Effect of high temperature stress on the fertility of male and female gametes of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

We evaluated the effect of high temperature on Apostichopus japonicus gametes. Gametes were exposed to the optimal temperature (18°C; control) or one of six high temperature treatments (26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31°C) and the cleavage rate (CR) of fertilized eggs was measured as an indication of fertilization ability. At control temperatures (18°C), the male and female gametes had high fertilization ability (CR ≥95.0%) in 5 h and the time at which 50% of gametes lost the ability to successfully fertilize (LT₅₀) was 7.03 h. All gametes were non‐viable after 9 h. When male and female gametes were both exposed to high temperature, the LT₅₀ was lower than that when female or male gametes were treated individually at the same high temperature (P < 0.05). The LT₅₀ was lower for male gametes treated alone than for female gametes treated alone. In conclusion, exposure to high temperature results in a decline in fertilization ability of A. japonicus gametes, and this decline was more rapid at higher temperature. The female gametes were more resistant to high temperatures than male gametes.     

孔石莼的同形世代交替

通过实验室培养和显微观察,描述了孔石莼同形世代交替各个阶段的发育情况。雌雄异体的配子体成熟后,放散两鞭毛的配子,雌雄配子接合成合子进而发育成孢子体,孢子体成熟后放散四鞭毛的游孢子,游孢子固着后,可直接发育成配子体。其同形世代交替是单倍体的配子体与二倍体的孢子体相互交替。     

Effect of temperature on short-term storage of eggs and sperm of chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta)

Chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) gametes were stored separately for intervals up to 460 h at temperatures ranging from 3 to 15°C. Estimates of time to 90 and 50% fertilization success (FS) were obtained for either stored eggs, stored milt, or stored eggs and milt. When both gametes were stored, the combined loss of gamete viability resulted in shorter times to 90 and 50% FS than when either eggs or milt were stored alone. Gamete storage at colder temperatures significantly prolonged viability; for example, when both gametes were stored, the time to 90% FS ranged from 19.6 h (15°C) to 123.9 h (3°C). Loss of viability of stored gametes in these trials was similar to that found in other studies with Oncorhynchus species at low storage temperatures (3–6°C), but gametes showed significantly greater viability when stored at higher temperatures (9–15°C). This increased viability in the current study appears to have resulted from the provision of (1) higher air-to-gamete ratios, and (2) greater interface area between air and gametes in the storage containers, two factors that would enhance gamete respiration during storage.     

Comparison of spawning induction techniques on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paracentrotus lividus</Emphasis> (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) broodstock

The performance of different and expedite spawning induction methods was compared on samples of both mature wild and captive Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin populations. Thermal, saline and mechanical shocks, emersion during different periods of time, addition of con-specific gametes and different KCl concentrations were tested. Percentage of spawned sea urchins, mean number of released eggs, percentage of males that released more than 200 million spermatozoa, and survival after 5 days were the variables analysed. Results indicate that both thermal and saline shocks were ineffective methods to trigger spawning. Mechanical shock and addition of con-specific gametes were able to promote spawning but with a reduced number of released gametes. Emersion for a period of 3 h induced spawning with 100% broodstock survival but longer periods up to 12 h, although increasing the number of spawners can cause significant broodstock mortality. An injection of 1-mL intra-peristomial KCl was an expedite method to obtain P. lividus gametes, but high mortalities were always recorded and was related with excessive KCl concentrations. When there is need for a small number of gametes, the mechanical shock technique can be considered since led to 100% survival. When large spawnings are required, the emersion procedure can be a viable method, but further investigation must be carried out to assess the best time period to obtain broodstock full survival.     

长肋日月贝亲本促熟培育与催产技术研究

利用室外水泥池开展不同密度长肋日月贝亲本促熟试验,经过30 d左右的强化培育,结果表明20～50个/m3的培育密度能取得较好的促熟效果。采用了阴干、温度、藻液、流水和精卵刺激的方法诱导亲贝排放精卵,试验结果阴干刺激1 h+温度刺激+藻液刺激1 h结合的诱导效果最好。     

Application of surrogate broodstock technology in aquaculture

Fisheries Science - Surrogate broodstock technology facilitates the production of donor-derived gametes in surrogates, and comprises transplanting germ cells of a donor into recipients of a...     

Establishment of a tracing technique for transplanted bluefin tuna germ cells in recipient’s gonads using monoclonal antibodies specifically recognizing bluefin tuna spermatogenic cells

Fisheries Science - Our ultimate aim is to establish a small-bodied surrogate broodstock (e.g., mackerel) that produces functional gametes of the Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis using...     

Optimization of hydrostatic pressure,timing, and duration parameters for the induction of tetraploidy in turbot,Scophthalmus maximus

Aquaculture International - Tetraploid fish are the key source of diploid gametes in polyploid breeding, and they can be induced by disrupting the first mitotic cell cleavage. In this study, the...     

Optimization of a spawning‑induction protocol for the prediction of natural coral spawning

Fisheries Science - Many scleractinian corals only spawn once a year, so opportunities for collecting their gametes are limited. Consequently, the induction of spawning in coral would be useful,...     

Offspring or ornaments? Is carotenoid‐based ornamentation in female Arctic charr,Salvelinus alpinus (L.), condition‐dependent and traded off against offspring?

Abstract –  In several carotenoids-based ornamented species, females invest carotenoids also into their gametes to increase the quality of the rapidly growing zygote. The extra carotenoids demand may cause females to trade-off valuable carotenoids between ornament and eggs. This may be one reason why females are less showy ornamented than males. In our study-population of Arctic charr, individuals of both sexes vary in degree of conspicuousness of their red abdomen and fins. None of the two carotenoids-based ornaments was significantly associated with either (i) the amount of carotenoids in the egg, although being negative and close to significance, or (ii) potential condition-dependent parameters like relative density of leucocytes, condition-factor and parasitism. This study does not support the 'direct selection hypothesis' to explain the existence of female ornaments, and gives equivocal support for the hypothesis of asymmetrical investment of carotenoids into gametes to explain the less showy ornaments in females when compared with males.     

Establishment of Tilapia Spawning Families Providing a Continuous Supply of Eggs for in vitro Fertilization

Three hybrid tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus ± O. niloticus ) spawning families were established in three separate culture tanks to provide a continuous supply of fresh gametes. An ovulation event, resulting in a natural spawn, an artificial spawn or oocyte resorption, occurred with a mean of every 1.4 days among 19 females, though only a few females demonstrated periods of evenly spaced 10 to 20 day maturation-ovulation cycles. Ovulation events/female/year were similar among the three spawning families: 13.1, 17.5 and 13.4/female, as were mean interovulation intervals (23.6, 21.9, and 23.9 days). Estimated fertilization rates, both natural and as a result of strip-spawning, were highly variable. Rates from natural spawns ranged from a mean per female of 25.7 to 57.3%, and from artificial spawns from 47.8 to 58.8%. Establishment and active management of spawning families of tilapias proved to be an effective procedure for obtaining a continuous supply of gametes for manipulative genetic research.     

Broodstock management of Crassostrea gigas: II. Broodstock conditioning to maximize larval survival

The results of time-course conditioning trials indicate that there is an optimum conditioning interval during which the proportion of viable gametes is at a maximum. When matings are accomplished before or after this optimum interval, reduced gamete viability results. In this case, spawning and fertilization may appear to be normal, but setting success is substantially reduced.The degree of conditioning required to reach this optimum window is dependent on the stage of gonadal development in the broodstock when conditioning is started, and reflects substantial seasonal variation, which is repeated on an annual cyclic basis.Performance of the larval rearing system, reflected in the proportion of ova which survive to the spat stage, may be substantially improved by managing broodstock conditioning to maximize the proportion of viable gametes. This may be accomplished by empirical observation of the annual gonadal cycle in the area where the broodstock is maintained, and then determining the optimum conditioning interval for the various seasons.     

长牡蛎"海大3号"生长繁殖与营养成分的周年变化

为阐明长牡蛎"海大3号"新品种的生长与繁殖特性,自2016年11月份至2017年10月份对养殖于山东省荣成海区长牡蛎"海大3号"群体的生长、性腺发育及营养成分的周年变化及其与环境因子的关系进行研究。结果显示,在海区水温较低的冬季1—2月份,长牡蛎"海大3号"生长缓慢,性腺处于休止期;随水温升高,在春季3—4月份配子开始发育,雌雄个体发育基本同步,4—5月份壳高生长速率加快,湿重显著增加;在夏季,随配子发育壳高生长速率降低,7月份因配子排放湿重下降;在产卵后的秋季长牡蛎"海大3号"壳高和湿重均显著增长。营养分析结果表明,随性腺发育,外套膜、性腺-内脏团、鳃和闭壳肌中糖原含量呈下降趋势,为配子发育提供能量;脂质和蛋白质作为配子主要结构物质在性腺中不断累积,随配子排放而显著降低;在秋季,4个组织中较高的蛋白质含量为机体的快速生长提供物质基础。同时外套膜作为构成壳物质的分泌器官,在8—9月份其糖原含量和脂质含量显著增加,这暗示机体的快速生长需要一定能量储备。研究表明,长牡蛎"海大3号"的生长和繁殖活动受海区水温季节性变化的影响,并与各组织营养成分密切相关。春季和秋季为机体快速生长时期,夏季为配子集中排放期;糖原是生长繁殖活动的主要能量来源,脂质是配子主要结构物质,蛋白质是机体产后恢复和快速生长的物质基础。     

Mu opioid receptor in spermatozoa,eggs and larvae of gilthead sea bream (Sparus Aurata) and its involvement in stress related to aquaculture

In aquaculture, unfavourable conditions experienced during early development may have strong downstream effects on the adult phenotype and fitness. Sensitivity to stress, leading to disease, reduced growth and mortality, is higher in larvae than in adult fish. In this study, conducted on sea bream (Sparus aurata), we evidenced the presence of the mu opioid receptor in gametes and larvae at different developmental stages. Moreover, we evaluated the possibility of reducing the effects of artificially produced stress, altering temperature, salinity and pH, by naloxone (an opioid antagonist) and calcium. Results evidenced that mu opioid receptor is present in larvae and in gametes of both sexes and that, during larval growth, its expression level changes accordingly; furthermore, naloxone/calcium association is efficacious in increasing the survival period of treated larvae compared to controls. We conclude that in sea bream rearing, the use of naloxone/calcium against stress can improve fish farming techniques by reducing larval mortality and consequently increasing productivity.     

Artificially induced tetraploid masu salmon have the ability to form primordial germ cells

Diploid gametes generated with tetraploid animals are a stepping stone to improving chromosome manipulation techniques. However, artificially induced tetraploid individuals generally die soon after hatching. Diploid gametes could be induced by in vivo cultures of tetraploid primordial germ cells (PGCs) through germ-line chimera. In the present study, characteristics of PGCs were studied in inviable tetraploid masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou. Histological observation of tetraploid embryos revealed that the same or smaller numbers of PGCs were observed and they migrate into the genital ridges as did diploid PGCs during gonadogenesis. By whole-mount in situ hybridization using vasa messenger RNA (mRNA), 4–35 vasa-positive signals were detected in a pair of genital ridges of tetraploids. By cytological observation of genital ridge cell suspensions, several large round cells were observed, some of which extended pseudopodia. They also contained large nuclei and round granules in their cytoplasm, characteristics of PGCs. As the results suggest that inviable artificial tetraploids have PGCs, we expect to achieve diploid gamete production through surrogate propagation and tetraploid fish production.     

Biology of the gametes of some teleost species

Our knowledge of the biology of fish gametes is still limited. Up to now research was short-term, aiming at solving practical questions connected with gamete storage and artificial insemination. More information on gamete biology is now available and has been summarized in this minireview.In vivo storage of gametes in the genital tract after ovulation or spermiation may be influenced by the osmotic environmentvia changes in the ionic composition of the companion fluid. There is great inter-individual variability in gamete survival bothin vivo andin vitro. Mechanisms involved in the initiation of trout sperm motility have been analysed; after dilution in water or NaCl solution (125 mM) at pH > 7, Ca⁺⁺ entry due to changes in membrane potential have been observed. The involvement of cAMP and protein phosphorylation has been reported. The morphological, physical and biochemical changes in eggs that have been studied after fertilization and the corticol reaction lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of polyspermy blockage.     

鱼类精子超低温冷冻保存技术及其应用

鱼类精子的超低温冷冻保存对鱼类种质资源保护、低温生物学、遗传育种和水产养殖业都具有重要的意义。鱼类精子超低温冷冻保存技术主要包括冷冻保存方法、抗冻保护液、降温、解冻速率、冷冻保存温度、抗冻剂去除等过程。本文就鱼类精子超低温冷冻保存技术及其应用进行了综述。     

A comparative study of sexual product quality in F1 hybrids of the bream Abramis brama?×?the silver bream Blicca bjoerkna

The gonadosomatic index at spawning, absolute fecundity, and egg size for the female sexual products as well as the density and consistency of semen for the male sexual products were examined in cultured Abramis brama?×?Blicca bjoerkna F1 hybrids and compared with the parental species at their first sexual maturity. Females ovulated under environmental conditions, and their eggs were weighed, counted and measured. Semen of males was macroscopically examined and spermatozoa counted using a hemocytometer. Results revealed that hybridization affected the quality of female and male gametes but with an overlap between hybrids and parents. The gonadosomatic index and fecundity were significantly lower than those of parental species. Egg sizes in hybrids showed a parental effect but to the benefit of hybrids. Semen of hybrids was more diluted which was classified into two groups: the white semen overlapping slightly with parents and the aqueous without any overlap with parents. Overlapped areas between hybrids and parents in term of quality of sexual products could translate that females and males of these hybrids have the biological capacity to produce high quality gametes and thus, a greater chance to produce F2 and backcross generations in rivers.     

鱼类配子和胚胎冷冻保存研究进展及前景展望

种质资源是水产养殖生产、优良品种培育及水产养殖业可持续发展的重要物质基础。我国是一个水生生物种质资源较为丰富的国家 ,丰富多样的水生生物种质资源和遗传多样性对于我国水产养殖业的快速发展起到了非常重要的作用。然而 ,由于渔业资源的过度捕捞、无序利用及人工放流等 ,造成了某些鱼类资源的衰退和濒临灭绝 ,如不及时采取保护措施 ,若干年后 ,在自然界中将难以找到上述鱼类原种、良种的遗传资源 ;由于忽视鱼类种质保护及品种选育的工作 ,养殖鱼类近亲交配越来越严重 ,造成种质退化 ,遗传多样性减少 ,生长速度减缓 ,品质下降 ,对病害…     

Roe enhancement of Paracentrotus lividus: Nutritional effects of fresh and formulated diets

Sea urchin gonads are exploited both for gastronomic and scientific purposes; thus, the production of large and mature gonads is essential. Natural populations of the Mediterranean Sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus are subject to increasing fishing efforts, due to continuous intensification of consumptions. Aquaculture practices may represent an answer, but the availability of artificial feeds accelerating the production of high‐quality gonads in terms of size, taste, colour, firmness, maturity and viability of gametes is critical to boost the productions. The accessibility of cheap and effective feeds promoting the fattening of gonads and the quality of gametes is still a bottleneck slowing down the expansion of echinoculture practices. This investigation is aimed at enabling the development of this strategic sector, by comparing the dietetic effects of fresh foods and a commercial feed for aquaculture, to four newly formulated feeds. The protein contents of diets were strongly related to the GSIs. The abundance of fatty acids appeared inversely related to the viability of embryos and abnormalities of larvae. The features of an ideal diet for this sea urchin were defined, based on the results of experimental trials, and the need for increasing levels of plant‐derived proteins during the grow‐out period was demonstrated.