Development of a quantification assay for the cysts of the toxic dinoflagellate <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alexandrium tamarense</Emphasis> using real-time polymerase chain reaction

ABSTRACT:   The cysts of toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense are the seed population for the bloom responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). However, it is impossible to identify the Alexandrium spp. cyst on the basis of morphological features. In this study, we prepared A. tamarense cysts by sexual conjugation in laboratory conditions and developed an efficient DNA extraction method for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Using the A. tamarense cysts, we established the identification and quantification method showing the species specificity and the high sensistivity for A. tamarense cysts using real-time PCR. This assay was also able to detect and quantify the A. tamarense cysts accurately when mixed with excess cysts of A. catenella (Whedon and Kofoid) Balech prepared by conjugation experiment.     

Paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin analysis of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alexandrium</Emphasis> (Dinophyceae) occurring in Korean coastal waters

ABSTRACT:   Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins produced by Alexandrium isolates from Korea were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromography. Species designation of the regional isolates was determined by morphological criteria and ribotyping inferred from sequences of the 28S rDNA D1-D2 region. Toxin analysis performed at the exponential growth phase, revealed that the two strains of A. fraterculus were non-toxic, while the strains of A. tamarense and A. catenella were toxic. Toxic isolates DPC7 and DPC8 of A. catenella produced GTX1, 2, 3, 4, 5, dcGTX2, 3, C1, 2, neoSTX and STX with trace or non-detectable levels of C3 and C4, while isolates UL7, KDW981, SJW97043, SJW97046, KJC97111 and KJC97112 of A. tamarense produced GTX1, 2, 3, 4, dcGTX3, C1, 2, neoSTX with trace or non-detectable levels of C3, 4, dcSTX and STX, and no GTX5 and dcGTX2. The major toxins produced by A. catenella were C1 +2, and those of A. tamarense were C1 +2 and GTX4 in most of the isolates. A. tamarense strains other than SJW97046 produced a relatively high proportion of carbamate toxins, reflecting the high toxicity scores of shellfish intoxication in sampled coastal areas. Two representative toxic isolates, A. tamarense SJW97043 and A. catenella DPC7, were cultured for 30 days in batch mode and subjected to toxin analysis at 5-day intervals. Comparison of toxin productivity in terms of total toxin content, toxin components, and their variations with culture age revealed marked differences between the two strains.     

链状亚历山大藻抑制消减杂交文库的构建及分析

为了筛选链状亚历山大藻特异表达的发光相关基因,应用抑制消减杂交技术,构建了链状亚历山大藻特异表达的cDNA消减文库,共获得500个克隆,通过基因PCR初步筛选表明插入片段的大小主要集中在250～1000 bp,随机挑选10个阳性克隆进行双向测序和序列比对分析,有2个克隆基因片段与已知基因序列高度同源,分别为荧光素结合蛋白和羧化酶/加氧酶,另有8个克隆基因片段在GenBank中未查找到相应的同源基因,可能为未知新基因序列.这些基因的获得为进一步研究链状亚历山大藻特异表达基因,阐明其发光机理及建立特异甲藻的新型检测方法提供重要依据.     

Utilization of dissolved organic phosphorus by the two toxic dinoflagellates, Alexandrium tamarense and Gymnodinium catenatum (Dinophyceae)

ABSTRACT: The utilization of dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) by the two toxic dinoflagellates Alexandrium tamarense (Lebour) Balech and Gymnodinium catenatum Grahamm which were isolated from Hiroshima Bay, Japan, was studied. Alexandrium tamarense grew poorly on fructose-6-phophate, glucose-1-phosphate, glycerophosphate, and ribose-5-phosphate with a phosphomonoester bond, although it grew well on the nucleotides adenosine-5-diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), as well as on dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP; as metaphosphate, pyrophosphate, tripolyposphate and orthophosphate). The results imply that A. tamarense was able to utilize DOP and DIP from ambient water using nucleotidase, pyrophosphatase and poly-phosphatase, which hydrolyze phosphodiesters. In contrast, G. catenatum was able to utilize DOP compounds of various molecular weights and structures as well as DIP. In time-course experiments, alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was induced at orthophosphate concentrations of 0.43 mmol/L and 3.3 mmol/L for A. tamarense and G. catenatum , respectively, and APA increased with orthophosphate depletion. The experiments also demonstrated that APA was maximum at the optimum temperatures for the growth of A. tamarense and G. catenatum ; that is, 15°C and 25°C, respectively. These results suggest that the DIP-depleted conditions in Hiroshima Bay might have led to the outbreaks of noxious dinoflagellates in recent years.     

Distribution and abundance of resting cysts of the toxic Alexandrium spp. (Dinophyceae) in sediments of the western Seto Inland Sea, Japan

Sediment samples were collected from 135 stations in the western part of the Seto Inland Sea (Iyo Nada, Suo Nada, Beppu Bay, Tokuyama Bay, Hiroshima Bay, Aki Nada, Hiuchi Nada and Bingo Nada) to determine the horizontal distribution and abundance of resting cysts of Alexandrium spp. ( A. tamarense  +  A. catenella ). Enumeration of the cysts was performed using the primuline-staining direct count method. Cysts of Alexandrium spp. were rarely found in Iyo Nada, Suo Nada and Beppu Bay, but were widely distributed in Tokuyama Bay, Hiroshima Bay, Aki Nada, Hiuchi Nada and Bingo Nada. Cyst concentrations ranged from not detected (ND) to 14, ND to 17, ND to 4, 93 to 8137, 8 to 4454, ND to 6, ND to 18 and 4–29 cysts/cm³ wet sediment in Iyo Nada, Suo Nada, Beppu Bay, Tokuyama Bay, Hiroshima Bay, Aki Nada, Hiuchi Nada and Bingo Nada, respectively. The majority of cysts occurred in Tokuyama Bay and Hiroshima Bay, where higher densities were observed in the inner bay and along the coastal margin. Relatively higher cyst concentrations were observed at stations with a higher mud content. The abundance of Alexandrium spp. cysts in western Seto Inland Sea is lower than in the eastern Seto Inland Sea, except for Tokuyama Bay and Hiroshima Bay. However, because sporadic blooms of Alexandrium have been observed, continuing monitoring is necessary to prevent paralytic shellfish poisoning outbreaks in this area.     

塔玛亚历山大藻对海湾扇贝胚胎发育过程的影响

研究了塔玛亚历山大藻（Alexandrium tamarense）ATHK株对海湾扇贝受精卵孵化的影响,并探讨了可能的影响机制。将海湾扇贝受精卵暴露于不同密度的塔玛亚历山大藻ATHK中,观察其对胚胎孵化各阶段的影响,并利用光镜和透射电镜对实验组和对照组胚胎的外部形态和内部结构进行连续观察。结果表明：该藻对海湾扇贝受精卵孵化有显著的抑制作用,其IC50约为800 mL-1;2000 mL-1的ATHK延缓或破坏了胚胎的正常发育,胚胎内部出现大量溶酶体,原肠胚腔不能形成,且部分细胞出现胞质肿胀、线粒体自溶的现象,细胞不能进行正常的功能性分化;观察发现实验组中有些担轮幼虫的外形畸变,鞭毛发育迟缓;至24 h（D型幼虫）时,ATHK组中的D型幼虫数量远远低于对照组（P<0.05）,且死亡率明显高于对照组。观察还发现ATHK藻细胞和胚胎碰撞接触的现象,这种碰撞接触可能对有害物质的释放和转移有一定的刺激作用。     

磷浓度对２种有毒亚历山大藻生长和产毒力的影响

采用显微镜细胞计数和标准藻毒监测方法—小鼠生物法,研究了4种磷浓度0µmol•L-1、1.8µmol•L-1、3.6µmol•L-1和5.4µmol•L-1对有毒甲藻塔玛亚历山大藻(Alexandrium tamarense)和微小亚历山大藻(Alexandtium minutum)的生长和产毒力的影响。结果表明,磷浓度对两种甲藻的生长和产毒能力都有显著性影响(p<0.05)。3.6µmol•L-1磷浓度组的塔玛亚历山大藻密度显著高于其它3个磷浓度组,0µmol•L-1磷浓度组显著低于其它3个磷浓度组。微小亚力山大藻在1.8µmol•L-1、3.6µmol•L-1和5.4µmol•L-1磷浓度下生长没显著性差异(p>0.05)。但在0µmol•L-1磷浓度下生长缓慢,藻密度显著低于其它3个有磷组。0µmol•L-1磷浓度下塔玛亚历山大藻和微小亚历山大藻的产毒能力最高, 显著高于其它磷浓度组(p<0.05),分别为3 MU•10000cells-1和5.2MU•10000cells-1。其它磷浓度组两种有毒甲藻的产毒能力没有显著性差异(p>0.05)。     

塔玛亚历山大藻对中国明对虾肝胰腺和鳃SOD、GST和MDA的影响

本文选择在我国分离得到的一株能典型产生麻痹性贝毒(PSP,Paralytic Shellfish Poison)的有毒赤潮甲藻塔玛亚历山大藻(Alexandrium tamarense,ATHK株),研究其是否能通过引发中国明对虾的脂质过氧化作用, 使机体产生过多活性氧自由基, 导致氧化损伤而发挥其毒性作用。塔玛亚历山大藻粗提液经肌肉注射方式染毒中国明对虾,于染毒后1、3、6、12、24和48 h 测定肝胰腺和鳃SOD,GST活力和MDA含量的影响。结果显示,染毒后 1-6 h, 对虾肝胰腺和鳃组织SOD,GST酶活力均增加,12和48h鳃组织的上述指标受到抑制。对虾肝胰腺MDA含量除1h外未见明显改变,鳃中MDA含量随时间增加呈升高趋势。研究表明：塔玛亚历山大藻粗提液在中国明对虾体内代谢过程中能诱导对虾产生活性氧自由基,塔玛亚历山大藻粗提液能诱导MDA含量增加,降低SOD和GST活力,能够引发鳃的脂质过氧化,对鳃造成氧化损伤。     

Accumulation of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in bivalves and an ascidian fed on Alexandrium tamarense cells

SUMMARY: Cultured cells of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense were fed to four species of bivalves and an ascidian to examine the interspecific differences in the ability to accumulate paralytic shellfish toxins. The specimens of each species were reared in the same tank. All the species ingested almost all the cells fed and became toxic. Marked individual differences in toxin accumulation was observed in all the species. However, the average amounts of accumulated toxins increased during feeding. When the animals were fed on the same amount of cells, they accumulated almost the same amounts of toxins, indicating that interspecific differences in toxin accumulation observed in nature is due to the difference in ingestion behavior of the animals under natural conditions.     

三类分子探针对常见赤潮生物的检测

集中使用寡核苷酸、肽核酸和细胞凝素3类探针对来自东海和厦门海域的现场赤潮样品进行了检测,尝试鉴定识别自然水样中有害的赤潮原因种塔玛亚历山大藻,微小原甲藻和纤小裸甲藻,建立和优化了这些探针的检测方法和样品处理程序.结果表明,在东海和厦门海域的赤潮样品中均成功地检出了塔玛亚历山大藻的分布情况,各探针的检测效率为DBA>Tama28S>Tama5S;在东海和厦门海域的赤潮样品中,也成功地检测出了微小原甲藻,各探针的检测效率为:ConA>PM18S02>PM28S02;在厦门海域的赤潮水样中检出了纤小裸甲藻,各探针的检测效率为:WGA>PNATP28S01>TP18S02>TP28S01.各探针检测结果与相关文献的报道吻合较好.比较这3类探针的特异性,其中以PNA探针为最好,其次为DNA;lectin探针的特异性相对较弱.     

环境因子对链状亚历山大藻生长的影响

链状亚历山大藻是一种能产生麻痹性贝毒的有害赤潮藻类,研究环境因子对链状亚历山大藻生长特性的综合影响,找到链状亚历山大藻生长的适宜条件,对有效预报赤潮形成具有十分重要的意义.本文设计了四因素三水平的正交实验,研究了温度、盐度、营养盐、光照强度等环境因子对链状亚历山大藻生长特性的影响.结果表明,在实验范围内,链状亚历山大藻...     

塔玛亚历山大藻毒素及其对中国对虾的急性毒性

利用美国分析化学家协会(Association of Official Analytical Chemists, AOAC)所推荐的小鼠生物法(mouse bioassay, MBA), 测定了塔玛亚历山大藻(Alexandrium tamarense)(ATHK藻株)毒素粗提液的麻痹性贝毒(paralytic shellfish poisoning, PSP)毒性;采用浸浴方式, 研究了该藻株对中国对虾的急性毒性; 采用HE染色方法, 分别对有毒藻浸浴处理和毒素粗提液注射处理后96 h中国对虾(Fenneropenaeus chinensis)的鳃和肝胰腺石蜡切片进行观察。结果表明, 该藻株麻痹性贝毒毒性为3.9×10^–5 MU/cell (相当于7.3 pg STX Equal/cell), 在同种藻株中属低毒藻株; 在96 h急性毒性实验中, 塔玛亚历山大藻对中国对虾的半致死浓度(LC₅₀)为1.0×10⁴ cells/mL, 安全浓度(SC)为1.0×10³ cells/mL; 石蜡切片观察发现, 塔玛亚历山大藻与毒素粗提液分别引起了鳃和肝胰腺组织出现细胞肿胀、空泡化等病理变化。以上研究结果提示, 塔玛亚历山大藻对中国对虾有急性致死作用。为了保证中国对虾的健康养殖, 养殖水体中的塔玛亚历山大藻浓度至少应该控制在1.0×10³ cells/mL以下; 鳃的病变直接导致对虾窒息死亡可能是塔玛亚历山大藻暴露后对虾急性致死作用的最重要原因;塔玛亚历山大藻所产的PSP毒素可引起虾体代谢和解毒的主要器官—肝胰腺的病变。     

塔玛亚历山大藻对中国明对虾鳃组织的氧化胁迫和对Caspase基因(FcCasp)表达的影响

选择在中国分离得到的一株能产生麻痹性贝毒(Paralytic Shellfish Poison, PSP)的赤潮甲藻塔玛亚历山大藻(Alexandrium tamarense) ATHK株, 研究其对中国明对虾(Fenneropenaeus chinensis)鳃组织氧化胁迫和Caspase基因(FcCasp)表达的影响。将中国明对虾分别暴露于200 cells/mL 和1 000 cells/mL塔玛亚历山大藻中, 于胁迫后3、6、12、24、48、72和96 h测定鳃的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、谷胱甘肽硫转移酶(GST)活性、丙二醛(MDA)含量和FcCasp基因相对表达量, 以不加藻的过滤海水作为对照。结果表明, 在200 cells/mL塔玛亚历山大藻胁迫下, SOD活性、GST活性、MDA含量和FcCasp相对表达量均随取样时间推移表现出先上升后下降的趋势。而在1 000 cells/mL塔玛亚历山大藻胁迫下, SOD活性随时间增加呈现先升高后降低的趋势, 在24~96 h 被显著抑制(P<0.05), GST活性除3和48 h外均被显著抑制(P<0.05), MDA含量和FcCasp相对表达量均整体表现上升的趋势, 呈现出一定的时间效应。相关性分析显示, 塔玛亚历山大藻胁迫下, 中国明对虾鳃的MDA含量和FcCasp相对表达量呈正相关(P<0.05)。实验结果表明, 塔玛亚历山大藻可破坏中国明对虾氧化−抗氧化系统的平衡, 引发对虾鳃组织的脂质过氧化(LPO), 造成其氧化损伤, 从而导致FcCasp表达的上调。本实验结果为将SOD活性、GST活性和MDA含量作为生物标志物, 用于评价塔玛亚历山大藻胁迫提供了依据, 同时也为研究塔玛亚历山大藻对中国明对虾的危害机制提供了参考。

     

Characterization of the goldfish fecal microflora by the fluorescent in situ hybridization method

ABSTRACT:   Bacterial populations in goldfish feces were characterized by the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) method. A total of nine different group-specific rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes were used. Approximately half of the microbial cells (57.8 ± 16.7%) were detected with a probe EUB338 and found to be bacteria. The microbial cells in 33–35 of the 35 samples from five specimens strongly hybridized with probes ALF1b, BET42a and GAM42a, suggesting that goldfish intestinal bacteria are mainly composed of α, β and γ-subclasses of Proteobacteria. The fact that a probe AER66 reacted with 25.6 ± 14.2% of the total microbial cells in all 35 samples, demonstrated that genus Aeromonas was the dominant species in the goldfish intestines. Genus Bacteroides including Bacteroides type A detected with a probe BAC303 was observed in 15 of 35 samples while other taxonomic groups determined with HGC69a, CF39a and P72 were detected in 6–11 of 35 samples. These results strongly suggest that Bacteroides shows the greatest daily fluctuation and interindividual variation in the intestines of goldfish. Moreover, the FISH method was proven to be useful for rapid enumeration of taxonomic groups of fish intestinal bacteria.     

Karyotype analysis of Oreochromis mossambicus,O. urolepis hornorum and their hybrid based on Cot‐1 DNA bands by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Chromosomal karyotypes of Oreochromis mossambicus and O. urolepis hornorum and their hybrid were analysed by means of Cot‐1 DNA bandings through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). To identify all chromosomes, Cot‐1 DNA – which contains highly and moderately repetitive DNA – was extracted from genomic DNA, labelled as a probe with Dig‐11‐dUTP, and in situ hybridized to spreads of mitotic chromosomes of the three samples. The hybridized signals were detected by means of Cy3‐conjugated antidigoxigenin. The FISH results indicated that the three samples had the same diploid number (2n=44) of chromosomes. Specific fluorescence signal bands were detected on all individual chromosome pairs. On the basis of Cot‐1 DNA FISH banding patterns and chromosome morphology, the karyotypes of the three samples have been constructed; no remarkable differences were detected between the karyotypes of these species using this method. These results – which are similar to those reported previously, with respect to chromosome number, morphology and Cot‐1 DNA FISH patterns – suggest chromosomal stasis during speciation and hybridization of tilapia (Oreochromis, Cichlidae). Such a molecular cytogenetic procedure, if used in conjunction with other genomic research methods, could facilitate the study of genomic structure and be adapted for chromosome studies of other animal species.     

Identification of Mycobacterium spp. isolated from snakehead, Channa striata (Fowler), and Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens (Regan), using polymerase chain reaction–reverse cross blot hybridization (PCR–RCBH)

A variety of methods have been used to identify Mycobacterium spp. isolated from snakehead and Siamese fighting fish, including biochemistry, mycolic acid profiles and antibody-based methods. However, these methods are unable to differentiate between different species of Mycobacterium . Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by reverse cross blot hybridization (RCBH) was adapted in this study to speciate aquatic mycobacteria. The method was highly specific for Mycobacterium spp. and identified the bacteria to species level with a detection limit of 100 fg DNA, equivalent to 20 mycobacteria. Twenty-nine isolates previously collected and cultured from Siamese fighting fish (10 isolates) and snakehead (19 isolates) during outbreaks of mycobacteriosis were analysed using PCR–RCBH. Six of the Siamese fighting fish isolates and nine of the snakehead isolates were identified as Mycobacterium fortuitum , while the remainder were classified as M. marinum . Notably, two isolates recovered from snakehead and Siamese fighting fish, previously identified as M. poriferae and M. piscicida , respectively, were confirmed to be M. fortuitum .     

Neurotoxin tetrodotoxin as attractant for toxic snails

ABSTRACT:   The attracting effect of a small dose of tetrodotoxin (TTX) on eight toxic snail species ( Polinices didyma, Natica lineata, Natica vitellus, Zeuxis sufflatus, Niotha clathrata, Oliva miniacea, Oliva mustelina and Oliva hirasei ) and two non-toxic species ( Pomacea canaliculata and Satsuma bairdi ) was investigated. Each toxic snail species was determined to contain TTX. The minimum lethal dose of TTX for most toxic snails was estimated to be >44.5 µg TTX/20 g body weight, but for non-toxic snails it was <3.6 µg TTX/20 g body weight. After the attracting test, it was found that for all toxic snails there was a significantly positive relationship between the comparative attracting variation and the toxicity reported, and this relationship was linear ( y  = 5.895 x  + 3.443, r  = 0.806). The relationship between TTX resistance ability and toxicity also had a positive correlation ( y  = 0.113 x  + 52.447, r  = 0.814). However, non-toxic species showed a negative response. The more toxic snails appeared to prefer TTX, indicating that TTX is an attractant for toxic snails.     

Analysis of bacterial communities in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nannochloropsis</Emphasis> sp. cultures used for larval fish production

ABSTRACT:   Phytoplankton used in fish hatcheries is mass-cultured in the open air and usually contains large numbers of bacteria. In commercial fish production, the phytoplankton cultures are usually added into the larval rearing tanks; however, the numbers and types of bacteria introduced into the rearing tanks simultaneously are unknown. In this study, the bacterial community structures in Nannochloropsis sp. cultures were analyzed by using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). A direct viable count (DVC)-FISH analysis was also performed as DVC is useful for the detection of actively growing cells. Total numbers of bacteria in Nannochloropsis sp. cultures ranged from 7.72 × 10⁵−2.39 × 10⁶ cells/mL. High proportions of the total bacteria (31.6–53.6%) in the Nannochloropsis sp. cultures showed growth potential. DVC-FISH analysis revealed that α-proteobacteria and the Cytophaga – Flavobacterium cluster were abundant in the bacterial community of actively growing cells. Thus, the high growth potentials of the distinct bacterial communities in Nannochloropsis sp. culture must influence the bacterial communities in larval rearing tanks.     

Identification of razor clams <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ensis arcuatus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ensis siliqua</Emphasis> by PCR-RFLP analysis of ITS1 region

ABSTRACT:   Ensis arcuatus and Ensis siliqua are the most economically important species of razor clams in the European Union. Due to similarities between their shell morphology, and the differing retail value, these species are often misidentified. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an appropriate protocol to allow accurate differentiation between these species of razor clam in order to protect consumer rights, avoid commercial fraud (whether intentional or unintentional), and to enforce labeling and safety regulations. With the aim of developing a rapid and reliable method of differentiation, individuals of E. arcuatus and of E. siliqua were examined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) using the internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS1). A species-specific restriction endonuclease pattern was found with the enzyme Ksp I for both species, allowing their exact identification. Thus, this work provides a simple, reliable and rapid protocol for accurate discrimination between E. arcuatus and E. siliqua , which proves useful for traceability and enabling the enforcement of labeling regulations.     

Confirmation of catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), mortality from Microcystis toxins

Unexplained deaths of pond-grown catfish have occurred for many years. At least some of these mortalities could be from cyanobacteria toxins ingested during feeding on floating diets or passively assimilated through gills during breathing. Recently we were able to document algal production and subsequent ingestion of these toxicants by catfish during a mortality event. The causative organism, Microcystis aeruginosa, was the dominant species within the phytoplankton community during the cooler autumn-winter season. Pond conditions included a drop in water temperature by c . 5 °C during the 10 days preceding the fish mortalities. Microcystin-LR, a hepatotoxin produced by Microcystis , was detected in water samples and in catfish liver tissue. Fish exposed to pond water containing this toxic bloom were killed within 24 h. Necropsy of fish revealed congested liver and spleen tissues. The combination of clinical signs, detection of microcystin LR in water and in liver, and death of fish exposed to pond water supports the diagnosis of microcystin toxicosis. More research is needed to identify specific environmental conditions initiating toxin production to model and predict occurrence of these toxic algal blooms.