Fine structure of the canal neuromasts of the lateral line system in the adult zebrafish

The mechanosensory lateral line system of fish is responsible for several functions such as balance, hearing, and orientation in water flow and is formed by neuromast receptor organs distributed on head, trunk and tail. Superficial and canal neuromasts can be distinguished for localization and morphological differences. Several information is present regarding the superficial neuromasts of zebrafish and other teleosts especially during larval and juvenile stages, while not as numerous data are so far available about the ultrastructural characteristics of the canal neuromasts in adult zebrafish. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate by transmission electron microscopy the ultrastructural aspects of cells present in the canal neuromasts. Besides the typical cellular aspects of the neuromast, different cellular types of hair cells were observed that could be identified as developing hair cells during the physiological turnover. The knowledge of the observed cellular types of the canal neuromasts and their origin could give a contribution to studies carried out on adult zebrafish used as model in neurological and non‐neurological damages, such as deafness and vestibular disorders.     

Exquisite structure of the lateral line system in eyeless cavefish Sinocyclocheilus tianlinensis contrast to eyed Sinocyclocheilus macrophthalmus (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)

In this study, the lateral line systems in Chinese cavefish eyeless Sinocyclocheilus tianlinensis and eyed Sinocyclocheilus macrophthalmus were investigated to reveal their morphological changes to survive in harsh environments. Compared with the eyed cavefish S. macrophthalmus (atypical), the lateral line system in the eyeless cavefish S. tianlinensis (typical) has certain features to adapt to the dark cave environments: the superficial lateral line system in the eyeless species possesses a higher number of superficial neuromasts and more hair cells within an individual neuromast, and the trunk lateral line canal system in S. tianlinensis exhibits larger canal pores, higher canal diameter and more pronounced constrictions. Fluid–structure interaction analysis suggested that the trunk lateral line canal system in the eyeless S. tianlinensis should be more sensitive than that in the eyed S. macrophthalmus. These morphological features of the lateral line system in the eyeless S. tianlinensis probably enhance the functioning of the lateral line system and compensate for the lack of eyes. The revelation of the form–function relationship in the cavefish lateral line system provides inspiration for the design of sensitive artificial flow sensors.     

Mortality and recovery of runt white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) in a commercial farm in California, USA

We investigated the effect of raising runt white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) separately from dominant fish during the initial stages of grow-out in a commercial farm. Runt fish are poor-growers, have underdeveloped muscle mass, swim slowly and are more-frequently found at the top of the water column. The objective of the study was to describe the mortality and recovery rates (and their determinants) of white-sturgeon runts after separating them from dominant fish. Runt white sturgeon were stocked into twelve 2 m × 2 m rectangular tanks and graded periodically during a follow-up of 46–102 days. Overall mortality rates ranged from 0.3 to 7 dead fish per 1000 sturgeon-days at risk and overall recovery rates from 3.9 to 13.5 recovered fish per 1000 sturgeon-days at risk. Period-specific mortality and recovery rates increased over time. The period-specific mortality rates for all three periods were significantly higher for tanks of runts originating from grow-out tanks with high mortality (p-values: first period = 0.06; second period = 0.09; third period = 0.03), but were similar for tanks of runts of high- and low-mean initial weight. The period-specific recovery rates were significantly higher in runts originating from high-mortality grow-out tanks only for the third period (p = 0.05) but not the first and second periods (p-values = 0.33 and 0.25, respectively). Recovery rates were significantly higher in the higher-mean-weight runts tanks for the first and third period but not for the second (p-values: first period = 0.02; second period = 0.65; third period = 0.06). We concluded that the proportion of runts that recover during a 46–89 day period is substantial (16–58%); therefore, it might be worthwhile growing such fish separately in a fish farm for about three months. Financial analysis showed that this practice was profitable, if the value of white sturgeon fish for the farm exceeded $2.05 per kg.     

乳源性益生元(百泰~-A)对西伯利亚鲟(acipenser baerii brandt)生长性能和营养成分消化率的影响

实验研究了不同剂量乳源性益生元(百泰-A)对西伯利亚鲟(Acipenser baerii Brandt)生长性能和营养成分消化率的影响。实验用西伯利亚鲟初始体重为(75±0.1)g,288尾鱼随机分4组,每组4个重复,每个重复18尾,实验周期为8周。基础饲料粗蛋白的含量为36%,粗脂肪为11%,总能为18.50 MJ/kg。实验料在此基础上分别添加0%(G0)、0.4%(G0.4)、0.8%(G0.8)和2%(G2)的百泰-A,各组饲料分别添加0.1%的Y2O3作为指示剂测定饲料营养成分表观消化率。实验结果显示:在饲料中添加百泰-A后各组西伯利亚鲟的增重率没有显著差异(P>0.05),饲料系数随乳源性益生元(百泰-A)的剂量增加而呈降低趋势,且G2组饲料系数显著低于对照组(G0)(P<0.05)。各组饲料干物质(88.2%)和蛋白质(64.8%)的消化率均没有显著影响(P>0.05);G2组总氨基酸(90.5%)的消化率显著高于G0.4组(88.8%)(P<0.05),与其他各组相比没有显著差异(P>0.05);G2组组氨酸(91.4%)、亮氨酸(90.8%)、苏氨酸(85.5%)、缬氨酸(89.5%)和赖氨酸(93.5%)的消化率显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。在西伯利亚鲟饲料中添加2%乳源性益生元(百泰-A)能够提高其对饲料中氨基酸的消化率和饲料利用率。     

Growth of white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) following recovery from the stunted stage in a commercial farm in California, USA

Runt white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) develop during grow-out and are characterized by atrophied muscles and decreased growth. Our first objective was to compare the growth (and body condition) of previously-runt white sturgeon after they recovered from the runt state and sturgeon that had never been runts. On 12 occasions, recovered runts and age- and size-matched controls that had never been runts were tagged and put in a tank that already contained fish of similar age and size. Tagged groups were followed for 119–134 days. Median relative growth rates (RGRs) of the recovered runts were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than those of the controls in three tanks. Multiple linear regression was used to model final weight as a function of initial weight and status (recovered runt or control). Status was not significantly related (p = 0.71) to final weight, after adjusting for initial weight, “tank” and time of follow-up. Our second objective was to determine factors that influenced the loss of tags by white sturgeon during the follow-up period. Logistic regression analysis indicated that higher initial weight and being a control fish might have been associated with losing both tags. We concluded that once white sturgeon runts recovered and started growing, they grew at least as well as fish that had never been runts.     

Development and age‐related change of cerebrovascular noradrenergic (NA) innervation in the Japanese quail

Development of cerebrovascular noradrenergic (NA) innervation was investigated in the Japanese quail, using histofluorescence technique and quantitative analysis. Cerebral perivascular NA nerves arose from the cerebral carotid (CCA), internal ethmoidal (IEA) and vertebral (VA) arteries before hatching, with the first appearance on the CCA and IEA at embryonic day (E) 8 and of the VA at E14. Nerves arising from the IEA were greater in number and spread more rapidly than those from the CCA and VA. On E16, fluorescent fiber bundles lying on the anterior circulation subdivided rapidly into thin fibers. Consequently, the number of NA nerves over the arterial system increased greatly at hatching, particularly along the distal portion of the anterior ramus. At the same developmental stage, all the major arteries of the anterior and posterior circulation were almost entirely covered by NA nerves. The abrupt reorganization of cerebrovascular NA innervation in newborn quails may be related to some specific trophic and vasomotor roles for structural and functional improvement of the cerebral circulation that is required for its brain differentiation at this critical period of development. The supply of NA nerves to the anterior and posterior circulations sequentially increased during development from posthatching day (P) 1–15. Plexuses of NA nerves in each of the major cerebral arteries at P22 and P42–50 were similar in meshwork construction to each other, and to those seen at P15. Likewise, there was no clear statistical difference in the nerve density of the corresponding arteries among the three posthatching ages, except for the caudal basilar artery.     

Mortality and recovery of runt white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) in a commercial farm in California, USA

We investigated the effect of raising runt white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) separately from dominant fish during the initial stages of grow-out in a commercial farm. Runt fish are poor-growers, have underdeveloped muscle mass, swim slowly and are more-frequently found at the top of the water column. The objective of the study was to describe the mortality and recovery rates (and their determinants) of white-sturgeon runts after separating them from dominant fish. Runt white sturgeon were stocked into twelve 2 m × 2 m rectangular tanks and graded periodically during a follow-up of 46–102 days. Overall mortality rates ranged from 0.3 to 7 dead fish per 1000 sturgeon-days at risk and overall recovery rates from 3.9 to 13.5 recovered fish per 1000 sturgeon-days at risk. Period-specific mortality and recovery rates increased over time. The period-specific mortality rates for all three periods were significantly higher for tanks of runts originating from grow-out tanks with high mortality (p-values: first period = 0.06; second period = 0.09; third period = 0.03), but were similar for tanks of runts of high- and low-mean initial weight. The period-specific recovery rates were significantly higher in runts originating from high-mortality grow-out tanks only for the third period (p = 0.05) but not the first and second periods (p-values = 0.33 and 0.25, respectively). Recovery rates were significantly higher in the higher-mean-weight runts tanks for the first and third period but not for the second (p-values: first period = 0.02; second period = 0.65; third period = 0.06). We concluded that the proportion of runts that recover during a 46–89 day period is substantial (16–58%); therefore, it might be worthwhile growing such fish separately in a fish farm for about three months. Financial analysis showed that this practice was profitable, if the value of white sturgeon fish for the farm exceeded $2.05 per kg.     

变温条件下不同投喂水平对施氏鲟幼鱼消化酶、代谢酶和抗氧化酶活性的影响

本试验旨在研究变温条件下不同投喂水平对施氏鲟幼鱼消化酶、代谢酶和抗氧化酶活性的影响。试验水温设恒温[(22.0±0.1)℃]和变温[(22±2)℃]2种模式,并根据投喂水平分为6组,分别为恒温100%饱食组(HW-100组)、变温100%饱食组(BW-100组)、变温90%饱食组(BW-90组)、变温80%饱食组(BW-80组)、变温70%饱食组(BW-70组)、变温60%饱食组(BW-60组)。将平均体重为(34.9±0.8)g的施氏鲟幼鱼随机分为6组,每组4个重复,每个重复15尾鱼,养殖周期为42 d。结果表明:变温条件下,在60%~80%范围内,随着投喂水平的降低,胃及瓣肠蛋白酶活性均显著升高(P0.05)。与HW-100组相比,BW-60组与BW-70组的胃和瓣肠蛋白酶活性均显著升高(P0.05)。变温条件下,十二指肠和瓣肠淀粉酶活性及瓣肠脂肪酶活性均随投喂水平的降低呈先升高后下降的趋势。BW-80组十二指肠淀粉酶活性显著高于HW-100组及BW-100组(P0.05),BW-80组和BW-90组瓣肠淀粉酶活性显著高于其他各组(P0.05)。所有变温投喂组瓣肠脂肪酶活性均显著低于HW-100组(P0.05)。除BW-70组外,各变温投喂组血清丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)活性均显著高于HW-100组(P0.05)。与HW-100组相比,BW-60组、BW-70组血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性显著降低(P0.05)。在变温条件下,在60%~90%范围内,鱼体血清总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)和黄嘌呤氧化酶(XOD)活性均随着投喂水平的降低整体呈先下降后上升的趋势,且均在投喂水平为80%时降至最低值。与HW-100组相比,BW-60组、BW-70组及BW-100组血清T-AOC显著升高(P0.05),且BW-60组和BW-90组血清XOD活性显著升高(P0.05)。综上所述,在周期性变温条件下,施氏鲟幼鱼可通过提高蛋白酶活性,即提高对饲料蛋白质消化效率的方式来补偿其对饲料蛋白质摄入的不足。与恒温100%饱食相比,变温条件下各投喂水平均可提高施氏鲟幼鱼血清ALT活性。     

The gross anatomy of the cranial cervical ganglion and its branches in the bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus)

Ten specimens of the head and neck of the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) were dissected to study the situation, arrangement and branches of the cranial cervical ganglion (ganglion cervicale craniale). The ganglion was a greyish fusiform structure, averaging 15–20 mm in length, 4–6 mm in width and 3 mm in thickness, located on the rostro-lateral surface of the longus capitis and covered by the mandibular gland. The branches of the cranial cervical ganglion included the internal carotid nerve, external carotid nerve, jugular nerve and the branches connecting with the glossopharyngeal, vagus, hypoglossal and first cervical nerves.     

Anatomical description of the origin and distribution of the lumbosacral plexus in one puma (Puma concolor)

Wild felids often suffer spinal and limb disorders; however, their nervous system anatomy is poorly studied. Herein, the lumbosacral plexus (Plexus lumbosacralis) of an adult puma and the motor and sensitive innervation of the pelvic limb is described. We found anatomical similarities to other felids, but also some differences. Branches L4-S3 form the lumbosacral plexus (Plexus lumbosacralis) in the puma. The femoral nerve (N. femoris) arises from the union of L4-L5, while in other felids, it is formed by L5-L6. Unlike in the cat, the sartorius muscle receives branches from the saphenous (N. saphenous) and femoral nerves (N. femoris), and the lateral head of the gastrocnemius and superficial digital flexor muscles are innervated by a branch of the soleus muscle.     

Effects of full-stream carbon filtration on the development of head and lateral line erosion syndrome (HLLES) in ocean surgeon

Head and lateral line erosion syndrome (HLLES) is a common but very poorly understood disease of marine aquarium fish. One suspected etiology is the use of granulated activated carbon (GAC) to filter the water. Seventy-two ocean surgeons Acanthurus bahianus were distributed among three carbon-negative control systems and three GAC-treated systems such that each tank contained approximately the same total body mass. Each replicate system was made up of two 250-L circular tanks with a common filtration system (6 fish per tank, 12 fish per replicate system). The GAC-treated tanks were exposed to full-stream, extruded coconut shell activated carbon, which produced a mean total organic carbon content of 0.4 mg/L. The results of this study indicate that extruded coconut shell activated carbon filtering at full-stream rates can cause HLLES-type lesions in ocean surgeons. The HLLES developed exponentially over 15 d, beginning in the chin region. This was followed by pitting in the cheek region, which expanded until erosions coalesced. Once the carbon was discontinued, the processes reversed in a mean time of 49 d. As the lesions healed, they reverted from the coalesced to the pitted stage and then darkened before returning to normal.     

Treatment factors influencing the use of recombinant platelet-derived growth factor (Regranex) for head and lateral line erosion syndrome in ocean surgeonfish (Acanthurus bahianus)

The clinical efficacy of becaplermin (Regranex, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., Raritan, New Jersey 08869) on head and lateral line erosion syndrome (HLLES) in ocean surgeonfish (Acanthurus bahianus) was examined in a two-part study to determine suitable application frequencies of the drug and the effects of the environment on outcome of treatments. In the first part of the study, 12 ocean surgeonfish with prior HLLES were equally divided into three treatment groups, varying in application frequency of becaplermin: 1) one application, 2) three applications every 3 wk, and 3) no applications. After 9 wk, it was determined through photograph and computer analysis that fish treated with becaplermin did heal significantly more than the fish that were not treated. No significant difference was found when comparing the two treatment regimes; therefore, a one-time treatment of becaplermin was just as effective as the three-time application, reducing cost of the treatment, staff labor, and stress to the animals. In the second part of the study, the effect of the water environment on HLLES development was documented before and after a one-time treatment of becaplermin. When fish were treated and placed into a system known to cause HLLES, the becaplermin treatment had no effect on reducing the HLLES progression, whereas treated fish that were placed into a system that did not cause HLLES showed a significant decrease in erosion after the treatment. Therefore, treating fish being placed into a HLLES-causing system serves no beneficial purpose to healing HLLES.     

In search of the source of dermatophytosis: Epidemiological analysis of Trichophyton verrucosum infection in llamas and the breeder (case report)

During the last few years, the number of cases of Trichophyton verrucosum isolation from humans suffering from mycoses has been constantly increasing, which is correlated with the presence of an increasing number of outdoor breeding farms. Farmers and their families as well as veterinarians and technicians involved in handling the animals are at a higher risk of infection. One of the most important aims of mycological diagnostics is epidemiological analysis. Typically, the history of the disease is not sufficient to indicate reliably and eliminate the outbreak of infection. PCR fingerprinting methods are a useful tool in this type of analysis, which is presented in this study. The main aim is to present diagnostic and epidemiological analyses of dermatophyte isolates from llamas and their breeder. In two llamas, round alopecia sites or ca. 2‐cm excoriations covered with thickened scaling epidermis were noticed at the border of the head and neck with a distinct tendency towards hair loss. Tinea unguium was noticed in a nail of the breeder's right hand. Direct analysis of the material from the clinical lesions revealed the presence of arthrospores. The macro‐ and micromorphology of the isolates were homogeneous and characteristic for T. verrucosum. The identification analysis based on the ITS sequences confirmed the previous morphological diagnostic examination. The MP‐PCR and MSP‐PCR analysis indicated high invariability of the genomes of the strains isolated from the human and animals. The epidemiological research has indicated an identical source of dermatophyte infection in the breeder and the lamas. To sum up, the number of pets and farm animals is increasing and dermatologists should always be informed about possible dermatophyte transmission sources. The possibility of transmission of zoophilic dermatophytes from humans to animals is a suggestion for further analysis; therefore, this type of transmission should be considered in dermatological studies.     

Characterization of glycoconjugates and sialic acid modification in the olfactory bulb of the Chinese fire-bellied newt (Cynops orientalis)

Diverse glycoconjugates are expressed in the vertebrate olfactory bulb and serve as guidance cues for axons of nasal receptor neurons. Although the involvement of glycoconjugates in the segregation of the olfactory pathway has been suggested, it is poorly understood in salamanders. In this study, lectin histochemistry was used to determine glycoconjugate distribution in the olfactory bulb of the Chinese fire-bellied newt (Cynops orientalis). Succinylated wheat germ agglutinin (sWGA), Ricinus communis agglutinin-I and Lens culinaris agglutinin showed different bindings in the nerve fibre layer or glomerular layer, or both, between the main and accessory olfactory bulbs. We then investigated the lectin-binding pattern after the removal of terminal sialic acids using neuraminidase. Desialylation resulted in a change in the binding reactivities with seven lectins. Wheat germ agglutinin, sWGA, soybean agglutinin (SBA) and peanut agglutinin showed different degrees of binding between the main and accessory olfactory bulbs. In addition, SBA showed a heterogeneous labelling of glomeruli in the rostral region of the main olfactory bulb. Our results suggest that terminal sialic acids mask the heterogeneity of glycoconjugates in the olfactory bulb of C. orientalis.     

Influence of persistent canine distemper virus infection on expression of RECK, matrix-metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in a canine macrophage/monocytic tumour cell line (DH82)

A morbillivirus infection of tumour cells is known to exert oncolytic activity, but the mechanism of this inhibitory action has not been well defined. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important enzymes degrading the extracellular matrix and are often upregulated in malignant neoplasms. Recent studies have demonstrated that RECK may potently suppress MMP-2 and -9 activity, thus inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis. In this study, real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to determine the effect of persistent infection with canine distemper virus (CDV) infection on the expression of MMPs and their inhibitors (TIMPS) in a canine macrophage/monocytic tumour cell line (DH82). The activity of proMMP-2 and proMMP-9 was also verified zymographically. Following CDV infection, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were down-regulated, while RECK was upregulated. These findings suggest that CDV infection restores RECK expression in tumour cells and may interfere with the intracellular processing of MMPs and TIMPs, thus possibly influencing tumour cell behaviour beneficially for the host. However, this needs to be verified in in vivo studies.     

Morphological study of the lingual papillae in the fruit bat (Rousettus amplexicaudatus) by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy

This study was carried on the tongues of ten normal, healthy and adult fruit bats (Rousettus amplexicaudatus, also known as the nyap biasa bat) in Yogyakarta, Java Island, Indonesia. The tongue was protrusible, elongated and flat with a rounded apex, and its width and thickness increased gradually towards to lingual root. There were two main types of lingual papillae, mechanical (filiform) and gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate). The tongue was divided into three parts (apex, corpus and radix), and then, each part was subdivided into three regions (two lateral regions and a median region). There were six subtypes of the filiform papillae—three types on the anterior part (small, scale-like and giant), one type on the middle part (leaf-like papillae) and two types on the posterior part (rosette-shaped filiform and conical filiform papillae)—in addition to transitional papillae presented on the corpus and radix. Two types of gustatory papillae were represented by a small number of fungiform papillae that are scattered among the filiform papillae on the lingual apex and corpus, while three circumvallate papillae on the posterior part are arranged in a “V” shape pointing directly at the larynx.