草鱼ghrelin基因的分子克隆与组织分布及其摄食调控作用分析

ghrelin是一种在脊椎动物摄食调节过程中起重要作用的脑肠肽,具有明显的摄食促进作用。实验利用同源克隆技术获得了草鱼ghrelin基因的cDNA序列和DNA序列,其中cDNA序列全长506 bp,包括90 bp的5′端非编码区(5′-untranslated region,5′UTR),312 bp的开放阅读框(open reading frame,ORF),以及104 bp的3′端非编码区(3′-untranslated region,3′UTR)。开放阅读框编码的103个氨基酸的ghrelin前体肽,经剪切加工后形成含有19个氨基酸的成熟肽。氨基酸序列分析结果显示,草鱼ghrelin与硬骨鱼类ghrelin相似度最高,而与其他脊椎动物相似度较低,同时草鱼ghrelin成熟肽N端的"活性中心"(active core)为鲤科鱼类中常见的GTSF形式。与大多数硬骨鱼类的ghrelin基因结构相同,草鱼ghrelin基因也包括4个外显子和3个内含子。荧光定量PCR检测到ghrelin mRNA大量分布于草鱼的前肠和脾,脑、肾、肝、肌肉、皮和鳔等组织也有ghrelin mRNA分布。草鱼脑和肠中的ghrelin表达水平在摄食后下降,随着饥饿时间的延长表达水平逐步升高,最后维持在较高水平,表明ghrelin作为摄食启动信号对草鱼的摄食活动起到了促进作用。     

草鱼小肽转运载体PepT1基因的克隆与表达特征

采用同源克隆和RACE技术克隆草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)PepT1基因的全长cDNA序列。该cDNA全长为2 762 bp,包含141 bp的5′UTR序列,479 bp的3′UTR序列,2 142 bp开放阅读框,编码713个氨基酸;草鱼与鲫(Carassius auratus)、斑马鱼(Danio rerio)的核苷酸同源性分别为77.6%和74.0%,氨基酸同源性分别为78.0%和76.7%;与其他物种的核苷酸同源性为53.9%～59.1%,而氨基酸的同源性为57.2%～61.8%。经预测,其编码蛋白的分子量为79.29 kD,等电点为5.87,该蛋白具有与哺乳动物十分相似的11个螺旋跨膜结构,跨膜区氨基酸高度保守;系统进化分析表明,草鱼PepT1基因与鲫鱼和斑马鱼的亲缘关系最近;利用Real-time PCR技术检测了该基因的时空表达,结果显示,PepT1在草鱼前肠组织表达量最高,其次是肌肉组织;草鱼出膜7 d后PepT1 mRNA表达量相对稳定;昼夜节律研究发现,肠道PepT1基因夜间的表达量较白天高。本研究旨在为小肽转运载体PepT1介导肠道转运小肽调控草鱼对饲料蛋白消化吸收的分子机理提供理论基础。     

圆斑星鲽促性腺激素释放激素基因克隆及表达特性

采用RACE技术,在圆斑星鲽(Verasper variegatus)脑中克隆到3种GnRH基因的cDNA序列: cGnRH-Ⅱ、sGnRH和sbGnRH.每种GnRH都包括1个信号肽、1个Gly-Lys-Arg连接序列和1个GnRH相关肽.其中, cGnRH-Ⅱ的cDNA全长为568 bp,编码85个氨基酸, ORF为255 bp,5′UTR为141 bp,3′UTR为169 bp.sGnRH的cDNA全长为457 bp,编码90个氨基酸, ORF为270 bp,5′UTR为41 bp,3′UTR为143 bp.sbGnRH的cDNA全长为381 bp,编码98个氨基酸, ORF为294 bp,5′UTR为48 bp,3′UTR为36 bp.分析了3种GnRH基因的编码氨基酸序列与其他脊椎动物的同源性,圆斑星鲽 GnRH 与鲽形目鱼类氨基酸同源性最高,其次为鲈形目鱼类.对3种 GnRH 基因的系统进化分析表明,圆斑星鲽 GnRH 基因与其他鲽形目鱼类亲缘关系最近,其次为鲈形目、鲑形目和鳗鲡目鱼类.荧光定量PCR分析表明,3种GnRH基因都在脑中表现出最高表达水平且具有性别特异性表达模式:雌性中不同组织的 GnRH mRNA 表达水平都相应高于雄性.组织表达分析表明, cGnRH-Ⅱ的 mRNA 仅在脑中表达,而sbGnRH在各个组织都有表达, sGnRH仅在脑、垂体和性腺中表达.脑中sbGnRH mRNA的表达水平在卵巢成熟过程中变化显著(P<0.05),而其他两种GnRH的mRNA表达水平变化不显著(P>0.05).本研究首次在圆斑星鲽脑中克隆到3种GnRH基因,其组织和季节表达水平变化表明sbGnRH可能是圆斑星鲽生殖调控的关键GnRH类型,本结果可为圆斑星鲽生殖调控机制和人工繁育技术研究提供理论支撑.     

草鱼APN基因的克隆及表达特征

氨肽酶N(APN)是肽酶M1家族的成员之一,在蛋白质的消化中发挥重要作用。采用同源克隆和RACE技术首次克隆草鱼APN基因的全长cDNA序列。该cDNA全长为3258bp,包含27bp的5UTR序列,552bp的3UTR序列,2679bp开放阅读框,编码892个氨基酸;草鱼与斑马鱼基因同源性和编码氨基酸同源性分别为81.5%和75.4%,与其他动物同源性分别为58.8%～61.2%和54.3%～60.2%。经预测,其编码蛋白的分子量为100.61ku,等电点为5.14,该蛋白具有与哺乳动物十分相似的1个螺旋跨膜结构,但跨膜区氨基酸同源性较低;系统进化分析表明,草鱼APN基因与斑马鱼的亲缘关系最近;利用Real-timePCR技术检测了该基因的发育表达,结果显示草鱼出膜4d后APNmRNA表达量相对稳定;APN在草鱼前肠、中肠和后肠均有较高的表达量,以前肠组织表达量最高;昼夜节律研究发现,肠道APN基因06:00-18:00的表达量较18:00-06:00高。     

中华鲟热休克蛋白hsp30基因cDNA的克隆及其在高温胁迫下的表达分析

实验克隆了中华鲟(Acipenser sinensis)热休克蛋白hsp30基因cDNA的全长、分析了其分子结构与特征,并研究了其在高温胁迫下的表达水平。结果显示,中华鲟hsp30基因cDNA序列全长为1 037 bp,其中开放阅读框(ORF)636 bp,5′端非编码区(5′UTR)38 bp,3′端非编码区(3′UTR)363 bp,共编码211个氨基酸。氨基酸多序列比对发现含有一个保守的α晶状体结构;系统进化分析显示,中华鲟HSP30与鱼类HSP30聚为一支,与小体鲟HSP30氨基酸序列相似性最高,为79%。荧光定量PCR结果表明,中华鲟hsp30基因在皮肤中的表达量最高,肝脏次之,在肠中的表达量最低。高温胁迫后,心脏、脾脏、肾脏和皮肤中hsp30基因表达量均显著增加,表明这些器官在中华鲟应对高温胁迫中可能起着重要作用。     

草鱼天然抗性相关巨噬蛋白基因全长cDNA的克隆与表达分析

天然抗性相关巨噬蛋白(Nramp)家族是一类抑制胞内寄生菌侵染的天然免疫相关蛋白.本研究克隆了草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)Nramp基因并进行了表达分析.该基因cDNA序列全长为3158 bp,编码1个含544个氨基酸的蛋白.该蛋白含有Nramp家族的特征序列:包含12个跨膜区(TM)、1个由20个氨基酸残基组成的胞质内转运结构域(CTM).草鱼Nramp同其他16个物种的Nramp氨基酸序列同源性在62.5%～90.2%之间.草鱼Nramp基因cDNA的独特结构是其3味端非翻译区(UTR)和5'UTR各有1个脊椎动物Nramp2中的铁反应控制蛋白结合位点(IRE).系统进化分析表明,草鱼Nramp和所有鱼类Nramp聚为一簇,与哺乳类Nramp2的亲缘关系较近.Nramp基因在单鱼头肾和脾脏中的表达量最高,在肌肉和皮肤中的表达量最低,在草鱼呼肠孤病毒(GCRV)感染的草鱼肾脏细胞系(CIK)中的表达量明显升高.     

西伯利亚鲟Sox9基因cDNA全长克隆、序列分析及其表达检测

为了研究Sox9基因在西伯利亚鲟侧线神经发育过程当中所起的调控作用,本研究利用RT-PCR和RACE方法获得了西伯利亚鲟Sox9基因cDNA全长序列,经序列分析表明,所克隆Sox9cDNA全长为1409bp,包括开放阅读框(open reading frame,ORF)1083bp,5′端非翻译区(untranslate dregion,UTR)19bp和3′端非翻译区(untranslate dregion,UTR)307bp。1083bp的ORF共编码360个氨基酸,相对分子质量为41221.7U。序列分析表明,其与施氏鲟的亲缘关系较近,其次是斑马鱼。经实时荧光定量PCR技术对西伯利亚鲟Sox9基因在各组织以及在胚胎发育各时期中的相对表达量检测发现,Sox9在西伯利亚鲟中的表达具明显的组织差异性和时间差异性。其中,在肝,肾,肌肉,胰中的相对表达量较低。然而,大脑组织中的表达量与以上4个组织相比,处于极高水平,达到胰脏中相对表达量8.9倍,达到表达量最低点肾脏中的近21倍。在胚胎发育的不同阶段,Sox9均有表达。在原肠期、神经胚期及视泡形成期,Sox9基因的表达量均较高,特别是在原肠期其表达量达到西伯利亚鲟...     

草鱼Bcl-2基因的克隆、组织表达分析及DHA诱导下其在脂肪细胞中的表达变化

为获知草鱼B细胞淋巴瘤基因-2(B cell CLL/ lymphoma-2, Bcl-2)基因序列及其在草鱼各组织和脂肪细胞中的表达变化,本研究通过cDNA快速末端扩增(Rapid amplification of cDNA ends, RACE)技术获得了草鱼Bcl-2的全长cDNA序列,并采用实时定量PCR(qRT-PCR)检测了Bcl-2在草鱼不同组织中的表达情况。为研究二十二碳六烯酸(Docosahexaenoic Acid,DHA)对草鱼前体脂肪细胞凋亡的诱导作用,本研究检测了100 μmol/L DHA处理后,草鱼前体脂肪细胞中Bcl-2基因的时序表达。结果显示,所获得的草鱼 Bcl-2 基因全长cDNA序列长度为1292 bp,包含133 bp 的5′非翻译区(untranslated region, UTR)和784 bp 的3′UTR;开放阅读框为375 bp, 编码124 个氨基酸。草鱼Bcl-2与鲤、斑马鱼Bcl-2氨基酸同源性分别为89.5%和91.1%,与人、原鸡、小鼠、野猪、欧洲牛、褐家鼠、家猫和犬等其他动物的氨基酸同源性为57.7%-62.0%。其编码蛋白的分子量为14.14KDa,等电点为4.68。Bcl-2基因在草鱼心脏、肝胰脏、脾脏、鳃、肾脏、肌肉、腹腔脂肪组织、脑、小肠、精巢10个组织中均有表达,其中在腹腔脂肪组织、肾脏和精巢中表达丰度最高,在肌肉中表达最低。DHA处理草鱼前体脂肪细胞后,Bcl2基因表达在增殖阶段下调,而在分化阶段上调。研究表明,Bcl-2在草鱼各组织中广泛表达,且DHA对其在脂肪细胞中的表达具有调控作用。     

青虾高血糖激素基因全长cDNA序列的克隆及表达分析

本研究首次克隆了青虾(Macrobrachium nipponense)高血糖激素(crustacean hyperglycemic homone,CHH)基因全长cDNA序列,并使用荧光定量PCR技术首次检测了CHH基因在青虾不同组织中的表达。青虾CHH基因cDNA全长1 017 bp,包括241 bp的5′UTR,408 bp的开放阅读框(ORF),355 bp的3′UTR,开放阅读框编码135个氨基酸。成熟肽包含6个CHH家族中位置保守的Cys残基。青虾CHH成熟肽C端为GK,确定为ES型CHH基因。蛋白相似度比对显示,所分离的青虾CHH被归为CHH家族I型肽。系统进化树分析表明,青虾CHH多肽与罗氏沼虾聚在一起,具有最近的亲缘关系。荧光定量PCR检测显示,CHH基因在青虾不同组织中均有表达,其表达量由高到依次为眼柄、精巢、腹神经节、脑、肠、肝、心脏、卵巢。以卵巢为参照其表达量设为1时,眼柄与精巢CHH基因表达量分别为卵巢的500倍和250倍,由此推测CHH基因可能与雄性生殖过程相关。     

刀鲚水通道蛋白1的分子克隆及高盐作用下的表达分析

采用cDNA末端快速扩增技术(Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends,RACE)克隆获得了刀鲚(Coilia nasus)水通道蛋白1(AQP1)全长cDNA序列。其碱基序列全长为1299 bp,5′端、3′端非翻译区(untranslated regions,UTR)长度分别为107 bp和458 bp,开放阅读框(open reading frame,ORF)长度为777 bp,共编码258个氨基酸。理论等电点是6.13,蛋白分子量为27.1 kD。结构分析表明,刀鲚AQP1具有水通道蛋白家族典型结构特征,包括6个跨膜结构域,2个天冬酰胺-脯氨酸-丙氨酸(NPA)特征序列,同时还具有AQP1抑制剂含汞化合物的半胱氨酸结合位点。序列同源性及系统进化分析表明,其与同属鲱形目的大西洋鲱的同源性最高(93%),并且与其聚为一支。实时荧光定量分析结果表明,刀鲚AQP1基因在多种组织中有表达,包括脑、鳃、肝、前肠、后肠、中肾、肌肉。高盐度作用后,AQP1在渗透调节作用关键组织鳃、中肾、肠中的表达水平有显著差异(P0.05),体现了AQP1在刀鲚渗透调节中的重要作用。本研究结果可为今后进一步探讨刀鲚渗透调节相关基因的调控机制提供理论参考。     

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.