草鱼呼肠孤病毒逆转录环介导等温扩增(RT-LAMP)检测方法的建立

根据草鱼呼肠孤病毒 (grass carp reovirus, GCRV)衣壳蛋白VP6编码基因的序列设计特异性引物, 以病毒全基因组RNA为模板, 通过对反应条件进行优化, 建立了GCRV的逆转录环介导等温扩增(RT-LAMP)检测方法。检测结果表明, 本方法可在63℃下1 h内实现靶片段的大量扩增, 扩增产物经凝胶电泳呈现梯型条带, 反应体系中添加SYBR Green I 荧光染料后, 绿色阳性结果明显区别于橙色阴性结果。该检测体系针对草鱼呼肠孤病毒的检测灵敏度高, 其最低检测限为33 pg, 与常规RT-PCR方法相比较, 灵敏度高10倍, 且与斑点叉尾鮰呼肠孤病毒(CCRV)、鲤春病毒血症病毒(SVCV)、锦鲤疱疹病毒(KHV)、大鲵虹彩病毒(GSIV)等无交叉反应。该方法灵敏度及特异性高, 且不需昂贵仪器设备, 为快速检测草鱼呼肠孤病毒与诊断草鱼出血病提供了简捷快速的技术手段。

     

牙鲆亲本对子代贡献率的实验研究

利用18对高度多态性微卫星标记, 对13尾牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)亲鱼的188尾后代进行亲子鉴定, 计算其非亲排除率、鉴定准确率以及亲本对子代的贡献率。使用4个微卫星标记进行亲子鉴定, 排除率≥0.999 9, 准确率为92.02%; 用6个标记的排除率≥0.999 999, 准确率为96.81%; 用8个标记的排除率≥0.999 999 999, 准确率为97.87%; 用10个标记的准确率为99.47%; 用12～18个标记的准确率为100%。亲子鉴定准确率随非亲排除率和微卫星标记数目的增多而升高。检验所有子代全部是实验亲本的后代, 即13个亲本对子代均有贡献, 但不同亲本的贡献率不同, 最高为47.34%, 最低为0.53%。实验表明, 基于多标记的非亲排除率检测方法可以用于牙鲆亲子鉴定, 其鉴定准确率可以达到100%; 不同亲本对子代贡献率不同, 差异很大, 产生差异的原因有待进一步研究。

     

博斯腾湖浮游动物群落结构特征与分布的季节性变化

于2010年6月至2011年1月对博斯腾湖大湖区浮游动物群落进行了4次调查研究。结果表明, 共鉴出浮游动物83种(属), 其中原生动物27种(属), 轮虫42种(属), 枝角类10种(属), 桡足类4种(属)。浮游动物在种类上以淡水习见的广温性种类为主, 兼有嗜暖种和嗜冷种; 数量上小型浮游动物占优势(>64.8%); 生物量上大型浮游动物(主要是枝角类)占主导地位(>85.2%)。物种丰富度指数8月(夏季)最高(1.52), 1月(冬季)最低(0.74); 物种多样性指数和物种均匀度指数10月(秋季)最高(3.01和0.95), 1月最低(0.75和0.63)。群落多变量分析表明, 博斯腾湖西北部(黄水区)和西南部浮游动物群落结构差异较大, 从春季到秋季这种差异逐渐增大, 冬季差异最小。本研究通过分析博斯腾湖浮游动物群落结构的种类组成、现存量、多样性指数和群落多变量探讨该湖浮游动物群落特征及其分布的季节性变化规律, 以期为博斯腾湖水环境评价与保护、渔业资源合理利用和可持续发展提供理论依据。

     

不同牙鲆群体遗传力和育种值分析

以牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)抗病群体(RS)、RS(♂)与从日本引进的日本群体(♀)交配建立的群体(RJ)、日本群体(♂)与RS(♀)交配建立的群体(JR)、以及韩国群体(KS)为基础群体, 通过随机交配建立牙鲆家系, 研究了4个群体作为亲本的育种性能。待所建立的家系生长至19月龄左右时, 测量家系生长性状, 包括全长和体质量, 测量所得数据用SPSS及DMU软件中的REML算法和BLUP方法进行分析。结果显示, 从表型参数可以看出KS(♂)×RJ(♀)杂交后代表现出明显的生长优势。19月龄牙鲆全长和体质量的遗传力分别为0.301、0.295, 都属于中等遗传力。因此, 牙鲆群体具有较好的遗传改良潜力。全长、体质量育种值与其表型值的相关系数分别为0.838和0.827, 且呈极显著相关(P<0.01), 表明个体育种值的预测结果具有较高的准确性。对父母本分别进行育种值比较可知, 父本中KS的育种值最高, 母本中RJ的育种值最高, 因此选用KS(♂)和RJ(♀)杂交可培育出生长迅速的牙鲆新品种。本研究通过比较4个资源群体牙鲆生长性状的育种性能, 并以此作为筛选优良亲本群体的重要依据, 旨在为牙鲆新品种的成功选育奠定理论基础, 同时为牙鲆的进一步遗传改良提供重要的科学依据。

     

基于线粒体COI基因序列的5种鲤养殖品种遗传多样性研究

本研究通过对5个鲤养殖品种即高寒鲤(Cyprinus carpio Frigid carp)、松浦鲤(Cyprinus carpio Songpu carp)、蓝鳞鲤(Cyprinus carpio blue var)、松浦镜鲤(Cyprinus carpio Songpu mirror carp)和红镜鲤(Cyprinus carpio Red mirror carp)的线粒体COI基因部分序列的测定, 比较并分析了其遗传多样性和系统进化关系。在5个鲤品种共100个样本的线粒体COI序列中检测到8种单倍型, 其中5个单倍型(H1、H2、H4、H5、H6)涵盖样本较多, 占总样本数的94.06%。蓝鳞鲤的单倍型数最少, 仅有1个, 红镜鲤单倍型数为2个, 其余3个品种的单倍型数均为5个。5个品种单倍型多样性(H_d)在0.160±0.070~0.811±0.055, 其中, 遗传多样性最高的为高寒鲤。AMOVA结果表明, 品种间变异(50.28%)略高于品种内变异(49.72%), 各品种间的F_ST值在0.711 4~0.831 2, 其中蓝鳞鲤与其他群体之间差异最大。用MEGA4.0软件构建的基于遗传距离的进化树表明, 5个养殖品种中, 高寒鲤和红镜鲤的遗传距离最近(D=0.31), 聚为一支; 松浦镜鲤和松浦鲤的遗传距离较近(D=0.33), 聚为一支; 蓝鳞鲤与其他品种存在较大遗传差异, 单独形成一个分支。除蓝鳞鲤外, 其余4个养殖品种间均存在共享的单倍型(H2、H4、H5、H6), 可能是由于其在选育过程中亲本的遗传背景存在交叉, 同时也证明DNA条码在分析种内品种间遗传关系时具有可行性但具有一定的局限性。

     

杜仲对凡纳滨对虾生长、血清非特异性免疫和肌肉成分的影响

在基础饲料中分别添加0.0%(对照组)、0.5%、1.0%、2.0%和3.0%的杜仲(Eucommia ulmoides), 饲喂体质量为(7.5±0.2) g的凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei), 实验共分5个处理组, 每处理组4个重复, 每重复40尾虾。经过42 d养殖, 各处理组均有较高的存活率, 且无显著差异(P>0.05); 2.0%杜仲组的虾体增重率最高(136.1%), 饲料系数最低(1.33), 较对照组提高增重率9.8%(P<0.05), 降低饲料系数0.13(P<0.05); 饲料中添加0.5%、1.0%杜仲, 显著提高了对虾血清LSZ、PO活性, 添加1.0%杜仲, 显著降低了血清MDA含量, 提高了肝胰腺蛋白酶活性(P<0.05); 攻毒实验结果表明, 以溶藻弧菌(Vibrio alginolyticus)肌肉注射虾体后96 h, 0.5%、1.0%、2.0%杜仲组的虾体死亡率均较对照组显著降低(P<0.05); 在肌肉成分方面, 添加2.0%、3.0%杜仲显著提高了肌肉胶原蛋白含量, 各处理在肌肉水分、灰分、粗蛋白、粗脂肪含量方面没有显著差异。上述研究表明, 在凡纳滨对虾饲料中添加杜仲2.0%, 可显著改善生产性能, 提高肌肉胶原蛋白含量; 在饲料中添加杜仲0.5%～1.0%, 可提高凡纳滨对虾非特异性免疫能力。本研究旨在考察杜仲对凡纳滨对虾生长、血清非特异性免疫和肌肉成分的影响, 为杜仲在对虾饲料中的合理应用提供科学依据。

     

利用低盐度养殖的凡纳滨对虾培育亲虾初探

以在盐度2~3条件下养殖至9月龄的凡纳滨对虾( Litopenaeus vannamei )成虾为材料, 研究低盐度养殖对虾在不同盐度驯养条件下的繁殖性能, 以期为利用低盐度养殖对虾培育亲虾提供科学依据。实验盐度梯度设置为1、8、15、23和30。雌虾经剪切单侧眼柄后进行促熟培育, 促熟期间的雄虾养殖水温控制在(27±0.5)℃, 雌虾水温控制在(28±0.5)℃。定期检查雌虾卵巢和雄虾精荚的发育情况, 采用精荚人工移植技术对不同盐度条件下培育的亲虾进行组合交配, 统计受精率和孵化率, 组织切片观察卵巢发育, 综合评价各实验组合的繁殖性能。结果表明, 在实验盐度梯度范围内, 雌虾卵巢都可发育成熟; 盐度1组雌虾成熟比例仅10%, 且全部死亡; 盐度8和15下发育成熟的雌虾达70%, 可正常产卵, 但产出的卵子受精率较低, 不能孵化出无节幼体; 盐度23和30下发育成熟的雌虾超过76%, 可正常产卵、孵化, 但孵化率较低。组织切片观察, 盐度8~30范围内各组雌虾卵巢发育无明显差异。在盐度8~30范围内, 凡纳滨对虾雄虾精巢都能够正常发育成熟, 但盐度30和23实验组的雄虾精巢发育速度明显快于盐度15和8组; 随着盐度的降低, 精荚发育成熟所需要的时间明显延长; 所有盐度实验组的精荚被移植后都可与卵子受精并孵化出无节幼体。

     

桑沟湾不同养殖区水体微生物群落结构特征

采用PCR-DGGE分子指纹图谱技术研究了2007年夏季桑沟湾不同养殖区水体微生物群落结构特征。DGGE指纹图谱分析表明, 不同站位之间既存在共同图谱, 又具有各自的特征谱带, 总体上可分为4个区, 湾外区、湾口区, 湾中区和湾底区, 分别与非养殖区、海带养殖区、综合养殖区、贝类单养与网箱养殖区行相对应; 扇贝养殖区和牡蛎养殖区微生物相似性最高为94%, 贝类单养与网箱养殖区和非养殖区相似性最低为41%, 仅在网箱区发现对含氮污染物有去除作用的玫瑰杆菌属(Roseobacter)。17个站位表层水样共获得30个优势菌群, 选择比较明显的12条带进行回收、扩增和测序, 与GenBank中已经登录的细菌种群的同源性进行比较(相似性92%~98%), 结果表明, 这12条序列所代表的细菌分属于变形菌亚门(α-proteobacteria和γ-proteobacteria)、放线菌门(Actinobacteria)、厚壁菌门(Firmicutes)。研究结果说明贝类单养和网箱养殖对环境的改变较大, 海带养殖对环境的改变较小, 综合养殖能减少贝类和网箱养殖对环境的污染程度, 是一种值得大力推广的养殖模式。

     

脊尾白虾丝氨酸蛋白酶抑制剂基因克隆及表达分析

采用RACE方法获得了脊尾白虾(Exopalaemon carinicauda)丝氨酸蛋白酶抑制剂serpin基因的cDNA序列。该基因全长1 516 bp, 开放阅读框1 245 bp, 编码414个氨基酸, 其预测分子量为45.06 kD, 理论等电点为5.694, 并含有两个糖基结合位点。同源性分析发现其与斑节对虾(Penaeus monodon)同源性最高, 达到49%。组织表达分析表明, serpin基因在脊尾白虾血细胞中表达量最高, 其次是肝胰腺和鳃组织, 在肌肉中表达量最低。不同盐度胁迫后脊尾白虾的血细胞serpin基因表达量在盐度胁迫8 h时显著高于对照组(P<0.05), 肝胰腺组织中serpin基因表达量在盐度胁迫后2 h和24 h出现明显峰值, 且显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。上述结果表明, 脊尾白虾serpin基因参与了急性盐度胁迫下机体的应激反应。本研究通过克隆脊尾白虾酚氧化酶原激活系统中的丝氨酸蛋白酶抑制剂基因cDNA全长, 分析盐度胁迫后其在血细胞和肝胰腺组织中的表达变化规律, 以期为脊尾白虾的健康养殖提供理论基础和参考依据。

     

半滑舌鳎 WT1a 基因的克隆与性别分化期的表达分析

从半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis)全基因组序列中获得肿瘤抑制基因 WT1a 的部分序列, 然后利用 RACE 技术克隆了WT1a 基因的全长, 运用组织学方法, 对半滑舌鳎性腺分化早期的组织切片进行了观察, 并分析了该阶段WT1a 的表达特征。克隆结果显示, WT1a 基因cDNA全长为1 886 bp, 开放阅读框(ORF)长为1 470 bp, 编码490个氨基酸, 并且包含 KTS 三肽, 5′-UTR 和3′-UTR 分别长为245 bp 和171 bp。在 ORF 末端发现2个微卫星(SSR)序列和2个跨膜螺旋区域, 而在其他物种中未发现这些区域。氨基酸序列分析显示, WT1a 基因的保守性很高, 与人的同源性高达90%。通过组织切片观察发现, 该批半滑舌鳎在56 d时性腺开始分化, 并且卵巢分化早于精巢。荧光实时定量分析结果显示, WT1a 在半滑舌鳎成鱼性腺中表达量显著高于其他各组织, 在肝、肾、脾、心脏等组织中有微量表达, 并且在成鱼性腺中, 雄鱼表达量显著高于雌鱼, 雌鱼显著高于伪雄鱼。在胚胎发育各时期以及初出膜后WT1a的表达结果显示, 在12 h (原肠早期)显著升高, 20 h (神经胚期)达到最高。在性腺分化早期雌雄性腺中的表达结果显示, WT1a 在雌雄半滑舌鳎16~66 d 的性腺中表达量持续平稳升高, 在性腺分化时期表达量并没有特殊的变化。这些研究结果说明, WT1a 基因是半滑舌鳎性别相关基因, 并在半滑舌鳎的性腺分化、发育过程中持续表达, 但可能对性腺的分化过程并不起决定作用。

     

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.     

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.