基于长片段PCR扩增的牡蛎疱疹病毒基因组高通量测序

为获取2001年低温冻存栉孔扇贝感染牡蛎疱疹病毒(Os HV-1)变异株(ZK2001)基因组序列,并分析ZK2001与其他Os HV-1变异株的序列差异和系统发育关系,利用基于长片段PCR的基因组DNA的扩增和富集技术,获取2001年栉孔扇贝感染Os HV-1变异株的基因组DNA;再使用Illumina Hiseq 2500 PE250高通量测序平台对其测序。最后分析ZK2001与Os HV-1其他变异株基因组的序列差异和系统发育关系。测序数据组装后获得8个Scaffold。基因组变异分析结果显示,ZK2001与参考基因组相比存在328个SNP位点,SNP和序列插入/缺失变异是导致Os HV-1基因组序列变异的主要变异类型。系统发育分析结果显示,ZK2001变异株与分离自我国的Os HV-1变异株亲缘关系最近,与分离自欧洲的Os HV-1μvar及其相关变异株的亲缘关系最远,说明中国和欧洲分布Os HV-1间存在因地理隔离导致的遗传分化。研究表明,基于长片段PCR的DNA富集技术,可以有效地扩增和富集冷冻样本中Os HV-1基因组DNA,并应用于高通量测序。Os HV-1不同变异株基因组序列数据的获取和积累,将为其基因组尺度的基因变异、株系演化和系统发育关系等研究提供重要基础。     

牡蛎疱疹病毒对魁蚶的致病性

为探明牡蛎疱疹病毒(Os HV-1)对魁蚶的致病性,本研究使用发病魁蚶组织制作病毒悬液进行感染实验。感染实验分为空白组、阴性悬液注射组和病毒悬液注射组,并使用实时定量PCR法对感染后魁蚶体内病毒的时空分布进行检测。实验结果显示,空白组和阴性悬液组魁蚶感染后未检测到病毒粒子,病毒悬液注射组魁蚶经人工感染后,各部位病毒含量均呈先上升再下降随后又上升的趋势,最终达到106拷贝/ng DNA左右。通过电镜观察,在感染魁蚶的鳃、肝胰腺、外套膜中出现染色质边缘化甚至消失,细胞核肿胀、溶解,核仁消失,核膜扩张、不清晰,线粒体肿大,脊崩解,核糖体脱落等一系列细胞病理变化。在其细胞核和细胞质中均能发现大量直径为90~110 nm球形病毒粒子,该病毒粒子具囊膜,囊膜内可见均匀高电子密度的核衣壳,与自然发病魁蚶负染电镜中的病毒粒子形态相同。研究结果表明,Os HV-1可以感染魁蚶并与魁蚶大规模死亡有直接相关关系;魁蚶感染Os HV-1后机体产生应激反应,对Os HV-1有一定抑制作用,但其作用机制还有待进一步实验验证。     

牡蛎疱疹病毒(OsHV-1)研究进展

牡蛎疱疹病毒(ostreid herpesvirus-1,OsHV-1)是引起多种双壳贝类特别是牡蛎大规模死亡的致死性病毒,在世界范围内广泛流行,主要危害牡蛎、扇贝、菲律宾蛤仔及魁蚶等种类,对贝类养殖业造成重大的损害。在我国,也存在2个对贝类危害较大的OsHV-1变异株。文章综述了OsHV-1的分类与命名、病毒形态学、理化性质、基因组、遗传多样性及病毒的检测方法。     

一种基于Ⅱ型鲤疱疹病毒衣壳蛋白72的免疫学检测方法

Ⅱ型鲤疱疹病毒(cyprinid herpesvirus 2,Cy HV-2)是引起养殖异育银鲫(Carassius auratus gibelio)造血器官坏死症的致病病原。在临床筛查中基于病毒核酸的PCR和real time PCR技术已经建立,但是稳定性更强的免疫学诊断技术国内外尚无报道。本研究目的是利用Cy HV-2编码的ORF72基因(Gen Bank登录号:AFJ20502.1)所编码的衣壳蛋白作为捕获抗原,通过识别感染病毒的鱼体中的相应抗体,从而对样本进行临床免疫学检测。首先采用PCR方法从纯化的Cy HV-2基因组中扩增ORF72基因,并把该基因克隆至原核表达载体PGEX-4T-3,并转化到大肠杆菌中诱导表达,诱导表达的产物通过SDS-PAGE进行鉴定,对表达的重组蛋白进行纯化。用已纯化的72重组蛋白对小鼠进行免疫,制得72重组蛋白的抗体。Western blot检测表明所制备的多克隆抗体既能识别原核表达的重组蛋白,也可以识别Cy HV-2病毒粒子上的衣壳蛋白72。在上述基础上建立了基于Western blot技术的Cy HV-2抗体检测技术:用纯化的72重组蛋白作为检测抗原,鲫鱼血清用作一抗,兔抗鲫Ig M多克隆抗体作为二抗,酶标羊抗兔作为三抗鉴定鲫鱼是否存在Cy HV-2特异性抗体。在对急性感染期的临床样本检测中,本方法能在所有样本中检测出ORF72特异性抗体存在,表明72重组蛋白作为相应抗体捕获原可以用于确诊鲫鱼是否感染Cy HV-2。本研究建立的实验室免疫学检测方法为商品化免疫学检测技术的开发奠定了基础,对Cy HV-2的检验检疫具有一定的临床应用价值。     

牡蛎疱疹病毒(OsHV-1)间接原位杂交PCR检测方法的建立与初步应用

为建立实现牡蛎疱疹病毒(OsHV-1)在贝类宿主组织中的精确定位方法,基于原位杂交PCR (ISPCR)技术建立了OsHV-1的间接原位杂交PCR (indirect ISPCR)检测方法,并利用该方法对OsHV-1在魁蚶主要器官的分布情况进行了检测和分析。首先选择适合原位杂交PCR的引物,在载玻片上实现对原位固定靶组织内病毒DNA的稳定、特异扩增,然后与使用相同引物制作的地高辛标记核酸探针进行原位杂交,最后通过免疫酶标技术显示样本内OsHV-1的组织分布。为了达到最佳检测效果,对间接ISPCR的扩增循环数以及组织消化的蛋白酶K浓度进行优化。结果显示,最适PCR扩增循环数为20,蛋白酶K浓度为20μg/mL。利用经优化的间接ISPCR检测方法,对OsHV-1在魁蚶外套膜、鳃、肝胰腺、斧足和闭壳肌5个样本中的组织分布情况和亲嗜性进行检测和分析。病毒阳性信号主要分布于魁蚶外套膜结缔组织中浸润的血细胞和成纤维细胞、肝胰腺和鳃浸润的血细胞、斧足和闭壳肌中坏死肌肉细胞的细胞核中。本研究建立的间接ISPCR检测方法具有灵敏、特异和精确定位的优点,通过组织切片上显示的病毒核酸阳性信号,能判别OsHV-1在不同组织部位的分布特点和受感染的细胞类型;适用于OsHV-1感染的确诊、病毒对不同组织器官的亲嗜性、病毒侵染途径和致病机理等相关研究。     

大口黑鲈溃疡综合征病毒MCP基因序列分析及PCR快速检测方法的建立

为了早期快速诊断近年来流行于广东省养殖大口黑鲈(Micropterussalmoides)中的病毒性溃疡综合征,本研究用基因组步移的方法获得了大口黑鲈溃疡综合征病毒(Largemouthbassulcerativesyndromevirus,LBUSV)主要衣壳蛋白(MCP)基因,该基因编码区全长1392bp。通过序列比较分析,在MCP基因内确定了一段241bp的特异性较强的片段作为靶序列,设计并合成引物,经过优化PCR反应条件,建立了可以快速检测大口黑鲈溃疡综合征病毒的PCR方法。实验表明,在PCR进行到30个循环反应时可以检测到的质粒最小浓度是104拷贝数/μL,相当于104个病毒粒子。利用该方法,从天然感染LBUSV的大口黑鲈脾脏组织DNA可扩增出241bp的片段,而健康大口黑鲈和感染了传染性脾肾坏死病毒样病毒的大口黑鲈脾脏组织则没有扩增条带。本研究建立的PCR检测方法具有检测快速、成本低、准确性高的特点,适用于大范围早期病害诊断的推广应用。     

鲤疱疹病毒2型和3型三重PCR检测方法的建立与应用

鲤疱疹病毒2型和3型主要感染鲫(金)鱼(Carassius auratus)、鲤鱼(Cyprinus carpio)和锦鲤(Cyprinus carpio haematopterus)及其杂交种,具有高度的传染性和致病性,对养殖鲤科鱼类危害严重。为了建立快捷、高效且能同时检测这2种类型鲤疱疹病毒的检测技术,本研究根据鲤疱疹病毒的DNA聚合酶基因(2、3型)、解旋酶基因(2型)和胸苷激酶基因(3型)的保守序列,设计了3对特异性引物,通过对三重PCR的反应条件进行优化,建立起鲤疱疹病毒2型和3型三重PCR检测方法,并运用该方法对实验室保存的鲫鱼和鲤鱼组织样品进行检测。结果显示,该三重PCR检测方法仅在鲤疱疹病毒阳性样品中扩增出3条特异性条带,表现出良好的特异性;以克隆的目的基因质粒为模板,进行10倍梯度稀释,该检测方法能检出的极限值为2.85×102 copies/μL,表现出较高的灵敏性;运用该方法检测122份鲫鱼和60份鲤鱼样品,其结果与运用国家标准(GB/T 36194-2018)和行业标准(SC/T 7212.1-2011)方法检测的结果一致。本研究表明,构建的三重PCR检测方法不仅具有较高的准确性和灵敏度,还能同时检测2种类型的鲤疱疹病毒,有效提高检测效率。     

鲤疱疹病毒Ⅱ型的理化及生物学特性和超微形态发生

为了查明鲤疱疹病毒Ⅱ型(Cyprinid herpesvirus 2,Cy HV-2)的理化与生物学特性以及病毒在细胞内的超微形态发生过程,利用新建立的对Cy HV-2敏感的异育银鲫脑组织细胞系(Gi CB),对Cy HV-2的理化及生物学特性进行了详细研究,比较了不同来源鱼类细胞系对Cy HV-2感染的敏感性,并对体外培养细胞中Cy HV-2病毒粒子及其超微形态发生过程进行了电镜观察。结果显示,Cy HV-2对热、酸、碱、有机溶剂和冻融敏感;常用鱼类细胞系EPC、RTG-2、Koi-Fin、CIK、CCK、PF-Fin对Cy HV-2的感染不敏感,特异性巢式PCR检测盲传至第7代Cy HV-2细胞培养物,结果均为阴性;Cy HV-2在Gi CB细胞中的增殖动态研究结果表明:病毒感染细胞经过12 h的隐晦期,24 h开始进入对数生长期,96 h病毒滴度达到最高值(107.52±0.26 TCID50/m L),然后进入平台期;透射电子显微镜观察结果显示,Cy HV-2感染细胞可分为吸附与侵入、复制与装配、成熟与释放3个主要过程,病毒进入对数生长期后,被感染细胞内可见形态典型的疱疹病毒颗粒。     

鲤疱疹病毒Ⅱ型TaqMan real-time PCR 检测方法的建立及应用

针对鲤疱疹病毒Ⅱ型(Cyprinid herpesvirus 2,CyHV-2)DNA解旋酶基因编码区序列设计特异性引物,利用PCR技术扩增出长度为1446 bp的基因编码区片段,克隆到pMD19T载体上,构建重组质粒.经PCR鉴定与测序分析确认正确后,以10倍梯度稀释重组质粒,作为标准模板进行TaqMan real-time PCR扩增,制作标准曲线,建立了鲤疱疹病毒Ⅱ型的荧光定量PCR检测方法.检测结果显示,标准曲线的相关系数(R2)达到0.9991,斜率为-3.412;对初始模板定量检测的范围为1×101～1×107 copies/μL;特异性试验结果表明,该方法可特异性地检测出鲤疱疹病毒Ⅱ型,而对大鲵虹彩病毒(GSIV)、锦鲤疱疹病毒(KHV)以及空白对照无检测信号.取江苏射阳和宝应两地疑似患病鲫组织核酸作为模板进行荧光定量PCR,结果表明反应体系中的病毒量分别为6.89×104 copies/μL和3.02×102 copies/μL.本研究建立的鲤疱疹病毒Ⅱ型TaqMan实时荧光定量PCR方法灵敏度高、特异性强,对因鲤疱疹病毒Ⅱ感染引起的养殖鲫造血器官坏死症的诊断与病毒病原定量检测有重要意义.     

异育银鲫造血器官坏死症病鱼体内鲤疱疹病毒Ⅱ型的电镜观察与超微病理学特征

为分析患鲫造血器官坏死症异育银鲫Carassius auratus gibelio体内不同器官组织中鲤疱疹病毒(CyHV-2)粒子的形态结构、分布和发生过程,采集患病异育银鲫体肾、脾脏、头肾、肝胰脏、肠道、鳃各组织样本,利用透射电镜观察疱疹病毒和组织细胞超微病理学。在所采集器官组织中均观察到鲤疱疹病毒Ⅱ型的DNA内核、空衣壳、实心核衣壳、含包膜成熟病毒共4种不同成熟时期的病毒粒子,不同时期的病毒粒子直径分别为65~90nm、90~180nm、90~180nm、170~220nm;体肾和脾脏中含有大量的Cy HV-2病毒,而头肾、肝胰脏、肠道和鳃中病毒粒子较少;CyHV-2病毒主要感染体肾、头肾、脾脏的吞噬细胞,导致机体免疫机能改变;组织细胞病理学观察发现吞噬细胞核边缘化,核内染色质变性,核膜溶解,线粒体嵴断裂,出现空泡,个别细胞溶解坏死。通过PCR检测和电镜观察病毒粒子结构特征,确诊异育银鲫感染Cy HV-2病毒,主要器官组织细胞中均有CyHV-2病毒,且在细胞核中完成复制和组装,在细胞质中获得外膜。感染Cy HV-2病毒的异育银鲫主要器官组织均受到一定的损伤。     

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.