鱼源植物乳杆菌HS-07胞外多糖对鲤的益生作用

为探究植物乳杆菌 HS-07 胞外多糖(exopolysaccharides from Lactbacillu plantarum HS-07, EPS-07)对鲤免疫、 抗氧化及抗嗜水气单胞菌感染能力的影响。将不同浓度的 EPS-07 (250 μg/mL、500 μg/mL 和 1000 μg/mL)与鲤头肾细胞体外共培养; 并设置对照组(灌喂无菌生理盐水)和 EPS-07 处理组(灌喂 250 μg/mL、500 μg/mL、1000 μg/mL 的 EPS-07)进行体内实验, 1 次/d, 连续灌喂 7 d, 随后腹腔注射嗜水气单胞菌攻毒处理 24 h。体外结果显示, 鲤头肾细胞与 EPS-07 共同培养后, 其增殖能力、吞噬活性、上清液中一氧化氮(NO)的含量、促炎细胞因子[肿瘤坏死因子-α (tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α)、白介素-1β (interleukin, IL-1β)、白介素-6 (IL-6)]和抗炎细胞因子[白介素-10 (IL-10)、转化生长因子-β (transforming growth factor, TGF-β)]的表达均显著增强(P<0.05)。体内实验结果显示, 嗜水气单胞菌感染前, EPS-07 处理组血清中 NO 的含量、促炎细胞因子和抗炎细胞因子的表达显著增强(P<0.05); 肝胰腺中总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)和谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量, 以及超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px) 和过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性均显著高于对照组(P<0.05), 但丙二醛(MDA)的含量显著低于对照组(P<0.05); 嗜水气单胞菌感染后, EPS-07 能抑制 NO 的大量释放, 上调抗炎细胞因子的表达和下调促炎细胞因子的表达。综上所述, EPS-07 在细胞水平和个体水平均能提高鲤免疫应答能力, 增强其抗氧化和抗细菌感染能力。     

甘露寡糖对草鱼感染嗜水气单胞菌后细胞因子表达的调节

在饲料中添加0.2%甘露寡糖(Mannan oligosaccharide,(MOS)),饲养草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)28 d后,草鱼经腹腔注射3.2×106cell/mL的嗜水气单胞菌(Aeromonas hydrophila,Ah)0.1 mL,在注射嗜水气单胞菌48 h、72 h和96 h后,分别取草鱼头肾、脾脏和肝脏,利用荧光定量PCR分析甘露寡糖对草鱼感染嗜水气单胞菌后各组织中IL-1β和IL-10的表达影响。结果显示,在草鱼头肾中,MOS/I(0.2%甘露寡糖+注射Ah)组IL-1β的表达在注射嗜水气单胞菌后48 h和72 h显著高于CON/I(基础饲料+注射Ah)组;MOS/I组中1L-10的表达在注射嗜水气单胞菌72 h显著高于CON/I组,在96h时显著低于CON/I组。在草鱼脾脏中,MOS/I组IL-1β的表达在注射后72 h和96 h显著低于CON/I组;IL-10的表达在注射嗜水气单胞菌后48 h和96 h显著低于CON/I组。在草鱼肝脏中,MOS/I组IL-1β和IL-10的表达在注射嗜水气单胞菌后48 h显著高于CON/I组,但在注射后72 h时该2种基因的表达显著低于CON/I组。表明甘露寡糖在鱼体感染嗜水气单胞菌时能快速调节头肾、脾脏和肝脏中细胞因子的表达,增强鱼体抵抗细菌性病原的免疫力。     

高丝氨酸内酯酶AI-96对嗜水气单胞菌NJ-1浸浴攻毒斑马鱼保护效应的研究

为评价斑马鱼口服高丝氨酸内脂酶AI-96对嗜水气单胞菌NJ-1浸浴攻毒的保护效应,实验设置基础料与实验料两组饲料,实验料是在基础料中按3 U/g饲料添加N酰基高丝氨酸内酯酶AI-96(以下简称AI-96),通过高浓度(2.5×108 cfu/mL)及低浓度(0.7×108 cfu/mL)两组剂量的嗜水气单胞菌NJ-1(以下简称NJ-1)分别浸浴攻毒斑马鱼,在12h、24 h、3d、7d和14d取鳃丝、肠道壁、肝和肾样,采用实时荧光定量PCR法检测取样器官中NJ-1量,并统计攻毒周期内的死亡率,来评价高丝氨酸内酯酶AI-96的保护力.结果显示:在攻毒周期内所取组织内均检测到NJ-1,按菌数肠＞鳃＞肝＞肾,其中高NJ-1剂量未加酶组各组织NJ-1数量均分别明显高于低剂量处理组.在高剂量攻毒条件下,加酶组各组织NJ-1数量均显著低于未加酶处理组(P＜0.05),鳃除外;在低剂量攻毒条件下,未加酶组的NJ-1数量在鳃(3 d)、肠(0.5、1、3、7及14 d)、肝(3 d)和肾(7 d)显著高于加酶组(P＜0.05),其余差异不显著(P＞0.05).此外无论在高、低剂量攻毒条件下,加酶组的死亡率均低于未加酶组,其中低剂量攻毒7d及以后其死亡率显著低于对照(P＜0.05).结果表明,口服AI-96可以有效预防NJ-1≤0.7×108 cfu/mL范围内的侵袭.     

咪唑类物质KK-42对日本沼虾α2-巨球蛋白基因表达的影响

为探讨KK-42提高感染嗜水气单孢菌的日本沼虾幼虾成活率的机制,实验首次克隆了α2M部分序列,研究了α2M基因的时空表达以及KK-42对其表达和活力的影响。将体长3.5~5.0 cm的日本沼虾幼虾随机分为2组,分别用1.95×10-4mol/L的KK-42溶液和不含KK-42的溶液浸泡处理1 min,12 h后,每组再分为2个亚组,分别向虾腹部注射嗜水气单胞菌菌悬液(菌攻毒实验组和菌攻毒对照组)或生理盐水(实验组-1和对照组-1),于不同时间点测定幼虾的成活率、α2M基因表达水平和活力的变化。结果显示,KK-42预处理可显著提高感染嗜水气单胞菌的日本沼虾幼虾成活率。经BLAST比对,克隆的α2M部分mRNA序列与罗氏沼虾α2M具有90%以上同源性。实时荧光定量PCR实验显示,α2M基因表达水平在血细胞中最高,且以蜕皮前期最为显著。KK-42处理的幼虾血细胞α2M基因的表达无显著性差异;嗜水气单胞菌刺激使血细胞α2M mRNA水平在3 h比0 h提高了580%,其活力在24 h增幅为47.5%;而菌攻毒实验组mRNA水平在6~48 h明显高于菌攻毒对照组,尤其在12 h,增幅为511%,其活力水平也呈同样的变化趋势。研究表明,KK-42预处理能上调感染嗜水气单胞菌的幼虾血细胞α2M基因的转录水平,诱导α2M活力增强,这可能增强了幼虾的免疫水平,从而提高成活率。     

嗜水气单胞菌在浸泡感染团头鲂的组织动态分布

利用具有绿色荧光蛋白基因标记的嗜水气单胞菌(WJ-8G FP)对团头鲂(Megalobrama amblycephala)进行浸泡攻毒试验,探究温度对浸泡感染后嗜水气单胞菌在团头鲂各组织分布的影响。实验设立A组(水温25℃),B组(水温32℃),C组(水温25℃),其中C组为对照组。用菌株WJ-8G FP对实验组A、B进行浸泡攻毒,试验组C不进行攻毒处理,攻毒后分别于2 h、4 h、8 h、12 h、24 h采集各组鱼血液、脾、肾、鳃、肠道、肌肉,培养法统计分析各组织器官上的荧光细菌数量。实验结果显示,在各取样时间段实验组A(25℃)和实验组B(32℃)团头鲂各组织在均能检测到荧光嗜水气单胞菌,对照组未检测到嗜水气单胞菌;最高菌量出现在鳃,且鳃上嗜水气单胞菌数量显著大于其他组织(P0.05),其次是脾、肾;组织内的菌量随时间大体呈现先上升后下降的趋势;B实验组中各组织菌量显著大于A实验组(P0.05)。研究结果表明,鳃是嗜水气单胞菌浸泡感染团头鲂的主要组织器官,与25℃相比较,在水温32℃时团头鲂被嗜水气单胞菌感染的风险更高。     

1株嗜水气单胞菌的拮抗菌鉴定及其特性研究

从池塘养殖的团头鲂(Megalobrama amblycephala)肠道中分离筛选出15株嗜水气单胞菌(Aeromonas hydrophila)拮抗菌,其中菌株S24在平板贴片试验中对供试的嗜水气单胞菌菌株具有稳定和较高的拮抗作用。综合形态学观察、生理生化指标检测及分子序列(16S rDNA,gyrB)分析,将菌株S24确定为解淀粉芽孢杆菌(Bacillus amyloliquefaciens)。拮抗菌S24和嗜水气单胞菌(菌株43)的共凝集率为(36.0%±4.3%)。共培养试验可见拮抗菌S24能明显抑制嗜水气单胞菌43的增殖;共培养18 h时,嗜水气单胞菌43的细胞数量达到最低。试验结果表明,拮抗菌株S24适宜作为潜在防治嗜水气单胞菌病的益生菌。     

芽孢杆菌R1共培养对嗜水气单胞菌NJ-1毒力基因表达的影响

为探讨芽孢杆菌潜在的淬灭靶点,本研究通过芽孢杆菌R1与嗜水气单胞菌NJ-1共培养,并对NJ-1生物量、信号分子产生量、毒力因子基因和群体感应(QS)关键调控基因表达量进行检测。结果显示:1NJ-1单独培养时,信号分子BHL和HHL的产量与NJ-1生长趋势一致,在27 h时达到峰值并启动Lux R表达,进而调控毒力因子金属蛋白酶、丝氨酸蛋白酶、肠毒素、气溶素和血溶素等表达,其在27~30 h时呈现峰值表达,通路Qse B在27~30 h启动表达,48 h时达到峰值,而种间调控Lux S基因表达一直处于低水平状态;2与芽孢杆菌R1共培养时,仅痕量AHLs信号分子被检出,毒力因子相关基因表达量均显著下调;Lux R表达受抑制,Lux S在36 h时表达量显著上调,未影响Qse B正常表达;3AHLs与R1共培养可被显著降解。研究表明,芽孢杆菌R1抑制NJ-1毒力因子相关基因表达可能与其对NJ-1多QS系统进行调控相关联。     

鲤细胞因子多克隆抗体的制备及检测

为从蛋白质水平研究细胞因子在鲤体内免疫应答过程中的合成变化,本研究采用PCR技术克隆TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、IL-12、IL-10和TGF-β基因含有部分抗原决定簇的片段,引入双酶切位点Bam HⅠ和HindⅢ后连接至p ET-32a/21a,构建相应的表达载体,制备多克隆抗体。采用ELISA检测抗体效价,并以此作为实验工具,检测经嗜水气单胞菌感染后鲤血清中炎性细胞因子的合成变化。结果显示,基因TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、IL-12、IL-10和TGF-β融合蛋白分子量分别约为31.8、31.7、35.3、32.5、18.0和33.6 ku;抗体效价达到2.4×106;在病原菌感染后的不同阶段,促炎细胞因子TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、IL-12和抗炎细胞因子IL-10、TGF-β呈现出不同的合成变化。研究表明,制备的抗体具有较高的效价、亲和力和特异性,可用于鲤细胞因子的定量研究,该抗体的获得为鲤免疫应答与细胞因子合成的系统研究奠定了基础。同时,获取的鲤细胞因子TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、IL-12、IL-10和TGF-β的抗体亦可用于其他鱼类细胞因子蛋白质水平的定量研究。     

干酪乳杆菌发酵人参茎叶提取物对锦鲫免疫及抗氧化功能的影响

为了研究干酪乳杆菌发酵人参茎叶提取物对锦鲫的免疫及抗氧化功能的影响，先用3%、4%、5%、6%（记为L3、L4、L5、L6）的干酪乳杆菌菌液发酵人参茎叶提取物，再分别添加到基础饲料（记为L0）中，对初始平均体重为（25.00±?0.05）g 的锦鲫进行为期五周的饲喂试验。周期性取样，采集锦鲫血清、肝胰脏、中肾、脾脏、全肠，以检测相关免疫指标的变化。在饲喂试验结束后进行嗜水气单胞菌攻毒保护性试验。结果显示，与L0组相比，L5组碱性磷酸酶（AKP）、免疫球蛋白M（IgM）、溶菌酶（LZM）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH-PX）含量显著升高，L5组丙二醛（MDA）含量显著低于L0组。各组织中IL-10、TNF-α、TGF-β、IFN-γ、IL-1β基因表达水平均有不同程度的升高，表现出时空差异，其中IL-10的基因水平表达升高更为敏感。在攻毒保护性试验中，L5组的存活率达到30%，相较于其他组而言存活率最高。本实验条件下，当干酪乳杆菌的接种量为5%时，人参茎叶提取物发酵对锦鲫的应用效果最好，能够提高锦鲫抗氧化能力及免疫相关基因的表达，并对降低嗜水气单胞菌的感染有较好的预防作用。     

团头鲂Toll样受体Ⅱ基因的克隆与表达分析

为了研究团头鲂(Megalobrama amblycephala)TLR2(ma TLR2)在抗嗜水气单胞菌(Aeromonas hydrophila)感染中的作用,本实验克隆了ma TLR2基因的c DNA全长。结果显示:ma TLR2基因c DNA的全长包括2923 bp,编码792个氨基酸。预测得到的ma TLR2的结构域包括一个信号肽、氨基端的亮氨酸重复基序(LRRs)、跨膜结构域(TM)和一个胞内的Toll/白介素(IL)-1受体区(TIR)。在嗜水气单胞菌感染后,团头鲂头肾中,TLR2的表达量在6 h时显著升高。TLR2下游相关的炎症细胞因子TNF-α的表达量也显著上调。结果表明ma TLR2在嗜水气单胞菌感染团头鲂后的免疫应答中起到了重要作用。     

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.     

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.     

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.