Pb2+对泥蚶鳃、肝脏等组织结构的影响

为了进一步了解重金属Pb对贝类的毒性毒理影响,研究了4个暴毒浓度(5、15、45和90μg/L)Pb2+对泥蚶鳃和肝脏组织显微结构的影响,及其中2个高浓度组Pb2+暴毒对泥蚶鳃和肝脏组织超微结构的影响,处理时间为96 h。结果显示,低浓度组Pb2+造成泥蚶鳃丝脱离其相连的软骨组织;高浓度组Pb2+使其鳃丝呼吸上皮细胞出现脱落,鳃腔肿胀、内有血细胞堆积,鳃丝断裂;超微结构分析发现,随着浓度的升高,鳃上皮细胞中次级溶酶体和线粒体数量均增加。Pb对泥蚶肝脏组织的显微结构影响仅见高浓度组肝小管附近有黄色物质沉积,消化管界限缺失,超微结构表明随着浓度的升高,肝细胞内沉积大量的黑色嗜锇性物质,次级溶酶体亦大量增加,细胞胞质及细胞核出现空泡,最后将导致细胞坏死,造成肝细胞永久性损伤。结合其他重金属毒性研究可发现,重金属引起的病理学变化并不具有金属特异性,主要还是氧化胁迫造成的氧化损伤。研究推测,生物体的抗氧化体系在重金属解毒中发挥了重要作用。     

多环芳烃对水生动物毒性效应的研究进展

多环芳烃(PAHs)是广泛存在于水体环境中的一类持久性有机污染物,因其具有致癌、致畸和致突变性而备受关注。本文简述了PAHs的定义、分类、来源及其污染现状,并综述了PAHs在水生生物体内蓄积、代谢规律及其对水生生物的毒性效应:在急性毒性层面综述了PAHs对不同水生动物的毒性程度及急性致死效应;在亚急性及慢性毒性层面分别从分子水平、生理生化酶水平、细胞组织水平,综述了:PAHs暴露对水生生物的分子毒性,导致DNA单链断裂、PAHs-DNA加合物的形成;PAHs暴露对水生生物抗氧化酶系统(SOD、CAT、GPx、GSH/GSSG)、外源性有机污染物代谢酶(EROD、GST)活力的影响;PAHs暴露引起的氧化应激、脂质过氧化、组织病理学变化等氧化损伤。本综述目的是便于今后更深入地研究PAHs对水生动物的毒性效应和毒性作用机制,进而更好的控制PAHs污染,保护水生生物和水生生态环境。     

Cd胁迫对泥蚶Cd积累及相关生理代谢的影响

为了探讨镉(Cd)胁迫对泥蚶(Tegillarca granosa)体内重金属 Cd 含量积累、相关酶活力变化及基因表达水平的影响, 本研究将泥蚶暴露于 Cd 质量浓度为 0 mg/L、0.05 mg/L、0.1 mg/L、0.5 mg/L 的海水中, 对其软体部 Cd 含量, 超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和三磷酸腺苷酶(ATP)的酶活力, 丙二醛(MDA)含量以及 ATP 结合盒转运子 A 家族(ABCA3)、 金属硫蛋白(MT)、ATP 合酶(ATP)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)基因表达等指标的变化进行分析。结果显示, Cd 胁迫后泥蚶软体部 Cd 含量明显增加, 呈现明显的时间–剂量效应；Cd 胁迫后 0.05 mg/L 和 0.1 mg/L 质量浓度组中鳃和外套膜 Cd 含量显著高于其他组织(P＜0.05), 0.5 mg/L 组内脏团 Cd 含量最高。Cd 胁迫后泥蚶内脏团中 SOD 酶和 ATP 酶活力及 MDA 含量前期呈上升趋势, 后期呈现下降趋势, 且均高于对照组。Cd 胁迫后 ABCA3、SOD、MT 基因表达上调, ATP 合酶基因的表达与对照组相比没有显著变化。胁迫后泥蚶软体部 Cd 大量增加, 诱导机体产生氧化应激反应, 泥蚶通过调整自身酶活力和相关基因表达水平的变化, 减少 Cd 胁迫产生的氧自由基对自身的毒害作用。     

苯并（a）芘对大弹涂鱼肝脏DNA的损伤

在实验生态条件, 用碱解旋技术检测了暴露于BaP后大弹涂鱼肝脏的DNA单链断裂程度，结果发现DNA单链断裂程度同时受到曝污时间和曝污浓度的影响，并具有一定的时间－效应和剂量－效应特征；污染解除后DNA单链断裂程度未明显减轻，表明DNA损伤的修复能力较弱。以上这些 结果表明DNA单链断裂适于作为BaP暴露后DNA损伤的检测指标。     

低温对斑马鱼ZF4细胞基因组DNA甲基化水平的影响

低温压力会导致鱼类生理功能失调、机体损伤甚至死亡,鱼类会产生各种适应性变化来应对低温压力,其中涉及的表观遗传学机制越来越受到重视。为了探讨鱼类低温应激压力下的表观遗传学调控机制,本研究对斑马鱼(Daniorerio)胚胎成纤维细胞ZF4进行短期低温胁迫(18℃处理3d、5d和10℃处理3d、5d)和长期低温胁迫(18℃处理30 d),然后用具有不同甲基化敏感性的同裂酶HpaⅡ和MspⅠ对细胞基因组DNA进行酶切以监测细胞基因组DNA甲基化水平变化。结果显示短期低温胁迫下ZF4细胞生长受到抑制甚至死亡,而经过长期低温胁迫的ZF4细胞对低温压力产生了一定适应性。并且低温胁迫下DNA甲基化水平呈现动态变化,短期低温培养细胞的基因组DNA甲基化水平明显增高,但是长期低温培养细胞的DNA甲基化水平反而下降。此外,研究发现抗氧化剂N-乙酰半胱氨酸(N-acetylcysteine,NAC)或者共济失调–毛细血管扩张突变蛋白(ataxia telangiectasia mutated,ATM)抑制剂KU-55933可以抑制18℃5 d低温处理后的ZF4细胞DNA甲基化水平的增高,说明活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)的产生和ATM的激活介导了DNA甲基化水平的增高。本研究结果显示,短期低温刺激下ZF4细胞ROS的产生导致DNA损伤,激活DNA损伤修复机制,进而导致基因组DNA甲基化水平上升,该研究为后期斑马鱼低温胁迫分子机制的研究奠定基础。     

锐钛型纳米二氧化钛对河蚬氧化应激的影响

为评价纳米二氧化钛（TiO2-NPs）对河蚬（Corbicula fluminea）的毒性效应,采用5、50、100 mg/L浓度锐钛型TiO2-NPs对河蚬暴露处理24 h、48 h、96 h和192 h,测定其鳃、消化腺和斧足肌肉组织中钛含量以及谷胱甘肽S转移酶（GST）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）的活性。结果表明：（1）在相同暴露时间下,河蚬3种组织的平均钛含量均显著上升并高于空白对照组（P<0.05）;随暴露时间延长,消化腺和斧足肌肉中平均钛含量总体上呈上升趋势,且消化腺中钛含量高于斧足组织,而低、中浓度组鳃组织平均钛含量处于较稳定水平;暴露24～192 h,鳃、消化腺和斧足肌肉中平均钛含量分别为0.73～3.50、2.88～32.37、1.15～3.11 μg/g;（2）在暴露初期,河蚬3种组织的GST活性不同程度上升;随暴露时间延长,鳃和消化腺中GST活性先显著下降、后上升,斧足肌肉中GST活性呈现逐步下降趋势;暴露24～192 h,鳃、消化腺和斧足肌肉中GST活性分别为97.39～371.44、164.92～837.22、63.39～247.75 U/mg;（3）暴露24 h后,3个浓度组河蚬鳃和斧足肌肉中SOD活性均明显上升,低浓度组消化腺SOD活性也显著上升;随暴露时间延长,3种组织中SOD活性均呈现逐渐下降趋势,且SOD活性下降幅度与处理浓度呈正相关;暴露24～192 h,鳃、消化腺和斧足肌肉中SOD活性分别为7.68～27.05、3.63～16.92、4.25～43.08 U/mg。研究表明,3种浓度TiO2-NPs暴露导致钛在河蚬体内显著富集并引起氧化应激反应,其对河蚬具有明显的毒性效应。     

胜利原油对半滑舌鳎肝脏超氧化物歧化酶和过氧化氢酶活性的影响

在室内模拟条件下,研究了不同暴露浓度和不同作用时间下胜利原油对半滑舌鳎幼鱼肝脏超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性的影响,以探讨其用于石油污染的生物标志物的可行性.结果表明,从时间-效应关系分析,半滑舌鳎幼鱼肝脏SOD和CAT活性随时间总体呈现升高-降低-升高的趋势,并且随着暴露浓度的增加,出现高值的时问提前.从剂量-效应关系分析,半滑舌鳎幼鱼肝脏SOD和CAT活性总体呈现低浓度诱导,高浓度抑制的过程.污染物对生物体的毒性效应存在一定的阚值,在这个阚值内机体未发生中毒反应,污染胁迫解除后也能较快地恢复到正常水平.在本实验中,石油污染对半滑舌鳎幼鱼肝脏CAT活性影响的阚值在0.2～0.4 mg/L之间,而对SOD活性影响的阚值在1.6～3.2 mg/L之间.在此阙值以上,表明石油污染导致机体产生活性氧的速度超过机体抗氧化防御系统的清除能力,损伤作用占主导地位,使机体发生毒性效应.半滑舌鳎幼鱼肝脏CAT活性对石油污染的响应相对于SOD更加敏感,所以更能反映出环境中氧化污染的胁迫,有望成为石油类污染的生物标志物.     

扑草净对四角蛤蜊抗氧化酶活性及组织细胞的影响

为探讨扑草净胁迫对四角蛤蜊(Mactra veneriformis)的毒性效应, 开展了不同质量浓度扑草净(0.2 μg/L、 1.0 μg/L、10 μg/L)对四角蛤蜊 21 d 胁迫及 15 d 净水释放实验, 测定不同时间点鳃、消化腺中超氧化物歧化酶 (superoxidedismutase, SOD)、过氧化氢酶(catalase, CAT)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(glutathione peroxidase, GPx)等抗氧化酶活性, 观察鳃组织细胞形态学变化。结果表明, 扑草净对四角蛤蜊 SOD、CAT、GPx 均有一定的诱导或抑制, 0.2 μg/L 对其氧化胁迫小于其他两组; 净水释放阶段 1.0 μg/L、10.0 μg/L 组酶活性不能完全恢复甚至活性丧失, 10.0 μg/L 扑草净对四角蛤蜊有不可逆氧化损伤。扑草净可引起鳃上皮细胞萎缩、纤毛脱落, 鳃丝内腔隙变大。随着扑草净浓度增高或胁迫时间延长, SOD、CAT 及鳃组织细胞形态变化存在明显浓度–效应和时间–效应, 高浓度扑草净对四角蛤蜊有明显毒性效应。结论认为, 四角蛤蜊鳃中 GPx 可作为扑草净污染的潜在生物标志物, 为海洋生态环境污染做出预警。     

Cu2+胁迫对魁蚶生理生化和组织结构的影响

采用生物毒性测试的方法,研究了持续暴露96 h不同浓度Cu2+胁迫对魁蚶生理代谢、组织结构及酶活性的影响。实验设置0.01、0.05、0.10、0.50和1.00 mg/L组5个浓度梯度,不加Cu2+的正常海水作为对照。结果显示,Cu2+胁迫对魁蚶耗氧率(OR)、排氨率(NR)、氧氮比(O∶N)均有显著影响,并且与暴露时间和浓度有关。初次暴露时,OR,NR和O∶N都迅速下降,最低值都出现在1.00 mg/L浓度组,分别为(0.005±0.001)mg/(g·h)、(0.5±0.05)μmol/(g·h)、0.7±0.1,仅为对照组的1%、29%和3%。暴露72 h内Cu2+胁迫均使魁蚶代谢率不同程度下降,之后不同处理组出现差异分化。暴露96 h时,魁蚶对低浓度Cu2+暴露表现出适应,0.01 mg/L处理组呼吸代谢恢复至正常水平,O∶N与对照组无差异,组织结构也未见明显损伤;浓度超过0.05 mg/L处理组魁蚶生理代谢及组织结构受显著影响,O∶N大多降至9以下,出现鳃丝受损和组织结构散乱等明显损伤;0.10 mg/L处理组魁蚶体内ACP和ALP活性在鳃组织中增强,肝脏中受到抑制,而GPX和GST活性增强。研究表明持续暴露96 h Cu2+浓度≥0.05 mg/L环境显著影响魁蚶生理代谢及组织结构,0.10 mg/L Cu2+浓度显著影响魁蚶组织中ACP、ALP、GPX和GST的活性。研究结果为认知魁蚶等滩涂贝类对Cu2+胁迫的响应机制提供基础数据,为预防滩涂潜在重金属污染风险及生物修复提供参考。     

急性离水操作胁迫对四指马鲅(Eleutheronema tetradactylum)幼鱼组织结构和氧化应激的影响

为探究急性离水操作胁迫对四指马鲅(Eleutheronema tetradactylum)幼鱼组织结构和氧化应激的影响，本研究通过组织切片和酶活性测定来观察及检测鳃和肌肉显微结构的变化、抗氧化酶活性以及Na+-K+-ATP酶活性，以探究四指马鲅应激反应规律。结果显示，急性离水操作胁迫2 h后，鳃小片、扁平上皮细胞以及线粒体丰富细胞都出现不同程度的损伤；肌肉从肌纤维变性、肌纤维束之间的间隙增宽、空泡化至肌肉组织整体失去固有形态，并且呈逐渐分解的趋势；超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)有相同的变化趋势，胁迫后的2 h显著下降(P<0.05)，但12 h时则升至最高值。过氧化氢酶(CAT)和总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)水平在处理后2 h无显著变化(P>0.05)，之后升高，直到12 h达到峰值。丙二醛(MDA)含量在胁迫后的2 h无显著差异(P>0.05)，直到6 h达到峰值。SOD和CAT活性在处理24 h后显著低于处理前，其他酶变化不显著。Na+-K+-ATP酶活性在处理后2 h显著升高(P<0.05)，12 h达到峰值，24 h恢复到处理前水平。本研究表明，操作胁迫会对鳃和肌肉的组织结构造成损伤，而且随时间持续，损伤呈现加重趋势；肌肉抗氧化酶系统在受到氧化压力2 h后才启动，处理后12 h肌肉受到的氧化压力最大，抗氧化酶活性最强；在受到外界刺激时，SOD和GSH之间可能存在协同作用；MDA可以作为四指马鲅氧化损伤的快速响应生物标记物。     

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.