环境胁迫与河蟹体色

池塘养殖的河蟹体色往往不如湖泊围网养殖的河蟹。河蟹体色取决于甲壳中虾青素浓度。河蟹自身不能合成虾青素,必须从饲料或饵料中获取。因此河蟹体色差的主要原因是不能从外界获得足够的虾青素。虾青素具有抗氧化作用。环境胁迫导致的氧化应激也会消耗虾青素。低溶氧、高pH、水温、氨氮、重金属胁迫均可引起河蟹氧化应激。因此,改善池塘河蟹体色不仅要增加青虾素的供应,还要加强养殖管理,降低环境因子的胁迫。     

恢复时间对力竭训练后的斑节对虾幼虾的抗氧化功能的影响

力竭运动常出现于虾类养殖过程和野生环境中，斑节对虾(Penaeus monodon)是中国沿海重要养殖和增殖放流品种，但尚无关于斑节对虾力竭运动后生理恢复过程报道。该研究以斑节对虾幼虾为实验对象，在室内水槽使用抄网追逐斑节对虾幼虾，模拟迫使其进行力竭运动实验，探究其力竭运动后抗氧化能力恢复过程。结果显示，力竭运动后0 h，幼虾体内的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)的活性，总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)和丙二醛(MDA)含量，均与对照组无显著差异；1~12 h，SOD、CAT、POD活性、MDA含量和T-AOC持续下降，GSH-Px活性无显著变化；24 h，SOD、CAT和POD活性显著降低，GSH-Px活性、MDA含量和T-AOC显著升高；72 h，SOD和CAT活性仍显著低于对照组，GSH-Px、POD活性和MDA含量恢复至对照组，T-AOC显著高于对照组。在力竭运动过程中，幼虾的酶促抗氧化系统未被激活；幼虾的抗氧化能力在力竭运动后的24 h内较低，不宜再次受刺激；幼虾的抗氧化能力在力竭后24 h后显著上升，并保持较长时间。     

温度对雨生红球藻生长、虾青素累积和抗氧化能力的影响

本文研究了不同培养温度对雨生红球藻细胞密度、生长速率、虾青素含量、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性和总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)的影响。结果表明藻细胞密度、生长速率和虾青素含量随温度的增加先升高后下降,SOD活性 和GSH-Px活性随着温度的增加而逐渐上升,而T-AOC则随温度的增加先升高后下降,然后再升高;藻细胞密度、生长速率、虾青素含量和T-AOC均在培养温度为25℃时达到最大值,而SOD活性和GSH-Px活性在培养温度为35℃时最高;藻细胞内虾青素和抗氧化酶的抗氧化活性互为补充。本研究结果为雨生红球藻的大规模培养和虾青素的规模化生产和应用提供了理论基础。     

高pH胁迫对克氏原螯虾的急性毒性和鳃、肝胰腺中酶活性及组织结构的影响

研究了高pH胁迫对克氏原螯虾鳃、肝胰腺中酶活性的变化,以及对鳃、肝胰腺组织结构的影响。在得出96 h L C_(50)的基础上,设置对照(pH7.6)和实验(pH10.2)2个pH处理组,进行96 h高pH胁迫,于胁迫后0、2、8、24和96 h测定鳃Na~+-K~+-ATP酶、乳酸脱氢酶(lactate dehydrogenase,LDH)、延胡索酸还原酶(fumarate reductase,FRD)、肝胰腺超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)、过氧化氢酶(catalase,CAT)的活性以及丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)的含量,并采集完整的鳃、肝胰腺做组织切片观察。结果发现,96 h LC50 pH值为10.194。高pH应激后,实验组鳃Na+-K+-ATP酶、LDH和FRD的活性呈上升趋势,pH胁迫8 h后与对照组差异显著(P0.05);随胁迫时间的延长,实验组肝胰腺MDA含量的变化趋势与LDH和FRD相似,CAT活性呈先上升后下降趋势,SOD活性起初变化不大,pH胁迫24 h后出现明显下降(P0.05)。鳃和肝胰腺的组织观察表明,随着pH胁迫时间的延长,鳃呼吸上皮细胞逐渐脱落,角质层受损、破裂,鳃叶受损程度逐渐加剧;肝胰腺小管基膜破损,小管内空泡增多、体积增大,肝细胞细胞数量减少。研究表明,高pH胁迫对克氏原螯虾代谢会产生影响,同时导致氧化应激,并会对鳃和肝胰腺的组织结构造成损伤,影响其生物学功能。     

高pH急性和慢性胁迫对克氏原螯虾非特异性免疫和抗氧化能力的影响

为探讨高pH急性和慢性胁迫对克氏原螯虾(Procambarus clarkii)非特异性免疫和抗氧化能力的影响,分别设置对照(pH 7.6)和试验(pH 10.2)2个pH处理组,对克氏原螯虾进行急性(0 h、3 h、6 h、12 h、24 h、5 d)和慢性(10 d、15 d)pH胁迫试验。结果显示:高pH应激后,试验组血浆总蛋白(TP)含量和酸性磷酸酶(ACP)活性呈上升趋势。高pH急性胁迫下,24 h内试验组血浆碱性磷酸酶(AKP)呈先上升后下降趋势,5 d AKP活性显著上升;试验组血浆血糖(GLU)及皮质醇(CORTISOL)含量于pH胁迫5 d后达到峰值,且显著高于对照组;试验组肝胰腺超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性呈下降趋势,并于24 h开始显著低于对照组;试验组肝胰腺谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性在3～24 h显著低于对照组;试验组鳃乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活性先下降后上升。高pH慢性胁迫下,试验组血浆AKP、ACP活性显著高于对照组;试验组血浆GLU及CORTISOL含量、鳃LDH活性呈下降趋势,肝胰腺SOD则呈上升趋势;肝胰腺GSH-Px、MDA水平于胁迫10 d时达到峰值。结果表明,高pH急性胁迫会对克氏原螯虾的免疫防御机制产生影响,导致氧化应激,随着胁迫时间的延长(慢性胁迫),机体部分非特异免疫和抗氧化指标逐步恢复。     

盐胁迫对雨生红球藻虾青素累积、虾青素合成相关酶基因表达和抗氧化指标的影响

为探讨盐胁迫对雨生红球藻(Haematococcus pluvialis)虾青素合成的影响与机理,以及雨生红球藻各抗氧化机制之间的关系,本研究采用生化和分子生物学方法研究了不同浓度(0.04 mol/L、0.08 mol/L、0.12 mol/L和0.16 mol/L)和不同时间(3 d、6 d和9 d)的盐(Na Cl)胁迫对雨生红球藻生长、虾青素积累、番茄红素β-环化酶(Lcy)、β-胡萝卜素羟化酶(Crt R-B)和β-胡萝卜素酮化酶(Bkt)基因表达、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)的活性以及丙二醛(MDA)含量的影响。结果表明,各胁迫时间的雨生红球藻的密度均随着盐胁迫浓度的增加而不断下降,在盐胁迫的第9天,雨生红球藻的死亡率和孢子比例均随着盐胁迫浓度的增加而不断升高;雨生红球藻虾青素含量、Lcy、Crt R-B和Bkt基因表达量均随着盐胁迫浓度和时间的增加而不断提高;雨生红球藻SOD、CAT和GSH-Px活性以及MDA含量在不同浓度和不同时间的盐胁迫下与对照组(0.00 mol/L Na Cl)相比均升高,且在不同时间的0.12 mol/L Na Cl胁迫下与对照组相比均显著升高(P0.05);雨生红球藻虾青素含量、Lcy、Crt R-B和Bkt基因表达量在盐胁迫的早期(第3天)和中期(第6天)阶段较低,在盐胁迫的后期(第9天)阶段较高,而SOD、CAT和GSH-Px活性以及MDA含量在盐胁迫的早期和中期阶段较高,在盐胁迫的后期阶段较低。实验结果说明了适当浓度和时间的盐胁迫能促进雨生红球藻累积虾青素,雨生红球藻在盐胁迫下主要是通过提高虾青素合成相关酶基因的转录水平来促进虾青素的合成,其虾青素和抗氧化酶的抗氧化活性可能互为补充,共同保护雨生红球藻免受盐胁迫的氧化损伤。     

氨氮胁迫与恢复对罗氏沼虾幼虾非特异性免疫的影响

在温度为(25±1)℃、p H为8. 0±0. 5条件下采用生物毒性实验方法研究了氨氮对罗氏沼虾(Macrobrachium rosenbergii)幼虾半致死浓度,并设置0、0. 43、0. 64、0. 85、1. 06 mg·L~(-1)5个浓度研究氨氮胁迫48 h及恢复48 h对罗氏沼虾非特异性免疫的影响。结果显示:非离子氨对罗氏沼虾幼虾24、48、72、96 h半致死浓度分别为4. 25、2. 35、1. 86、1. 54 mg·L~(-1),安全浓度为0. 154 mg·L~(-1)。氨氮胁迫48 h,罗氏沼虾SOD活性显著升高(P 0. 05),而CAT和GSH-Px活性变化不显著(P 0. 05); 0. 43、0. 64、1. 06 mg·L~(-1)氨氮胁迫组罗氏沼虾MDA含量显著高于对照组(P 0. 05)。氨氮胁迫后恢复48 h,各组SOD活性均较胁迫时显著下降(P 0. 05),但除0. 85 mg·L~(-1)组外的其它试验组仍显著高于对照组(P 0. 05); 0. 85、1. 06 mg·L~(-1)组CAT活性较胁迫状态显著下降(P 0. 05);试验组与对照组MDA含量无显著差异(P 0. 05)。结果表明,低浓度氨氮短期胁迫对罗氏沼虾造成的氧化损伤在解除胁迫后可修复,但肌肉仍处于应激状态。     

pH胁迫对中国明对虾抗氧化系统酶活力及基因表达的影响

研究了pH胁迫对中国明对虾(Fenneropenaeus chinensis)抗氧化系统的影响,将中国明对虾暴露于pH7.0、9.0的水体中148 h,于胁迫后0、3、12、24、48、72、96、120、148 h测定鳃、肝胰腺、肌肉和血淋巴总抗氧化活力(T-AOC)、抗超氧阴离子活力、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活力和CA...     

饲料中添加不同水草粉对克氏原螯虾生长、消化酶、抗氧化酶活性及色泽的影响

【目的】为研究饲料中添加不同水草粉对克氏原螯虾生长、消化酶、抗氧化酶活性及色泽的影响,【方法】本研究 通过在饲料中分别添加15%的伊乐藻、轮叶黑藻、苦草、金鱼藻和喜旱莲子草5种水草粉(分别标记为Diet 2~6组),对照组饲料无水草粉添加（标记为Diet 1组）,对克氏原螯虾幼虾进行为期60 d的养殖实验。【结果】结果显示：水草组(Diet 2~6组)成活率(SR)与Diet 1组无显著差异,Diet 3~5组增重率(WGR)及特定生长率(SGR)均与Diet 1组无显著差异,而Diet 3组肝胰腺指数(HSI)显著高于Diet 1组。在肝胰腺中,Diet 2~6组脂肪酶(LPS)活性显著高于Diet 1组,且Diet 5组LPS和α-淀粉酶(α-AL)活性最高,而胃蛋白酶活性为Diet 2组最高,Diet 2~3及5组纤维素酶(CL)活性显著高于Diet 1组;在肠道中,Diet 2~6组4种消化酶活性均低于Diet 1组。Diet 3~6组头胸甲和肌肉总类胡萝卜素、头胸甲虾青素含量及卵巢中总类胡萝卜素、虾青素、叶黄素和β-胡萝卜素含量均显著高于Diet 1组。Diet 2~6组头胸甲及卵巢的红度(a*值)和黄度(b*值)均显著高于Diet 1组,而亮度(L*值)却低于Diet 1组。在肝胰腺中,Diet 2~6组总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)活性均显著高于Diet 1组且在Diet 5组最高,Diet 4组总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)活性最高,Diet 2组丙二醛(MDA)含量最高;血清中,Diet 6组T-AOC活性最高,但各组间T-SOD活性和MDA含量无显著差异。【结论】综上,添加15%轮叶黑藻、苦草和金鱼藻水草粉到饲料中,对克氏原螯虾生长无负面影响,有利于体内类胡萝卜素、虾青素的积累,改善克氏原螯虾头胸甲和卵巢色泽的同时提升抗氧化能力。     

福瑞鲤对氨氮胁迫的生理响应

以福瑞鲤(Cyprinus carpio)为材料,研究不同浓度氨氮(0、10、20和30 mg/L)处理对幼鱼鳃组织中抗氧化系统和Na~+/K~+-ATP酶活力的影响。结果显示,氨氮胁迫6 h诱导H_2O_2含量、总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性迅速显著升高,并在胁迫24 h时达到最高水平。胁迫96 h后,各处理组H2O2含量、SOD活性和总抗氧化能力均低于对照组水平,MDA含量显著增加。氨氮胁迫后,Na~+/K~+-ATP酶基因转录水平和蛋白活性呈先降低后升高又降低的变化趋势,参与胁迫过程中渗透压的调控。研究结果表明,低浓度氨氮胁迫后,福瑞鲤鳃组织通过调节细胞抗氧化能力,提高Na~+/K~+-ATP酶活性,有效改善鱼体的抗氨氮胁迫能力,但是高浓度氨氮胁迫对鳃组织造成氧化损伤。     

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.