Physiological stress responses in spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor) subjected to acute disturbance and progressive hypoxia

The spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor) is considered a promising species for coldwater aquaculture. It is a sedentary, bottom-dwelling fish which exhibits a calm and “non-stressed” behaviour in captivity. There are, however, no reports on the physiological responses to stressors in this species. In the present study we investigated primary (cortisol secretion) and secondary (glucose mobilization) responses to common aquaculture stressors like disturbance and hypoxia. Pre-stress plasma cortisol levels were within those generally considered representative for unstressed fish (~ 10 ng ml^− 1), whereas basal glucose levels were unusually low (0.3–0.4 mM). After exposure to a short, but severe disturbance challenge (emptying the tank of water for 10 min), the increase in plasma cortisol level was slow and relatively weak, reaching a peak level of 25 ng ml^− 1 4 to 8 h after disturbance. When the fish were exposed to a gradually decreasing oxygen level in the tank, a significantly elevated plasma cortisol level (35 ng ml^− 1) was seen in the fish that remained in the tank until oxygen saturation had decreased to 20% oxygen saturation after 2.5 h. However, a two-fold higher plasma cortisol level (~ 70 ng ml^− 1) was seen in all fish exposed to reduced oxygen levels (60, 40 and 20% oxygen saturation) after 3.5 h recovery in normoxic water. Plasma glucose levels showed only moderate increases (~ 70%) following disturbance and hypoxia challenges. An in vivo injection of ACTH caused a strong elevation of plasma cortisol (peak level ~ 170 ng ml^− 1), demonstrating a high capacity for interrenal steroidogenesis in the spotted wolffish. The slow and relatively weak cortisol response to stressors, and low plasma glucose levels, may relate to the sedentary lifestyle of the spotted wolffish. The stress-response is characterised by a passive (reactive) coping style, which is considered adaptive for farming of this species.     

盐度胁迫对大鳞鲃抗氧化酶和血清皮质醇的影响

为阐明盐度胁迫对大鳞鲃(Luciobarbus capito)肝、肾和鳃组织抗氧化系统及血清皮质醇的影响,本研究设置4个NaCl盐度组(3、6、9和12 g/L)和1个淡水对照组,检测分析了不同盐度胁迫下曝露3、6、12、24、48、96 h和7 d大鳞鲃肝、肾和鳃组织中酸性磷酸酶(ACP)、碱性磷酸酶(AKP)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)的活性和丙二醛(MDA)含量的变化,以及血清中皮质醇浓度的变化。结果显示,在相同盐度胁迫下,大鳞鲃的肝、肾和鳃组织中ACP、AKP、GSH-Px抗氧化酶的活力、MDA含量以及血清皮质醇含量随胁迫时间的延长均呈先上升后下降、随后趋于稳定的变化趋势,在胁迫开始24 h内各指标达到峰值,并在48 h开始逐渐趋于平稳;胁迫初期,相同曝露时间,大鳞鲃的肝、肾和鳃组织中3种抗氧化酶活力、MDA含量及血清皮质醇含量均与盐度呈显著正相关性。大鳞鲃在盐度胁迫过程中,ACP、AKP活力和MDA含量在肾组织的范围分别为1.42~2.15 U/g prot、1.01~1.87金氏单位/g prot和13.05~57.27 nmol/mg prot;肝组织中分别为1.27~1.96 U/g prot、0.31~0.86金氏单位/g prot和17.02~55.98 nmol/mg prot;鳃组织则为0.98~1.96 U/g prot、0.13~0.84金氏单位/g prot和8.33~53.93 nmol/mg prot,肾组织中ACP、AKP活力和MDA含量均高于肝、鳃组织;而GSH-Px的活力在肝、肾和鳃组织的范围分别为44.41~114.77、16.52~67.59和9.07~48.00活力单位,肝组织中GSH-Px活力显著高于肾和鳃组织。此外,血清皮质醇在盐度胁迫过程中的含量变化范围为197.00~355.50 ng/L。综上所述,在12 g/L的高盐胁迫下大鳞鲃通过自身调节,各项指标仍可恢复正常,表明其对盐度环境有较强的适应能力。     

Effects of background color on growth performances and physiological responses of scaled carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) reared in a closed circulated system

Growth performances and physiological responses of Cyprinus carpio after long-term (14 weeks) background color adaptation were investigated. Six groups of ten individuals each (initial body weight 116 g) were reared in black, green and white tanks (two replicate groups for each color). At the end of the experiment, blood (cortisol, glucose, haematocrit, cholesterol, triglycerides, total lipids, osmolality, electrolytes, pCO₂, pH), liver (total lipids, glycogen, hepatosomatic index) and growth (body weight, specific growth rate, food conversion ratio, condition factor, proximate carcass composition) parameters were determined. Plasma cortisol levels in white-adapted carp were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those in black, while in green-adapted fish did not differ significantly from those in both other counterparts. White-adapted carp showed the highest specific growth rate and the lowest food conversion ratio, whereas black-adapted fish exhibited the opposite pattern. In addition, mean (%) increase of body weight in white-adapted carp was 4.66 and 3.58% higher than that in black- and green-adapted fish, respectively. Furthermore in white-adapted carp, blood pCO₂ and pH were significantly higher and lower, respectively, than those obtained in black- and green-adapted fish. In black-adapted carp, liver total lipid levels were significantly lower, and plasma total lipid levels were significantly higher, than those in white- and green-adapted fish. No significant variations were observed in the other parameters. It is concluded that different background colors may lead to different growth performances of scaled carp depending upon rearing conditions.     

不同盐度对凡纳滨对虾血淋巴及肌肉游离氨基酸组成的影响

以平均体重为10.50±1.75g的凡纳滨对虾为研究对象,分别在盐度为0、15和30的水体中用同一种饲料喂养20d,探讨不同盐度对凡纳滨对虾肌肉及血淋巴游离氨基酸组成的影响。结果表明,盐度在0、15和30变化时,凡纳滨对虾血淋巴中总游离氨基酸总量随盐度升高而显著增加（P〈0.05）;甘氨酸、谷氨酸、精氨酸和丙氨酸是凡纳滨对虾血淋巴中主要的游离氨基酸成分,其含量随盐度的增加而急剧增加。盐度为0、15和30时,凡纳滨对虾肌肉中游离氨基酸总量随着盐度的增加有增加趋势,但无显著性差异（P〉0.05）。甘氨酸、亮氨酸、苯丙氨酸及精氨酸的含量随盐度由0、15、30的增加而显著增加（P〈0.05）;其他氨基酸在盐度0、15和30增加时,虽无显著性增加（P〉0.05）,但大部分氨基酸有增加趋势。当盐度在0、15和30变化时,游离甘氨酸、谷氨酸、精氨酸和丙氨酸是凡纳滨对虾体内渗透压调节的主要氨基酸。     

Growth performance and physiological responses in striped knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus, held under different photoperiods

The growth performance and stress response in striped knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus (body weight 100–300 g) reared under four photoperiods (6L:6D, 12L:12D, 16L:8D and 24L:0D) were investigated. Fish were fed a commercial diet to apparent satiation, two times a day for 8 weeks. A trial of acute handling and confinement stress was also carried out to investigate the stress-induced levels of different stress indicators in O. fasciatus. Blood was also collected from undisturbed fish which was considered as control. Although there were no significant differences in weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) in fish exposed to 6L:6D, 16L:8D and 24L:0D photoperiods, all parameters in these photoperiods were significantly higher than those of 12L:12D photoperiod (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in protein retention efficiency (PRE) between fish exposed to 16L:8D and 24L:0D photoperiods, but PRE in both photoperiods was significantly higher than that of 12L:12D photoperiod.Acute stress significantly increased the plasma levels of cortisol (110.3 ng ml^− 1) and glucose (195.4 mg dl^− 1), and decreased plasma levels of total protein (0.8 g dl^− 1); however, all parameters were returned back to the levels indistinguishable from those of control, undisturbed fish within 24 h. The levels of cortisol, glucose and total protein in fish exposed to different photoperiods during the study were far from the stress-induced levels (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that the growth performance of O. fasciatus reared from 100 to 300 g can be stimulated significantly by using the manipulated photoperiods where feeding time may be playing an important role to increase food intake and feed conversion efficiency. It also revealed that the artificial photoperiods did not cause significant stress response in fish.     

The acute stress response in fed and food deprived Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of stress and nutritional state (fed vs food deprived) on the generalized stress response and intestinal integrity in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.). Cod in feeding or food deprived states were subjected to 15 min of acute stress (exhaustive exercise). Blood was collected at 9 intervals from before stress (t = 0), to t = 48 h post stress and analysed for blood haematocrit and haemoglobin, and plasma cortisol, lactate, glucose, osmolality, chloride, as well as the tissue damage indicators glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Intestinal segments were prepared for histology with the same intervals, while assessment of intestinal integrity and microbiology was performed at t = 0, 4 and 48 h post stress.Subjecting cod to exhaustive stress initiated a standard stress response including increased blood Hct and plasma cortisol, glucose, chloride, osmolality and lactate. Food deprived fish did in general have reduced stress resistance compared to fed fish. For many parameters, cod returned slowly to basal levels. Cellular indicators of tissue damage and oxidative stress increased in a biphasic manner following stress. Stress did not affect gut histology but did transiently increase gut permeability. Furthermore, stress had no effect on the adherent bacterial population level in midgut, but did cause a small decrease in hindgut (non-significant) and hindgut chamber (p < 0.05). Isolates belonging to Carnobacterium were predominant but not affected by stress.In conclusion, food deprived cod are less resistant to stress than fed cod. The magnitude of the response is less than in salmonids, but the effects are persistent (including tissue damage indicators and oxidative stress) and may have negative long term consequences. The gut is relatively resistant to stress, there is however a transient increase in the intestinal permeability and alterations in microbiota that may indicate lower protection against invading pathogens.     

Whole-body concentrations of cortisol and sex steroids in white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus, Richardson 1836) during early development and stress response

In general little is known about hormones and the ontogeny of the stress response in the early developmental stages of chondrostean fishes and in particular of white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus, Richardson 1836). In this study, we measured for the first time cortisol and sex steroids (testosterone and estradiol) in eggs, larvae, post-larvae, and fry of white sturgeon by radioimmunoassay (RIA), to elucidate some endocrine aspects of its development. The cortisol, testosterone, and 17β-estradiol of maternal origin found in unfertilized eggs of white sturgeon probably regulate both growth and development of the embryo. Cortisol decreased after fertilization, whereas testosterone and 17β-estradiol did not significantly change. During the late stages of embryo development and immediately after hatching, endogenous production of cortisol and sexual steroids, respectively, occurred. Sex steroids may be physiological inducers of gonad sex differentiation in sturgeon. All steroids showed an increase 10 days post-hatch (dph), near the transition from an endogenous to an exogenous energy source. Cortisol maintained the same basal levels even after metamorphosis, whereas testosterone and 17β-estradiol declined significantly in post-larvae at 35 and 45 days post-hatch. In addition, to evaluate the ontogeny of a functional hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis, larvae and fry were submitted to acute stress. The HPI axis did not seem to be functional on the first day post-hatch, but became so from the third day post-hatch onward.     

Growth performance of gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata in different osmotic conditions: Implications for osmoregulation and energy metabolism

The influence of three different environmental salinities (seawater, SW: 38 ppt salinity; brackish water, BW: 12 ppt; and low salinity water, LSW: 6 ppt salinity) on the growth, osmoregulation and metabolism of young gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.) was studied over a period of 100 days. 480 inmature fish (20 g mean body weight) were randomly divided into six tanks of 2500 l (80 fish per tank) and maintained under three different salinities (38 ppt, 12 ppt and 6 ppt) in an open system. Every three weeks, 10 fish from each tank were anesthetized, weighed and lenghed. At the end of experiment, 10 fish from each tank were anesthetized, weighed and sampled for plasma, brain, gill and liver. Gill Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity, plasma osmolality, ions (sodium and chloride), glucose, lactate, protein and triglyceride, and hepatosomatic index were examined. In addition, levels of glycogen, lactate, ATP and activities of potential regulatory enzymes (hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, glycogen phosphorylase, and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase) were assesed in liver, brain, and gill. BW-acclimated fish showed a better growth with respect to SW- or LSW-acclimated fish (12 > 38 > 6 ppt). The same relationship was observed for weight gain and specific growth rate. Osmoregulatory parameters in plasma (osmolality, Na⁺ and Cl⁻ levels) were similar in SW- and BW-acclimated fish but significantly higher than those of LSW-acclimated fish. Gill Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity showed lower values in intermediate salinity (6 > 38 > 12 ppt). No changes were observed in metabolic parameters analyzed in plasma, whereas only minor changes were observed in metabolic parameters of liver, gills and brain that could be correlated with the higher growth rates observed in fish acclimated to BW, which do not allow us to attribute the best growth rate observed at 12 ppt to lower metabolic rates in that salinity.     

不同温度条件下黑足鲍干露耐受能力和生化响应的模拟研究

为了解黑足鲍（Haliotis iris）在不同温度条件下对干露的耐受能力及生化响应情况,于2019年11月在新西兰进行了黑足鲍的室内可控实验。结果显示,黑足鲍的耐干露能力随着温度的升高而降低,4℃、10℃和15℃条件下干露胁迫的半致死时间（LT₅₀）分别为：48.80 h、33.75 h和23.20 h;各实验组的细胞色素氧化酶（CCO）活力呈现持续降低的趋势,从0 h的11.45~12.70 U/mg降低到1.43~1.83 U/mg,温度越高的实验组CCO活力降低的速率越快,且各实验组CCO活力的最小值显著低于对照组（P<0.05）;延胡索酸还原酶（FRD）、乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）活力和一氧化氮（NO）含量呈先升高再降低趋势,温度越高的实验组,指标到达最大值的时间越短;过氧化氢酶（CAT）和超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）只在4℃实验组表现出协同作用,其余两个实验组SOD酶未被激活;丙二醛（MDA）含量持续升高,从0 h的2.71~3.01 μmol/mg增长到8.62~9.10 μmol/mg,温度越高的实验组,MDA含量到达最大值的时间越短,且含量显著高于对照组（P<0.05）。研究表明,黑足鲍可以通过保持一定时间的有氧呼吸和糖酵解的异化作用来应对干露胁迫,但是随着干露时间的延长,代谢系统紊乱,乳酸大量积累。同时,干露胁迫也导致了免疫相关功能的紊乱,各种因素共同作用从而影响其生存。     

成年日本新糠虾血细胞组成、形态及其不同发育阶段的免疫活性酶

采用光镜和电镜的方法,以血细胞所含颗粒与否,颗粒多少和核质比等将成年日本新糠虾血细胞进行分型,并对各型血细胞所占比例进行统计。利用生化分析的方法,对不同发育阶段(新孵后0、10、20和30d)日本新糠虾全组织中磷酸酶(酸性磷酸酶和碱性磷酸酶)、溶菌酶和酚氧化酶的活性进行测定。结果表明,日本新糠虾血细胞可为3种类型,它们分别为透明细胞、半颗粒细胞和颗粒细胞。它们的胞体大小依次增大,核质比依次降低。对此3种类型血细胞比例分别统计后发现,颗粒细胞所占比例最多约为47.53%±0.02,其次是半颗粒细胞约为31.23%±0.01,最少的是透明细胞约为21.24%±0.02。日本新糠虾体内磷酸酶(酸性磷酸酶和碱性磷酸酶)、溶菌酶和酚氧化酶的活性均有随个体发育而呈降低的趋势。3种酶中以溶菌酶的活性最高,平均约为305.20U/mg蛋白,其次是酸性磷酸酶约为0.2365U/mg蛋白,而酚氧化酶和酸性磷酸酶在成体中的活性基本一致,约为0.1295U/mg蛋白。研究表明,日本新糠虾血细胞组成中,以颗粒细胞为主。溶菌酶是其主要的免疫活性物质。日本新糠虾体内磷酸酶(酸性磷酸酶和碱性磷酸酶)、溶菌酶和酚氧化酶活性有随其个体发育而逐渐...     

Transport stress in matrinxã, Brycon cephalus (Teleostei: Characidae), at different densities

Matrinxã, Brycon cephalus, is a nativeteleost fish from the Amazon Basin, and is of economic importance forcultivation for food and sport in Brazil. Mortality losses due to handling andtransport of this stenohaline freshwater species are common. The effects oftransportation at different densities on the biochemical stress responses ofmatrinxã (mean weight 1 kg) were examined. Fish weresubjected to three different transport densities (100, 200, and 300 kgm^–3) for four h in water with added salt (0.6%). Thefish were bled at departure (baseline level), arrival (immediately aftertransportation) and at 24 and 96 h after arrival (recoveryperiod).Blood glucose, cortisol, sodium, chloride, potassium and ammonia were used asstress bioindicators. No mortality was observed and no alterations in plasmacortisol were registered. However, blood glucose and ammonia levels increasedand serum sodium and plasma chloride decreased on arrival for the fishtransported at the highest densities. These stress responses were transient andthe concentrations returned to baseline levels within 24 h. Thisstudy showed that matrinxã can be transported at densities as high asthose tested in the present study, at least under the conditions employed inthis study. A recovery period of at least 24 h is stronglyrecommended.     

Induced thermotolerance and stress resistance in larvae of the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man, 1879)

Optimal conditions for heat shock (HS) were used to demonstrate induced thermotolerance (ITT) in larvae of the prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Larvae from three different broodstock nutritional regimes exhibited comparable degrees of ITT, which remained high for about 4 days. Survival and growth of larvae given the standard HS treatment (37 °C for 30 min) were not statistically different from those of controls, so the cost of mounting a heat shock response was not sufficient to reduce those parameters. However, the percentage of heat-shocked larvae undergoing metamorphosis appeared to be slightly lower than that of controls. Previously heat-shocked larvae withstood hypersalinity exposures much better than control larvae, but showed the same survival level when both were challenged with ammonia toxicity. We suggest that the use of induced thermotolerance might provide a means to improve the performance of larvae during transport and/or initial inoculation into grow-out ponds. The present paper provides the basis upon which that suggestion might be examined.     

不同盐度低渗胁迫处理对龙须菜切段再生能力及光合生理的影响

为探究龙须菜对低渗胁迫的生理性适应,分析了龙须菜主枝切段在不同盐度低渗培养液(盐度19.500、13.000、6.500、0.000)下耐受不同胁迫时间(1、3、6、12和20 h)后,继续恢复正常盐度(盐度26.000)培养过程中的形态发生、光合生理指标和细胞器亚显微结构变化。结果显示,短于12 h的低渗(盐度0～19.500)胁迫可以促进龙须菜切段的出芽,其总出芽数均高于对照组(盐度26.000)。3 h的淡水胁迫后恢复至正常盐度培养,藻段再生过程的出芽数目较多,鲜重增加最多,表现出了明显的生长优势。龙须菜藻段经淡水胁迫3 h后恢复至正常盐度培养28 d,藻段的相对生长率(RGR)为0.91%/d,较对照组RGR提高了61.27%。1和3 h淡水胁迫对龙须菜藻段的光合生理指标无明显的负面效应,且恢复至正常盐度培养后藻段的光合生理活性增强,提示低渗胁迫可能增强了藻段的细胞代谢活力。透射电镜观察表明,经淡水胁迫3 h后,表皮细胞内的红藻淀粉颗粒、质体小球及脂质体等为藻体生长发育提供能量的物质和质体再生所需中性脂原料明显增加,适应于藻段再生过程的新生芽形成。相反,长时间的淡水胁迫对色素体...     

大菱鲆脂质代谢相关基因PPARs的组织表达及其对高温胁迫的响应

为研究大菱鲆过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体家族(PPARs)的组织分布和高温胁迫下PPARs在肾脏中的表达情况。实验采用荧光定量PCR(qPCR)技术检测PPARs基因3种亚型在大菱鲆不同组织中的表达情况以及高温胁迫下大菱鲆肾脏中PPARs的表达情况。qPCR结果显示,大菱鲆PPARs 3种亚型的组织分布存在显著差异。PPARα1和PPARα2在心脏中的表达量显著高于其他组织;PPARβ在大菱鲆的各个组织中普遍表达;PPARγ在大菱鲆的鳃中出现了显著性的高表达。大菱鲆肾脏中PPARs的mRNA水平随着温度升高呈现出不同的响应模式。PPARα随温度升高表达水平先显著降低,后有所升高;PPARβ的表达量在14、20、23和25℃时差异不显著,当温度升高至大菱鲆的致死温度28℃时,表达量出现了显著性的升高;PPARγ在14℃时表达水平很低,但随着温度的升高不断增加。研究表明,大菱鲆中存在PPARα、PPARβ和PPARγ3种亚型,而且三者可能以组织特异性的方式参与脂质代谢的调节,首次指出PPARs 3种亚型在温度胁迫中的表达变化,对PPARs的研究将推动鱼类脂代谢研究,揭示鱼类PPARs在脂质代...     

亚硝态氮胁迫下凡纳滨对虾体内亚硝态氮的积累与能量代谢响应

为探究亚硝态氮胁迫下凡纳滨对虾[体长为(6.8±0.3) cm,体质量为(4.0±0.6) g]体内亚硝态氮的时空分布与能量代谢相关酶活性的响应,实验设置0(对照组)、0.8、4.0和8.0 mmol/L 4个处理组,进行持续96 h的亚硝态氮胁迫实验和12 h的恢复实验。结果显示,凡纳滨对虾死亡率与胁迫浓度呈现显著的正相关性。胁迫6 h内,亚硝态氮在凡纳滨对虾鳃、血淋巴、肠道、肝胰腺和肌肉组织中明显积累,且积累量与胁迫浓度呈现正相关。相同胁迫浓度组,亚硝态氮在对虾鳃中积累最多,肌肉中最少,鳃中的积累量约为肌肉的3倍。Na⁺-K⁺-ATP酶活性在0.8和4.0 mmol/L组对虾肝胰腺和肌肉中显著升高,而在8.0 mmol/L组的肌肉中显著降低。胁迫各组对虾肝胰腺AMPK活性显著上升,且与胁迫浓度呈现正相关性。恢复期间,除血淋巴(8.0 mmol/L组)外,各组织中亚硝态氮1 h恢复效率均超过50%,且肝胰腺和鳃的恢复效率最高,达到74%以上。血淋巴、鳃、肠道中亚硝态氮恢复到对照组水平的时间最短,均在6 h以内,而水体中亚硝态氮含量显著升高。...     

The effect of spectral composition and light intensity on melatonin, stress and retinal damage in post-smolt Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar

Metal halide lights are currently used as standard in commercial Atlantic salmon sea cages as a means of enhancing productivity through grilse inhibition. However, such systems create bright point light sources that are neither environment specific nor species specific and could potentially compromise fish welfare. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are a new form of lighting technology currently being developed for the fish farming industry that can be tuned to environment and species sensitivities through narrow bandwidth outputs. However, prior to implementing these new high energy alternatives, any potential adverse effects must be determined in fish. The objectives of this study were thus (1) to determine the effect of increasing intensities of blue LED light (0.199–2.7 W m^− 2, at 0.1 m from the light source) on light perception and stress response, and (2) to examine potential retinal damage under these conditions in post-smolt Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar. A white LED light was also tested, as well as a very high intensity metal halide positive control. Results demonstrated firstly that salmon perceived blue LED light (basal melatonin levels maintained) irrespective of intensity. Secondly, fish exposed to high intensity blue LED light showed an increase in plasma cortisol and glucose levels within 3 h, returning to a basal state 24 h post-light onset. This typical acute stress response was not observed in fish exposed to the white LED light and lower blue light intensities which could indicate differential sensitivities to spectral content of the light. No effects on the non-specific immune system (lysozyme activity) were observed. Finally, extensive histological examination of the retina from fish exposed to these various light treatments revealed no signs of damage. This demonstrates the efficiency of the adaptive mechanisms to light developed in fish.     

Physiological responses, desaturase activity, and fatty acid composition in milkfish (Chanos chanos) under cold acclimation

Physiological responses of milkfish (Chanos chanos) under cold shock and acclimation were investigated. The experimental milkfish, a warm-water teleost, were initially acclimated at 25 °C and then transferred directly to 15 °C; stress responses of this species were monitored for 1 week. Parameters monitored included plasma glucose, lactate, and lipids, as well as stearoyl-CoA desaturase activity and fatty acid compositions of hepatic membranes. All parameters showed significant changes in the process of cold acclimation. A hyperglycemic response indicated by a notable and steady increase in plasma glucose levels from 85 mg dl⁻¹ to the highest level of 458.2 mg dl⁻¹ in 24 h was followed by a rapid decline thereafter. The elevation in plasma glucose content under cold shock resulted from gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, indicated by correlated changes in plasma glucose with fructose-1,6-biphosphatase and phosphorylase a activities. Plasma lactate concentrations remarkably increased from 47 mg dl⁻¹ on day 0 to 149.6 and 120.4 mg dl⁻¹ on days 1 and 2, respectively, and then rapidly declined to the same level as the control thereafter. In contrast, plasma lipids increased gradually from 44.8 mg dl⁻¹ to 191 mg dl⁻¹ over the 5-day acclimation period, followed by a declining trend from day 6 on. Furthermore, changes in monounsaturated fatty acids were highly correlated with those of stearoyl-CoA desaturase activities in hepatic microsomes of milkfish during cold acclimation. Results indicate that in milkfish subjected to cold stress, plasma hyperglycemic and hyperlactemic responses can be used as acute stress indicators, and plasma lipids can be used as a chronic stress indicator.     

团头鲂糖皮质激素受体基因组织表达分布及其在应激中的表达变化

为了解团头鲂糖皮质激素受体(GR)在应激反应中的调控机制,本研究以皮质醇注射模拟应激事件,采集组织样品,常规检测血糖、血清皮质醇水平;利用荧光定量PCR检测了gr在不同组织中的表达丰度及其参与调控的功能基因的表达变化;并通过常规石蜡切片开展了组织病理学研究。结果显示,gr1在脾脏、鳃、头肾等组织中有较高的表达量,gr2则在肝、垂体、肠等组织中具有较高的表达丰度。应激恢复过程中,下丘脑gr1表达量存在波动,gr2在0 h表达显著上调,gr1/gr2值逐渐增大;垂体中gr1和gr2均呈现先升后降的趋势,gr1/gr2值在2 h达到峰值水平;头肾中gr1表达量有波动,而gr2在0 h和2 h的表达量显著低于其他检测点的表达量,gr1/gr2值逐渐减小;肝脏中gr1的表达量在0 h和2 h的表达量显著高于其他检测点,gr2表达有上下波动的现象,gr1/gr2值有减小的趋势,而pepck表达则出现了显著上调,在2 h达到峰值;皮肤中gr1先升高后降低,gr2在0 h和2 h的表达量显著低于其他检测点,gr1/gr2值在2～8 h维持在较大值,而occ表达呈现先增加后降低的变化趋势;鳃中gr1与gr2均在2 h时发生了显著上调,gr1/gr2值在2～8 h维持在较大值,occ表达峰值出现在2 h。组织学研究显示鳃丝有增生现象,肾间组织中类淋巴细胞增多,其他所检视组织无明显病理改变。应激反应过程中gr在不同组织不同亚型间存在不同的表达变化,以及和不同组织器官中相关功能基因的相关性显示了GR在相关调控中的复杂性,而组织学研究结果则表明了应激反应存在诱发病理变化的风险。     

不同盐度对斜带石斑鱼幼鱼血清离子浓度和激素水平的影响及其与鳃MRCs渗透调节功能的关系

为探究不同盐度对斜带石斑鱼幼鱼血清离子浓度和激素水平的影响及其与鳃线粒体丰富细胞(MRCs)渗透调节功能关系,实验将暂养于盐度为30的水体中的斜带石斑鱼幼鱼直接转移至盐度分别为5、10、20和30(对照组)的水体中,于7和15 d分别检测血清Na~+、K~+、Cl~–浓度和血清皮质醇(COR)水平,并于第15天观察幼鱼鳃MRCs分布和结构的变化。结果显示,随盐度升高,幼鱼血清Na~+、Cl~–浓度显著上升,而K~+浓度无显著变化;COR水平在盐度5和10实验组显著高于盐度20和对照组;随盐度上升,鳃MRCs体积增大,数量增多,且盐度20和对照组鳃MRCs体积显著大于盐度5和10实验组;鳃MRCs表面存在一个特殊的顶膜结构,在不同盐度下呈现不同形态:盐度5和10实验组中鳃MRCs顶膜开口较大,且其表面存在大量的微绒,而盐度20实验组和对照组中鳃MRCs的顶膜向内深陷形成了一个顶隐窝,开口较小,且其表面没有微绒毛。研究表明,斜带石斑鱼幼鱼鳃MRCs在盐度5的水体中可以很好地发挥渗透调节功能,使幼鱼在盐度5的水体中存活。     

大菱鲆MKK基因家族全基因组鉴定及其在生物和非生物应激下的表达分析

为了阐明大菱鲆丝裂原活化蛋白激酶激酶(mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases,MAPKKs或MKKs)基因家族在生物和非生物应激响应中的作用,本实验首先通过生物信息学方法对大菱鲆MKK基因家族进行了全基因组水平的鉴定,利用多个应激相关转录组数据集分析了大菱鲆MKK家族成员在不同组织及不同生物和非生物应激下的表达模式。结果显示,本研究在大菱鲆全基因组水平上共鉴定出9个MKK基因家族成员,它们不均匀地分布在7条染色体上,并分别对其编码蛋白的理化性质、蛋白二级结构和亚细胞定位进行了预测。基于系统发育分析,将SmMKKs划分为5个亚家族。内含-外显子结构、保守基序和多重序列比对分析结果不仅为大菱鲆MKK亚家族分类提供了证据,而且表明SmMKKs在进化上高度保守。SmMKKs在不同组织及不同生物和非生物应激下的基因表达模式分析表明,SmMKKs具有明显的组织特异性表达。另外,结果显示,粘孢子虫和肿大细胞病毒感染后,SmMKK6a呈极显著差异表达;热应激处理后,SmMKK6a呈极显著差异表达;高盐或低盐胁迫后,SmMKK4a、SmMKK4b、SmMKK6a...