Gonadal regulation of gonadotropin subunit expression and pituitary Lh protein content in female hybrid striped bass

To assess the response of the GtH system to the removal of gonadal feedback, effects of bilateral gonadectomy and 17β-estradiol (E₂) replacement on gonadotropin (GtH) subunit expression, as well as LH protein levels, were monitored in the pituitary. Adult female hybrid striped bass undergoing mid-vitellogenesis were divided into one sham and two gonadectomized (gdx) groups. One gdx group received E₂ (2 mg kg^?1) via microspheric delivery systems, the other was given a vehicle injection. Groups were sampled on days 3 and 14 post-surgery (PS). Expression of all GtH subunits was significantly increased in the gdx group on both days compared to the shams, whereas E₂ replacement in gdx fish restored alpha and LHβ mRNA levels to those of the sham fish and dramatically reduced FSHβ mRNA levels. Gdx had no effect on the pituitary concentration of LH. E₂ replacement, however, reduced protein levels significantly on day 3, but not day 14. In conclusion, during mid-vitellogenesis expression of both GtHβ subunits is negatively controlled by gonadal feedback, which is also evident by restoration of gdx subunit mRNA levels to those of the shams after E₂ replacement.     

Effects of photoperiod, temperature and GnRHa treatment on the reproductive physiology of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) broodstock

The present study demonstrates that acceleratedphotoperiod advances ovulation in Atlantic salmon, and that exposure to cold water prior to spawning further advances and synchronizes this process while improving egg-survival. High water temperature inhibited both sperm release and ovulation, whereas a GnRHa treatment overrode this temperature effect in most individuals. A decrease in water temperature seemed to accelerate both ovulation and sperm release, and water temperature modulated the plasma 17,20βP profiles around ovulation and sperm release. The GnRHa treatment markedly increased the volume of strippable milt and the plasma 17,20βP levels in males.     

Distinct expression of GnRH genes in the red seabream brain

This paper reports the molecular cloning of a cDNA encoding the precursor of seabream gonadotropin-releasing hormone (prepro-sbGnRH) and the localization of salmon GnRH (sGnRH) and seabream GnRH (sbGnRH) expressing neurons in the brain of the red seabream (Pagrus major). The cloned prepro-sbGnRH cDNA has a 285 bps open reading frame encoding a 23 amino acid signal peptide, a 10 amino acid sbGnRH, the cleavage site (Gly-Lys-Arg), and a 59 amino acid GnRH-associated peptide. The expression of sGnRH and sbGnRH peptides, and prepro-sGnRH and prepro-sbGnRH mRNA were studied using immunocytochemistry and non-radioactive in situ hybridization, respectively. We found cell bodies that reacted positively with both the sGnRH cRNA probe and anti-sGnRH serum, but not with the sbGnRH cRNA probe or anti-sbGnRH serum in the ganglion of the terminal nerve. Cell bodies that reacted positively with the sbGnRH cRNA probe, anti-sbGnRH serum, and anti-sGnRH serum, but negatively with the sGnRH cRNA probe were found in the preoptic area (POA). Immunocytochemistry showed that a distinct bundle of axons arises in the POA which projected to the pituitary gland. These results suggest that sbGnRH is the most relevant hypophysiotropic form of GnRH.     

Urbanization effects on sediment and trace metals distribution in an urban winter pond (Netanya,Israel)

Purpose

This paper aims to elucidate urban development-induced processes affecting the sediment and the distribution of contaminating metals in a seasonal pond located in the highly populated Israeli Coastal Plain. The paper demonstrates how an integrated approach, including geochemical, sedimentological, geochronological, mathematical, historical, and geographical analyses, may decipher a complicated and dynamic metal pollution history in a sedimentary environment controlled by anthropogenic activity.

Materials and methods

Three short sediment cores were collected from the margins and center of a small urban pond (Dora, Netanya), located within the Israeli Coastal Plain. Profiles of grain size, organic matter (OM), trace metals (Pb, Zn, V, Ni, Cu, Cr and Co), Pb isotopic ratios, and ²¹⁰Pb activities (center and southern cores) were determined and a geochemical mixing model was employed (southern core). The watershed contour was calculated, and aerial photos and satellite images were examined.

Results and discussion

Construction activities in the watershed were chronologically associated with coarse sediment transport and deposition in the margins of the pond. The upper sandy layers were superimposed on layers rich in fine particles and OM, high concentrations of trace metals, and with Pb isotopic composition of more recent petrol. In the ²¹⁰Pb-dated southern core, deep metal-rich layers with petrol-related Pb isotopic ratios were inconsistent with metal emissions history. These findings point to mobility and migration of recent contamination metals through the coarse upper sediment layers and into deeper denser layers, confirmed also by a geochemical mixing model. Conversely, in the center of the pond, homogeneous fine particles were deposited with metal profiles consistent with regional emissions.

Conclusions

A small urban pond was found to provide an important case study for understanding heavy metal pollution records in highly populated regions. The margins of the pond depicted the surrounding urban development and the induced coarse sediment erosion, accompanied with post-depositional metal mobility. Due to the proximate developing residential areas, high metal concentrations accumulated in the margins, overshadowing regional atmospheric pollution levels recorded by sediment at the center of the pond.

     

Seasonal expression of arginine vasotocin mRNA and its correlations to gonadal steroidogenic enzymes and sexually dimorphic coloration during sex reversal in the gilthead seabream (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sparus aurata</Emphasis>)

Arginine vasotocin is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus of teleost fish that has been shown to regulate gonad development and sexual behavior. To study the role of arginine vasotocin in the gonadal cycle of the hermaphrodite gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata, we cloned the seabream arginine vasotocin (avt) complementary DNA (cDNA). We investigated the expression of brain avt throughout the gonad cycle using real-time quantitative PCR and compared its expression levels to the expression levels of two key gonadal steroidogenic enzymes, cyp19a1a and cyp11b2. In July, when the process of sex reversal is thought to begin, avt expression was elevated over the previous 2 months. Avt in the brain remained at or above the level of July until November then peaked again in December. There was no difference between males and females in the expression levels of brain avt throughout the year. However, only in ambisexual fish was the expression of the cyp19a1a gonadal aromatase correlated to the expression of avt in the brain. Cyp11b2 did not show any correlation to brain avt expression. We also found that females had more intense body coloration than males and that this intensity peaked prior to spawning. Avt expression and female coloration were positively correlated. The fact that brain avt expression was lowest during gonad quiescence, together with the observation of a correlation between brain avt with gonadal cyp19a1a and body coloration during that time suggests that avt may play a role during the process of sex reversal and spawning of the gilthead seabream.     

A diluent for sperm cryopreservation of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata

Sperm of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata, was diluted with solutions of different osmolarities and pH. The effect of the different diluents on sperm motility (intensity and percentage of motile sperm) was studied. Motility was induced as early as 10 s after mixing the sperm with diluents having an osmotic pressure higher than 500 mOsm/l. The intensity of motility decreased when the osmotic pressure was reduced, and was zero or significantly inhibited when the osmotic pressure of the diluent (300–380 mOsm/l) was close to that of the fish's seminal plasma (364.6±3.03 mOsm/l). The pH of the diluent did not have any effect on sperm motility (in a range of 6.8 to 8.9). A diluent which prevents spermatozoa motility (osmotic pressure 375 mOsm/l and pH 7.35) was successfully used to cryopreserve S. aurata sperm at −196°C. This diluent is considered promising for the long-term preservation of gilthead seabream sperm.     

Weight gain reduction in mice fed Panax ginseng saponin, a pancreatic lipase inhibitor

Roots of the herb Panax ginseng are known to contain high levels of bioactive saponins. Here, we isolated saponins from ginseng root powder and studied their inhibitory effect on the absorption of dietary fat in male Balb/c mice. Consumption of ginseng saponins suppressed the expected increase in body weight and plasma triacylglycerols, following a high-fat diet and observed higher intake. Consumption of ginseng saponins had no effect on the concentration of the total plasma cholesterol in both chow and high-fat diets in mice. The mode by which saponins from ginseng inhibit lipid metabolism was assessed as the in vitro inhibition of pancreatic lipase. Ginseng saponin inhibited pancreatic lipase with an apparent IC50 value of 500 mug/mL. Our results suggest that the anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects of Ginseng in high-fat diet-treated mice were attributed to the isolated saponin fraction. These metabolic effects of the ginseng saponins may be mediated by inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity.     

Effects of Phase-Shifted Photoperiod Regimes on Oocyte Growth and Hormonal Profiles in Female Striped Bass Morone saxatilis

Abstract.— The use of 12–mo long, but phase-shifted advanced and delayed photoperiod cycles in the regulation of the reproductive cycle was investigated in captive-reared female striped bass Morone saxatilis during the 3-yr study in an attempt to control the timing of sexual maturation under simulated photoperiod conditions. Phase-shifted photoperiod cycles did not induce a full shift in oogenesis during the first year cycles, but did in the following years. Spawning time, indicated by maximum oocyte diameters, was advanced up to 4 mo in females maintained under the phase-shifted advanced photoperiod, and delayed up to 4 mo when they exposed to the phase-shifted delayed photoperiod, compared to the natural spawning time in Spring (March-May). Phase-shifted photoperiod regimes shifted the profiles of plasma testosterone (T) and estradiol (E₂), corresponding to the shift of oogenesis in the respective groups. Significant increases in T and E₂ levels occurred during the vitellogenic phase, and these levels peaked before the occurrence of maximum oocyte diameters. The studies demonstrate that phase-shifted photoperiod regimes can be used to control oogenesis, and have implications for ensuring the year-round supply of mature female striped bass, particularly in domesticated striped bass.     

Age-Related Sperm Quality of Captive Striped Bass Morone saxatilis

Three groups of captive-reared striped bass Morone saxatilis ages 1, 3 and 12 yr, were examined for age-related changes of sperm characteristics including short-term storage. All groups had similar ranges of the following parameters (mean× SEM): expressible milt (5.6× 0.5 mI/kg body weight (BW) to 7.5× 2.1 mL/kg BW), percentage of motile sperm (55× 6% to 60× 2%), duration of sperm motility (69× 3 sec to 72× 5 sec) and percentage of viable sperm (91× 2% to 93× 2%). Compared to the 1 and 12-yr-old fish, the 3-yr-old fish produced the greatest number of spermatozoa (1,190× 370× 10⁹ spermatozoa/kg), sperm concentration (120× 8 × 10⁹ spermatozoa/mL) and spermatocrit (74× 4%). In addition, during short-term storage at 4 C, extender-preserved sperm samples of the 3-yr-old group showed a significantly higher ( P < 0.05) percentage of motile sperm and duration of sperm motility, compared to the other two groups. This suggests that short-term storage may be affected by the age of the male fish. Sperm longevity of the 3-yr-old group was successfully maintained for as long as 15 d, longer than that of the 1-yr-old group (9 d) and 12-yr-old group (7 d). Overall, the 3-yr-old fish appeared to have superior sperm quality than the 1 or 12-yr-old fish based on higher sperm production and increased sperm longevity.