LHRH treatment and in relation to ovarian growth in the female catfish during different reproductive phases. Based on the results, Qa and Qb corresponded to fish LH and FSH respectively. The findings will increase the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling fish reproduction and identification of sensitive phases in fish in captivity for hormonal manipulation.     

Controlled infection of Poecilia reticulata Peters (guppy) with Tetrahymena by immersion and intraperitoneal injection

Tetrahymena is a protozoan parasite, which infects guppy, Poecilia reticulata Peters, and causes substantial economical losses in commercial farms worldwide. Studies of guppy infected by Tetrahymena require standardized infection protocols. The LD50 for Tetrahymena infection of guppies by intraperitoneal (IP) injection was calibrated, and the level obtained was 946 parasites per fish. Guppy infection with Tetrahymena by immersion, imitating the natural route of infection via the integument, was studied under normal or stress conditions. Exposure to cold and netting (CNI) and to cold only (CI) followed by immersion exposure to 10 000 Tetrahymena per mL resulted in 22.5% and 19.2% mortality, respectively, as compared to 14.2% and 10% in groups that were netted only (NI) or non‐stressed (I). Histopathology revealed that immersion infection resulted in a systemic infection. Lysozyme levels, measured 3 weeks after infection, were significantly higher in the CNI group (288 μg per mg protein) compared with CI‐, NI‐ and I‐treated groups (94.5, 64 and 62.3 μg mg^?1, respectively). There was no evident parasite immobilization activity in body homogenates, suggesting no development of acquired immunity. Re‐infection by IP injection revealed no increase in protection in any of the treatment groups, mortality range of 56.3–75%, higher than in the non‐exposed control (40.6% mortality).     

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.     

Imported ornamental fish are colonized with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria

There has been growing concern about the overuse of antibiotics in the ornamental fish industry and its possible effect on the increasing drug resistance in both commensal and pathogenic organisms in these fish. The aim of this study was to carry out an assessment of the diversity of bacteria, including pathogens, in ornamental fish species imported into North America and to assess their antibiotic resistance. Kidney samples were collected from 32 freshwater ornamental fish of various species, which arrived to an importing facility in Portland, Oregon from Colombia, Singapore and Florida. Sixty‐four unique bacterial colonies were isolated and identified by PCR using bacterial 16S primers and DNA sequencing. Multiple isolates were identified as bacteria with potential to cause disease in both fish and humans. The antibiotic resistance profile of each isolate was performed for nine different antibiotics. Among them, cefotaxime (16% resistance among isolates) was the antibiotic associated with more activity, while the least active was tetracycline (77% resistant). Knowing information about the diversity of bacteria in imported ornamental fish, as well as the resistance profiles for the bacteria will be useful in more effectively treating clinical infected fish, and also potential zoonoses in the future.     

Effect of iodophor disinfection of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs on their bacterial and fungus load

This study investigated the efficiency of iodophor disinfection (135 ppm active iodine for 15–30 min) of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs against different groups of bacteria and against fungus. Egg samples were taken from non‐disinfected and from disinfected eggs, microorganisms were cultured on specific nutrient media and their mass was measured by turbidimetric methods. Bacteria and fungus mass of non‐hardened eggs could be reduced but not eliminated by iodophor disinfection with 135 ppm active iodine for 15 min. The extent of reduction was 47–65% (Experiment 1). The efficiency of disinfection increased with disinfection time as the reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was 40–55% after 15 min and 58–74% after 30 min (Experiment 2). Disinfection efficiency of iodophor solution diluted in water (reduction 49–57%) and of iodophor solution diluted in sodium chloride solution iso‐osmolar to the oocytes (reduction 52–61%) was similar (Experiment 3). The reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was persistent as it was 39–72% lower in embryos deriving from disinfected eggs than in embryos deriving from non‐disinfected ones (Experiment 4). In conclusion, the tested disinfection method is inadequate to eliminate pathogens completely but it could positively influence immune defence of eggs and embryos.     

Influence of the antibacterial herbs, Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia on the survival, growth and bacterial load of Penaeus monodon post larvae

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and chemicals in shrimp hatcheries has led to biomagnification and that in turn could lead to rejection of a whole consignment. The application of the bioencapsulation technique as a tool for curative treatment in shrimp larvae was investigated. Herbs having antibacterial properties such as Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia (methanolic extracts) were bioencapsulated in Artemia and fed to Penaeus monodon post larvae PL 1–25. The post larvae were reared in a medium inoculated with pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio sp. Post larvae reared in the non-inoculated water and fed with non-enriched Artemia exhibited 90% survival, highest specific growth rate (12.43%) and reduced bacterial load. P. monodon reared in the bacterial inoculated water and fed with the non-enriched Artemia exhibited the lowest survival (10–30%), specific growth rate (8.42–9.1%) and increased bacterial load (2.86 × 10³ to 3.76 × 10⁵ cfu/g). The methanolic extracts of the herbs helped to increase survival and specific growth rate and reduced bacterial load in the P. monodon culture system. Among the three herbal extracts, P. corylifolia enriched Artemia fed post larvae showed the tendency to higher survival (>50%), growth rate (11.5 averaged) and low bacterial load (1.12 × 10⁵ cfu/g). This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

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.