感染白斑综合症病毒（WSSV）对虾相关免疫因子的研究

129尾中国对虾（Penaeus chinensis）分别捕自未暴发白斑综合症（WSSV病毒所致）虾池、WSSV暴发虾池以及曾暴发WSSV虾池。用斑点杂交和组织病理学方法确定各尾对虾的染毒（WSSV）程度。用96孔酶标板法测量相应个体血淋巴上清液的抗菌活力（Ua）、溶菌活力（U↓（L））、酚氧化     

白斑综合征病毒感染与对虾的免疫防御反应

对虾白斑综合征病毒（WSSV）感染对虾后，最典型的免疫反应是对虾开放循环系统的血淋巴细胞数量急剧下降，血淋巴凝结功能下降，感染部位聚集了大量的血淋巴细胞，且以颗粒细胞为主。WSSV可感染对虾颗粒细胞和小颗粒细胞，其中小颗粒细胞感染率高、感染速率快，感染后大颗粒细胞占血细胞总数的比例可增加到50％；血淋巴中的总糖、总碳水化合物、总蛋白和游离氨基酸显著提高，超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化氢酶和诱导性一氧化氮合成酶的活性显著降低。自然状态下广泛存在WSSV潜伏感染，潜伏感染的存在会导致存在免疫反应情况下的感染复发，并且有助于病毒的传播；不同WSSV感染状态下过氧化物（POD）差异显著，其平均值由大到小依次为：潜伏感染虾样、中度感染虾样、严重感染虾样。而其抗菌活性（UA）、溶菌活性（UL）、酶氧化酶活性（PO）、碱性磷酸酶（ALP）和凝集效价（HAT）差异不显著；潜伏感染个体对再次接种WSSV有“类免疫应答”的抗性，这种抗性不是来源于发病期对虾的天然抗性，而是WSSV感染后的一种免疫系统增强。宿主细胞凋亡可能是感染对虾在高温时反而维持较高成活率的主要机制。免疫增强剂可对对虾防御WSSV感染产生影响，脂多糖、葡聚糖、肽聚糖、岩藻依聚糖和双链核糖核酸都已被证实可提高对虾抗病毒感染的免疫保护。WSSV主要囊膜蛋白VP28可诱导对虾对WSSV感染产生抗性降低累积死亡率，高效价的病毒抗血清具有良好的保护作用；对虾抗菌肽也可通过抑制病毒的复制而起保护作用。     

聚合酶链反应（PCR）检测养殖对虾的白斑症病毒（WSSV）感染

对虾WSSV病是亚洲对虾养殖业中的一个棘手问题。本研究采用Kimura引物 ,用PCR技术对不同生长期的中国对虾 (Penaeuschinensis)进行了WSSV的检测 ,同时也检测了对虾发病时养殖池中多见的野生厚蟹 (Helicesp .)和矛尾刺虎鱼 (Acanthogobiushasta)。检测结果表明 :分别在检测的 5尾亲虾中的 1尾 ,6尾仔虾中的 1尾 ,5尾稚虾中的 3尾及所检测的 5尾病虾和 2只厚蟹中获得到 982bp的PCR扩增产物 ,说明为WSSV感染阳性。在检测的 2尾矛尾刺虎鱼中均未获得PCR扩增产物 ,说明为WSSV感染阴性。在亲虾、虾苗以及虾池内的野生厚蟹中检测到WSSV感染的阳性结果表明 :WSSV感染的亲虾有可能是病毒的储主 ,WSSV感染的野生厚蟹有可能是病毒中间宿主或病毒的携带者 ,它们在对虾WSSV病的感染、传播中起了重要的作用     

白斑综合征病毒卵黄抗体对凡纳滨对虾免疫相关酶活力和抗病毒能力的影响

摘要：免疫活性物质可以调动或激活虾类自身的免疫系统，提高动物的免疫机能，增强动物的抗病毒能力。有关卵黄抗体对对虾体内酶活力及抗病毒能力的影响，国内外尚未见报道。本实验通过连续投喂的方法，用3个水平(1%、0.5%、0.1%)的Ig-Guard(shrimp)制成的试验饲料，同时以基础饲料为空白对照饲喂凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei) 20 d，分别测定了第5，10，15，20 d血淋巴的酚氧化酶(PO)、溶菌酶(UL)、酸性磷酸酶(ACP)及肌肉匀浆液的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)等非特异性免疫因子活性，并对血清及肌肉匀浆液中蛋白进行定量。结果表明，免疫组的PO、UL、ACP、SOD活力均显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。免疫20 d后，用白斑综合征病毒(WSSV)投喂感染。攻毒后第7 d各免疫组的相对免疫保护率分别为17.95%、23.08%、35.90%。实验结果说明，Ig-Guard(shrimp)能有效提高对虾免疫因子的活性，对于提高抗WSSV感染能力也有一定作用。将对虾免疫因子活性和累计死亡率协同分析，摄食低浓度Ig-Guard(shrimp)组较之高浓度组的酶活力高，其累计死亡率低，故笔者建议适当地投喂低浓度Ig-Guard(shrimp)更为合理。     

密度胁迫对凡纳滨对虾稚虾免疫指标及生长的影响

将体长为（3.59±0.26）cm的凡纳滨对虾（Litopenaeus vannamei）按1 800尾.m-3、1 500尾.m-3和1 200尾.m-3的密度分别饲养在注水0.3 m3的圆形玻璃纤维桶（容量为0.5 m3）中30 d,检测了基本水质因子、对虾肝胰腺和肌肉组织中的酚氧化酶（PO）活力、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活力、抗菌活力（Ua）、碱性磷酸酶（AKP）活力、体质量增长和成活率,研究了不同放养密度对凡纳滨对虾稚虾免疫指标及生长的影响。统计分析发现,试验过程中水体理化因子均在适宜范围,各处理间水质因子的差异不显著;对虾的PO活力、Ua和AKP活力均随着密度的增加而降低,SOD活力则反之;对虾的体质量增长、体质量特定增长率和成活率随着密度的增加而降低,成活率差异显著（P〈0.05）。结果表明,凡纳滨对虾（体长〈4.8 cm或体质量〈1.2 g）在密度为1 200～1 800尾.m-3时,密度胁迫可明显影响其免疫指标和生长。     

人工选育中国对虾两个群体WSSV感染相关免疫与生化因子的变化

通过分析中国对虾人工选育两个群体WSSV感染相关免疫与生化因子的变化，研究选育的两个中国对虾群体对WSSV的敏感性和抵抗力。结果表明，两个群体感染WSSV后，总细胞数（THC）在24h达到最大，随后呈下降趋势；两个群体血淋巴蛋白在感染初期和中期变化不同，但在后期均呈下降趋势；相比而言2＇对虾群体比6＇对虾群体血蛋白含量和THC下降幅度稍慢；2＇对虾群体和6＇对虾群体感染24h后酸性磷酸酶（ACP）稍有下降，随后保持较高的活性，而碱性磷酸酶（AKP）的变化除2＇对虾群体在感染48h有显著增大外，6＇对虾群体变化不明显；过氧化氢酶（CAT）、活性氧（ROS）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）与WSSV感染有密切的联系，两个群体抗氧化酶活性随WSSV增殖的变化略有不同；细胞内酚氧化酶（proPO）原变化趋势也表现出差异，斑点杂交结果显示6＇对虾群体比2＇对虾群体阳性反应较早，揭示不同群体间对WSSV感染的敏感性存在一些差异。     

WSSV＋斑节对虾的血清免疫相关酶对人工感染WSSV粗提液的反应

用含3×103拷贝·g^-1、6×1062拷贝·g^-1和2×10^2拷贝·g^-1的对虾白斑综合征病毒（white spot syndrome virus，WSSV）粗提液和PBS液（对照）注射感染病毒携带量约1×10^5拷贝·g^-1的斑节对虾（Penaeusmonodon），分别于第15分钟、第30分钟、第1小时、第3小时、第6小时、第12小时、第24小时、第48小时、第72小时取样，研究了WSSV感染对斑节对虾血清内酸性磷酸酶（acidphosphatase，ACP）、碱性磷酸酶（alkalinephospha—tase，AKP）、酚氧化酶（phenoloxidase，PO）、过氧化物酶（peroxidase，POD）和超氧化物歧化酶（superoxide dismutase，SOD）活性的影响。结果表明，在3种感染浓度下ACP、AKP、SOD活性总体呈现先上升后下降随后上升的趋势，其中SOD活性后期水平显著高于初期；PO、POD活性总体呈现先下降后上升随后下降最后上升的趋势，但PO后期活性水平与初期相当，而POD后期活性水平显著高于初期。各免疫相关酶的反应强度与WSSV的感染浓度存在一定关系，除ACP外其余4种酶的活性变化均以6×10^2拷贝·mL^-1浓度组最为敏感。PBS组5种免疫酶活性变化幅度均显著小于3种WSSV浓度感染组。     

硝酸纤维素膜印迹法测定对虾微量血淋巴碱性磷酸酶相对活性

用硝酸纤维素膜(NCM)印迹法测定日本对虾(Penaeusjaponicus)血淋巴碱性磷酸酶(ALP)的相对活性,以标准ALP梯度稀释液为参照,比较NCM印迹法与ALP测定试剂盒法对标准ALP梯度液的测定结果。数据回归分析显示,NCM印迹法所得结果同标准ALP梯度稀释液活性的回归关系极显著(P<0.01);用NCM印迹法测定ALP相对活性的灵敏度为试剂盒的100倍。分别用NCM印迹法与ALP测定试剂盒测定对虾血淋巴的ALP相对活性,测得结果呈强直线相关性(P<0.01),说明用NCM印迹法测定对虾血淋巴ALP相对活性具可行性。     

口服特异性卵黄抗体对凡纳滨对虾抗WSSV感染的免疫保护效果

为探讨特异性卵黄抗体对凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)抗白斑综合征病毒(white spot syndrome virus, WSSV)的免疫保护机制及效果,本研究以添加不同剂量WSSV卵黄抗体制剂(0、0.2%和0.5%)的饲料投喂凡纳滨对虾幼虾,免疫28 d后使用WSSV进行人工感染,测定感染对虾的肝胰腺免疫酶活力和免疫基因表达水平,以及感染后14 d内对虾的存活率。结果显示,WSSV感染3 d后,与未添加卵黄抗体制剂的对照组相比,0.2%免疫组对虾肝胰腺的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和酚氧化酶(PO)活力显著升高,酸性磷酸酶(ACP)和碱性磷酸酶(AKP)活力显著降低,热休克蛋白70基因(Hsp70)表达水平显著升高,凝集素基因(lectin)和β-1,3-葡聚糖结合蛋白–脂蛋白基因(β-GBP-HDL)表达水平显著降低;0.5%免疫组对虾肝胰腺的SOD活力显著升高,ACP和AKP活力显著降低,Hsp70基因表达水平显著升高,β-GBP-HDL基因表达水平显著降低。人工感染实验结果显示,WSSV感染14 d后,0.2%和0.5%免疫组对虾的存活率分别为48.89%和87.78%,均显著高于对照组(存活率为0),且0.5%免疫组对虾存活率显著高于0.2%免疫组。特异性卵黄抗体制剂能在一定程度上改变发病的进程,延迟对虾的发病和死亡时间,提高同期存活率。研究表明,口服特异性卵黄抗体制剂可以调节对虾肝胰腺免疫酶活力和免疫基因表达水平,显著提高凡纳滨对虾抗WSSV感染的能力。本研究为卵黄抗体抗WSSV感染机制的研究提供了参考,也为在生产上使用卵黄抗体防控WSSV感染提供了科学依据。     

酵母水解物对低盐胁迫凡纳滨对虾非特异性免疫及抗氧化能力的影响

本实验旨在研究饲料中添加酵母水解物对凡纳滨对虾在低盐度胁迫条件下非特异性免疫和抗氧化能力的影响。选取凡纳滨对虾[初始体质量（15.82±0.08）g],平均分为2组,对照组投喂基础饲料（Y0）,实验组投喂添加了3%酵母水解物的实验饲料（Y3）,在室内养殖15d后分别放入盐度为4‰（S4）和28‰（S28）的水体中进行盐度胁迫实验,每组6个重复,每个重复30尾虾（根据饲料和盐度不同组合,分组命名为Y0S4、Y0S28、Y0S3、Y0S28）。结果表明：饲料中添加3%酵母水解物对凡纳滨对虾血清酚氧化酶（PO）、总一氧化氮合成酶（TNOS）活性没有显著影响,但低盐度胁迫1h时,Y3S4组PO、TNOS活性显著高于Y0S4组;盐度因素对PO、TNOS活性产生显著影响,低盐度胁迫1h时,S28组PO、TNOS活性显著高于S4;饲料中添加3%酵母水解物显著提高了凡纳滨对虾肝胰腺超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性;盐度因素对酸性磷酸酶（ACP）活性产生了显著影响,S28组ACP活性显著高于S4。由此可见,在饲料中添加酵母水解物能够提高凡纳滨对虾肝胰腺SOD活性,提高对虾的抗氧化能力;在遭遇低盐度胁迫时,对虾能迅速恢复PO、TNOS活性至正常水平,从而提高凡纳滨对虾的抵抗不良环境的能力。     

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.