中华鳖Gper基因克隆、表达及其在精巢中的功能

G蛋白偶联雌激素受体（Gper）是一种膜雌激素受体，介导雌激素的非基因组途径。为研究G蛋白偶联雌激素受体基因（ cDNA全长序列，利用qRT-PCR分析其在不同组织及胚胎不同发育阶段的性腺中的表达模式，并通过来曲唑（letrozole）和Gper抑制剂G-15处理雄鳖初步分析Gper在精巢中的作用。结果显示，中华鳖 cDNA序列全长2023 bp，包含705 bp 5''非编码区、241 bp 3''非编码区和1077 bp开放阅读框，编码358个氨基酸，其氨基酸序列上有7个跨膜结构域和Asp-Arg-Tyr（DRY）三联体结构，基因编码蛋白分子量为41.084 kD，等电点为6.844。表达量变化呈相同趋势：16期表达量最高，随着性腺分化过程表达量显著降低。Letrozole处理组中2表达量明显升高；G-15处理组精巢中，精子发生与促细胞凋亡相关基因表达量显著升高。结果表明，可能参与中华鳖性腺分化早期过程，并调控雄性生殖细胞增殖。     

淇河鲫R-spondin1基因cDNA克隆和表达

为探索R-spondin1(Rspo1)基因在雌核发育三倍体鱼淇河鲫性别决定与分化过程中的作用,本研究利用RACE技术克隆Rspo1基因cDNA序列,同时分析它的时空表达模式,并检测芳香化酶抑制剂Letrozole及高温养殖诱导性逆转下它在性腺中的表达情况。将扩增的PCR产物经亚克隆测序、拼接后获得淇河鲫Rspo1 cDNA序列,长1 243 bp(MH243761),包含5′非编码区318 bp,3′非编码区127 bp和开放读码框798 bp,共编码265个氨基酸残基。氨基酸序列比对及系统进化分析结果显示,淇河鲫Rspo1与其他鲤科鱼类同源性较高,与哺乳类、爬行类等脊椎动物同源性相对较低;组织分布检测结果显示,Rspo1基因在淇河鲫各个组织中均有表达,其中肌肉组织表达量最高,卵巢次之,而在脾脏、肾脏、心脏组织中表达量较低;在胚胎发育过程中Rspo1的表达量在未受精卵与受精卵中无差异,随着胚胎发育而降低,神经胚期最低,从尾芽期至出膜期又逐步升高。胚后阶段,Rspo1在性腺中的表达量从淇河鲫性别决定与分化关键时期(孵化后20 d)开始上调。Letrozole处理或高温养殖引起的性逆转中,Rspo1在性腺中表达量升高。研究表明,淇河鲫Rspo1作为一个母源性因子可能在卵巢分化与维持中起到一定作用,同时它可能也参与精子发生过程。     

剑尾鱼卵黄蛋白原C(Vg C)全长cDNA的克隆及表达

利用逆转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)和cDNA末端快速扩增(RACE)等方法,克隆获得剑尾鱼卵黄蛋白原C(Vg C)基因的全长cDNA序列。剑尾鱼Vg C基因cDNA序列全长4 011 bp,其5′非编码区包含12 bp和3′非编码区包含246 bp;含有一个3 753 bp的开放阅读框(ORF),编码1 250个氨基酸,推测其编码氨基酸分子量大小为141.7 ku,编码氨基酸序列与其他鱼类卵黄白原C编码氨基酸序列相似性在44%～85%。荧光定量PCR结果显示,Vg C在剑尾鱼肝脏中表达量最高,脾、肾、卵巢中有微量表达,脑、肌肉、鳃中几乎没有检测到表达;对不同时间暴露在雌激素中剑尾鱼肝脏进行实时荧光定量PCR表达分析的结果表明,Vg C在剑尾鱼肝脏中第5天表达量最高,随后降低,第9天后维持相对较低的表达量。研究首次克隆了剑尾鱼Vg C基因全长cDNA序列,并对Vg C在剑尾鱼体内表达组织器官分布及雌激素诱导后不同时间表达谱进行了初步研究,为剑尾鱼生殖生理及环境污染物监测应用等不同领域研究打下重要基础。     

梭鲈ghrh基因序列特征及其在大小个体间差异表达分析

为了探究生长激素释放激素(growth hormone releasing hormone,ghrh)基因对梭鲈(Sander lucioperca)生长调控的作用,本研究利用RACE技术克隆获得了ghrh cDNA基因全长序列,并利用实时荧光定量PCR技术对其组织表达模式和大小个体间表达模式进行了分析。结果显示：ghrh基因cDNA全长为1 100 bp,包含494 bp的5′非编码区、180 bp的3′非编码区和编码141个氨基酸的开放阅读框。氨基酸多重比对发现,梭鲈ghrh与河鲈(Perca fluviatilis)、黄金鲈(P.flavescens)的ghrh氨基酸序列相似性分别为95.04%和94.33%,ghrh基因在鱼类和哺乳动物中都存在一个GLUCA保守结构域(65～91 aa)。ghrh基因在梭鲈各组织均有表达,脑组织中相对表达量最高,垂体次之,与其他组织相比差异显著。ghrh基因表达量与梭鲈体质量呈正相关,脑、肝和肌肉组织中ghrh基因表达量均为体质量极大组高于极小组,其中,脑组织中差异显著。因此,ghrh基因可以作为梭鲈生长候选基因用于分子选择育种。     

淇河鲫肌肉生长抑制素基因的克隆与表达

肌肉生长抑制素(MSTN)是动物肌肉发育和生长过程中的负调控因子。为了明确淇河鲫MSTN基因序列及其在肌肉生长发育中的调控功能,本研究利用RACE方法克隆淇河鲫MSTN全长c DNA序列,q RT-PCR分析其在不同组织和胚胎发育阶段的表达情况。结果显示,淇河鲫MSTN c DNA序列全长2094 bp(no.KC851952.1),包含86 bp 5′非编码区、880 bp 3′非编码区和1128 bp开放阅读框,编码375个氨基酸残基,前22个氨基酸残基为信号肽,34~256位氨基酸残基为TGF-β前肽域,281~375是TGF-β结构域,具蛋白酶水解位点RIRR和C端生物活性区的9个保守半胱氨酸残基。蛋白同源分析发现淇河鲫MSTN与鲤形目鱼类相似性较高,与哺乳动物和鸟类的相似性最低。系统进化分析显示,淇河鲫MSTN与鲫、鲤、鳡等鲤科鱼类亲缘关系较近。实时定量PCR分析表明,淇河鲫MSTN基因在各个组织中均有表达,脑中表达量最高,其次为肌肉和肝脏,肠道表达量最低。淇河鲫胚胎发育的各阶段MSTN基因均有表达,受精卵表达量最高,其次为囊胚期,神经胚期表达量最低。推测MSTN与淇河鲫肌肉发育生长具有一定的相关性,可能参与"双背鲫"特征的形成。     

虎皮鱼热激蛋白PtHsp70基因序列与低温表达分析

通过同源克隆和cDNA末端快速克隆技术扩增获得狭温热带鱼类虎皮鱼热激蛋白70(PtHsp70)基因的cDNA序列,BLAST比对分析基因序列同源性,预测其编码氨基酸序列和结构,实时荧光定量PCR技术分析虎皮鱼PtHsp70基因组织特异性表达谱和低温胁迫下PtHsp70基因的表达模式。研究结果表明,PtHsp70基因cDNA序列全长2317 bp,其中5′非编码区120 bp,3′非编码区266 bp,编码区1932 bp,对应的开放阅读框为121～2052 bp,预测编码643个氨基酸。PtHsp70基因mRNA在成年虎皮鱼不同组织中表达水平依次为肝脏肌肉鳃脑,其中肝脏PtHsp70基因本底表达水平显著高于其他组织(P0.01),表明其在肝脏中具有重要的生物学功能。而随温度降低,肝脏PtHsp70基因表达水平呈先降后升的趋势,表明肝脏PtHsp70基因参与虎皮鱼应对低温胁迫的过程;随温度降低,虎皮鱼脑、鳃和肌肉组织PtHsp70基因mRNA水平显著上调(P0.01),说明低温胁迫诱导PtHsp70基因mRNA表达。本研究克隆并鉴定了PtHsp70基因序列和组织表达谱,分析了低温胁迫下PtHsp70基因表达模式,研究结果显示,狭温热带鱼类虎皮鱼的PtHsp70基因具有组织特异性和温度诱导型表达特征。研究发现,PtHsp70基因在响应低温胁迫过程中具有重要作用,具有作为虎皮鱼低温胁迫分子标志物的潜能。     

奥利亚罗非鱼雌激素β受体两种亚型cDNA的克隆、组织分布及雌激素对其表达的影响

采用RT-PCR和RACE技术,克隆了奥利亚罗非鱼β雌激素受体基因(estrogen receptorβ,ERβ)两种亚型的cDNA全序列(ERβ1和ERβ2)。荧光定量PCR分析雌雄奥利亚罗非鱼两种亚型的组织分布,并观察注射外源雌激素对雄性奥利亚罗非鱼下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴雌激素受体ERα和β(β1/β2)基因表达的影响。序列分析表明,ERβ1cDNA全长为4262bp,其中包含239bp5′非编码区,2349bp3′非编码区和1674bp的开放阅读框,共编码557个氨基酸。ERβ2 cDNA全长为2506bp,包含5′非编码区393bp,3′非编码区109bp,阅读框为2004bp,共编码667个氨基酸。氨基酸序列同源性分析显示奥利亚罗非鱼ERβ1与尼罗罗非鱼的相似性高达99.1%,而与鲈形目其它鱼类的相似性为82.6%～94.2%。ERβ2氨基酸序列与尼罗罗非鱼的相似性为98.7%,与大口黑鲈、虹鳟、底鳉及斑马鱼的相似性分别为81.8%、76.3%、64.7%和55.0%。在系统进化树上奥利亚罗非鱼的ERβ1和ERβ2分别与尼罗罗非鱼的相应受体聚类。奥利亚罗非鱼ERβ1/β2基因在所检测的10种组织中均有...     

仿刺参基质金属蛋白酶基因MMP-16的克隆及表达

基质金属蛋白酶(MMPs)是一种能够降解细胞外基质的蛋白水解酶类。为研究MMPs在仿刺参免疫防御中的作用,本实验采用RACE技术克隆了仿刺参基质金属蛋白酶16基因(Aj-MMP-16)的cDNA全长序列,并对其序列特征和功能进行了初步分析;采用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)方法,分别分析了Aj-MMP-16基因在仿刺参不同组织、不同"化皮"体壁组织以及病原菌刺激后体腔细胞中的表达情况。结果显示,Aj-MMP-16基因的cDNA全长为2 976 bp,包括一个342 bp的5′非编码区,一个963 bp的3′非编码区;开放阅读框(ORF)为1 671 bp,编码557个氨基酸,预测蛋白分子量为63.11 ku,等电点为4.79。Aj-MMP-16具有典型的MMPs家族蛋白结构:N-端前肽区、铰链区、催化区、C-端类血红素结合区和跨膜区。Aj-MMP-16与其他物种的MMPs具有一定的相似性,与紫色球海胆的MMP-16相似性最高。Aj-MMP-16基因mRNA在仿刺参各组织中均有表达,表达量由高到低为呼吸树、肠、体腔细胞、管足、肌肉、体壁;在"化皮病"不同阶段,AjMMP-16基因mRNA在"化皮"体壁组织中的表达量显著高于正常体壁组织;灿烂弧菌和蜡样芽孢杆菌刺激后,体腔细胞中Aj-MMP-16基因mRNA表达量显著升高。Aj-MMP-16基因可能在仿刺参内脏再生、炎症发生以及免疫应答中起着重要的作用。     

半滑舌鳎颗粒酶B基因的克隆和表达分析

颗粒酶(granzyme, Gzm) B是免疫炎症反应必不可少的介质,可激活半胱天冬酶3,进而诱导靶细胞的凋亡。本研究通过PCR扩增和RACE技术获得了半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis)颗粒酶B基因(CsGzmBl)的全长cDNA序列,并对其序列特征和表达水平进行了分析。结果显示,CsGzmBl cDNA全长为923 bp,开放阅读框长度为780 bp,编码259个氨基酸(前19个氨基酸残基为信号肽序列),5′非编码区为49 bp,3′非编码区为94 bp。CsGzmBl的基因组结构比较保守,由5个外显子和4个内含子组成。CsGzmBl蛋白包含2个N端糖基化位点、1个催化三联体“His63Asp112Ser207”、1个“PHSRPYMA”结构域及6个保守的半胱氨酸。荧光定量PCR结果显示,CsGzmBl在半滑舌鳎健康成鱼不同组织中均有表达,其中,在脾脏中表达量最高,头肾、中肾、肝脏和鳃中表达量次之,在肌肉中表达量最低。与对照组0 h相比,CsGzmBl在哈维氏弧菌(Vibrio harveyi)感染后的不同时间点的脾脏、肠、肝脏、皮肤、鳃和肾脏中的表达水平均有不同程度的上调。研究表明,CsGzmBl基因在半滑舌鳎抵御哈维氏弧菌感染过程中发挥重要作用。     

日本沼虾半胱氨酸蛋白酶抑制因子基因的克隆及其组织表达特征

半胱氨酸蛋白酶抑制因子(CST)是一种能够可逆结合并抑制半胱氨酸蛋白酶类的活性的蛋白,为了明确日本沼虾(Macrobrachium nipponense)CST基因(Mn CST)序列及其在日本沼虾卵巢中的作用,本研究利用RACE方法克隆获得日本沼虾Mn CST全长cDNA序列,利用qRT-PCR分析了其在不同组织和不同发育阶段的卵巢中的表达情况,并利用RNA干扰(RNAi)技术初步分析了Mn CST在日本沼虾卵巢发育中的作用。结果显示,Mn CST cDNA序列全长6199 bp,包含1183 bp 5′非编码区、2304 bp 3′非编码区和2709 bp开放阅读框,编码903个氨基酸残基,其氨基酸序列上有6个cystatin-like(半胱氨酸蛋白酶抑制因子样)结构域和42个磷酸化位点;Mn CST基因在各个组织中均有表达,肠中表达量最高;日本沼虾不同发育阶段的卵巢中均有Mn CST基因表达,Ⅳ期卵巢中表达量最高,Ⅱ期卵巢中表达量最低;Mn CST基因在日本沼虾卵巢中的表达变化与组织蛋白酶B(Cts B)和组织蛋白酶L(Cts L)基因的表达变化基本是一致的,但对卵黄蛋白原(Vg)基因的表达没有直接影响。Mn CST在日本沼虾卵巢中的作用可能主要是抑制Cts B和Cts L的活性,在日本沼虾卵巢发育过程中对Vg的水解起间接的调控作用。     

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.     

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.