老龄大鼠自发性肝胆管增生的病理学研究

目的为相关科研及新药安全评价工作积累大鼠肝胆管增生有价值的研究资料。方法大鼠共分为3组,第1组雌雄各30只动物(进口SD大鼠);第2组雌雄各60只(国产SD大鼠);第3组雌雄各60只(国产Wistar大鼠)。实验末期,对所有实验动物进行安乐死,进行系统解剖,对肝进行制片,进行组织病理学检查和免疫组织化学研究。结果各组大鼠均发生了不同程度的肝汇管区胆管增生,总发病率是32.33%。其中国产SD大鼠发病率明显高于进口SD大鼠(26.67%∶1.67%);国产Wistar大鼠的发生率明显高于国产SD大鼠(53.33%∶26.67%);雄性动物的发病率明显高于雌性动物(20%∶12.33%)。病理学观察显示多样化的胆管增生和纤维化改变,病变在I级和II级的大鼠发病率是84.5%,III级病变的发病率仅占15.5%。卵圆细胞的增生与胆管增生病变情况相一致,并呈现向胆管上皮方向分化。结论不同种系、不同性别的大鼠间肝胆管增生的发生率存在差异。本研究结果为动物和人类在增龄情况下肝胆管增生的研究提供了参考资料。     

限制性高脂饮食对大鼠多个器官Cx43表达的影响

目的初步探讨限制性高脂饮食(脂肪含量高,热量摄入与对照一致)对大鼠多个器官Cx43蛋白表达的影响。方法Wistar大鼠52只分为普通饲料喂养组(雌雄各一组)、限制性高脂饲料喂养组(雌雄各一组),分别检测体重、Lee’s指数、血浆总胆固醇、血浆甘油三酯和血糖水平,用免疫组化检测大鼠各器官Cx43的蛋白表达。结果(1)普通饲料喂养组和限制性高脂饲料喂养组的体重、Lee’s指数、血糖、血脂均无显著性差异;(2)在雌性大鼠大脑皮质的神经元细胞、雌雄性海马区域的神经元细胞、雌性肝门管区和中央静脉周围细胞、雌雄性肾皮质近球小管上皮细胞、雌性髓袢粗段肾小管上皮细胞、雄性胰岛细胞、雄性睾丸间质限制性高脂饲料组Cx43蛋白表达明显强于普通饲料组;在雄性大鼠肝门管区和中央静脉周围细胞、雄性髓袢粗段肾小管上皮细胞、雌性胰岛细胞限制性高脂饲料喂养组Cx43表达明显弱于普通饲料组;雄性大鼠大脑皮质的神经元细胞两组无显著性差异。结论限制性高脂饮食可引起大鼠各器官Cx43差异表达。     

F344大鼠常见非增殖性病变病理学观察

目的建立F344大鼠自发性非增殖性病变背景数据,为药物安全性评价提供基础。方法 SPF级F344大鼠336只,雌雄各半,8周龄,本中心屏障环境下饲养,随机分为4个组,分别于6、12、18和24个月4个时间点处死动物32、64、64、176只,常规病理学取材制片后显微镜检查,观察统计四个时间点动物自发性病变的病变类型和发病率。结果主要的非增殖性病变包括乳头肌纤维化、肺细支气管旁慢性炎症、肾脏病变包括肾小管扩张、蛋白管型、肾小管萎缩和钙沉积等,睾丸精子生成障碍、卵巢生长卵泡数量减少等生殖器官组织的退行性改变等。结论在本中心现有条件下,随动物生存期的延长,F344大鼠自发性非增殖性疾病病变程度和发病率均有所增加。本实验丰富了F344大鼠自发性病变的背景资料,为药物安全性评价提供基础。     

Wistar大鼠心脏自发性病变的病理学观察

目的了解Wistar大鼠心脏自发性病变发病情况,为长期致癌性研究、老年病学研究及毒性病理学提供背景资料。方法采用160只清洁级Wistar大鼠,雌雄各半,常规饲养,分别在9月龄、12月龄、18月龄、24月龄时处死40只大鼠,HE及Masson三色法染色,观察心脏的病理改变。结果 9月龄Wistar大鼠心脏未见明显病理改变;12月龄Wistar大鼠月龄心脏病变的发病率为2.5%（1/40）,表现为少数心肌细胞变性坏死伴少量以单核细胞为主的炎细胞浸润;18月龄大鼠心脏病变的发病率为57.5%（23/40）,表现为轻至中度心肌病,雄性发病率高于雌性。24月龄大鼠100%（40/40）出现不同程度的心肌病,并有2.5%（1/40）发生心内膜下纤维组织增生。Masson染色显示9月龄大鼠心脏血管周围及心脏瓣膜环下有少量胶原纤维,随年龄增长,血管周围及心脏瓣膜环下胶原纤维逐渐增多,并延伸入心肌细胞间。结论随年龄增长,大鼠心脏自发病变比率升高,主要病变为心肌病,偶尔可发生心内膜下纤维组织增生;胶原纤维沉积首先发生于血管周围及心脏瓣膜环下,随年龄增长而增多,可能与大鼠心肌病的的发生密切相关。     

高脂喂养大鼠肾小管上皮细胞SREBP-1、TGF-β1、α-SMA的表达和细胞外基质沉积

目的:探讨高脂喂养对大鼠肾脏小管上皮细胞SREBP-1、TGF-β1、α-SMA表达和细胞外基质(ECM)的影响。方法:高脂饲料喂养大鼠12周后,油红O检测肾脏脂质沉积,Masson染色检测肾小管间质细胞外基质沉积,免疫组化、Western blot和原位杂交检测SREBP-1、TGF-β1、α-SMA和FN的表达。结果:高脂喂养后大鼠体重明显增加,血糖、甘油三酯和胰岛素均升高,油红O检测显示大鼠肾小管上皮细胞内出现明显脂滴。SREBP-1蛋白和mRNA在肾小管上皮细胞内表达,高脂组高于正常对照组,分别是正常组的1.88倍和1.85倍;TGF-β1和α-SMA也定位于肾小管上皮细胞胞浆并出现上调。Masson染色显示高脂喂养大鼠肾间质ECM沉积增多,纤维粘连蛋白FN检测也显示模型组表达强于对照组。结论:高脂饮食喂养可能通过上调肾脏小管上皮细胞SREBP-1表达使细胞内脂滴沉积,并进一步诱导TGF-β1、α-SMA合成而导致细胞外基质堆积。     

纳米珍珠粉对大鼠钙吸收利用的影响

目的研究纳米珍珠粉对大鼠钙吸收利用的影响,并比较纳米和微米珍珠粉对大鼠生长发育和骨钙水平作用的差异。方法出生21d断乳SD大鼠100只,喂养低钙饲料2周。随机分为5组,雌雄各半,Ⅰ～Ⅱ组分别为微米珍珠粉低、高剂量组,喂饲饲料为低钙饲料混合不同剂量的微米珍珠粉;Ⅲ～Ⅳ分别为纳米珍珠粉低、高剂量组,喂饲饲料为低钙饲料混合不同剂量的纳米珍珠粉;Ⅴ组为低钙对照组,喂饲低钙饲料;另取10只SD大鼠为实验本底组(即Ⅵ组),Ⅵ组于实验开始前处死。实验期为4周。结果2个不同剂量的纳米珍珠粉组的大鼠体重、股骨干重及长度、钙吸收率、钙存留率均高于2个相应剂量的微米珍珠粉组,且差异有显著性(P<0.05)。结论纳米珍珠粉能够被大鼠很好地吸收利用,具有增加骨钙含量的功能,在钙吸收利用作用方面明显优于微米珍珠粉。     

SD大鼠与Wistar大鼠脑胶质瘤动物模型的建立及比较

目的比较利用SD大鼠、Wistar大鼠建立脑胶质瘤动物模型的不同,为研究脑胶质瘤的发病机制及治疗方法提供操作平台。方法利用立体定向仪建立SD大鼠、Wistar大鼠大脑皮层接种C6细胞（2.5×105个细胞/只）,建立脑胶质瘤动物模型,利用组织病理学、免疫组织化学以及核磁共振成像等技术,比较两种动物模型在成瘤率、肿瘤生长状况、死亡率以及动物一般情况等方面的异同。结果SD大鼠组、Wistar大鼠组的成瘤率均为100%,两组均未见转移;但SD大鼠组肿瘤成瘤时间较长,且部分肿瘤有自愈倾向,而Wistar大鼠组则未出现类似情况。结论Wistar大鼠大脑皮层脑胶质瘤动物模型的肿瘤性状更接近于人的脑胶质瘤,因此更适合探索和研究脑胶质瘤的发病机制和治疗方法;而SD大鼠的肿瘤由于性状类似转移瘤,且有自愈倾向,不适合作为上述相关研究的动物模型。     

高脂喂养合并小剂量链脲佐菌素建立2型糖尿病大鼠模型

目的 观察不同配方的高脂饲料,以及不同周龄的大鼠对于该模型的造模成功率和模型病变特点的影响.方法 将26只3周龄SD大鼠分为正常一组(N1组)、模型一组(M1组)和模型二组(M2组);26只5周龄SD大鼠分为正常二组(N2组)、模型三组(M3组)和模型四组(M4组).M1组和M3组给予高脂饲料配方一喂养,M2组和M4组给予高脂饲料配方二喂养.4周后,各模型组大鼠腹腔注射STZ溶液35 mg/kg.连续观察大鼠的空腹血糖(FBG)、空腹胰岛素(FIN)、总胆固醇(TG)、甘油三酯(TC)水平.结果 5周龄SD大鼠的FBG水平在注射STZ后两周即可达到稳定状态,并维持在较高的水平;高脂饲料配方二使大鼠的进食量和体重增加明显,并且成功诱导出胰岛素抵抗( insulin resistance,IR).结论 选取5周龄SD大鼠作为模型动物,并给予配方二高脂饲料喂养,所建立的大鼠模型具备2型糖尿病的主要特征,是值得推广的2型糖尿病动物模型.     

IVF-20培养液用于大鼠体外受精的实验研究

目的探讨人用体外受精液用于实验大鼠体外受精的可行性,为实验大鼠的胚胎保种提供参考。方法选用人体外受精IVF-20培养液作为大鼠精子获能和受精培养液,对SD、Wistar、GK、F344等四种不同品系的实验大鼠进行体外受精;用mR1ECM培养液对体外受精所得胚胎进行体外培养实验。同时,将所得2-细胞胚胎移植给经假孕处理的受体鼠。结果四个品系大鼠体外受精后的卵裂率分别可达83.2%、72.6%、87.8%和71.6%。体外受精卵裂胚能够在体外进一步发育,SD大鼠囊胚发育率为16.7%,与体内受精胚胎在体外培养的囊胚发育率(24.5%)差异不显著。80枚2-细胞胚胎移植给2只受体鼠后均妊娠成功,产下正常仔鼠10只,产仔率12.5%。结论用于人体外受精的IVF-20培养液同样适合于实验大鼠精子的体外获能和受精,可以在多种品系获得较高的卵裂率,所得卵裂胚能够在体外发育到囊胚,并且所得卵裂胚在移植给受体鼠后能够产下正常仔鼠。     

茶多酚对营养性肥胖大鼠肝脏自由基代谢的影响

目的:探讨茶多酚对营养性肥胖大鼠肝脏自由基代谢的影响。方法:采用高脂饲料喂养,体重(200±20)g的雄性SD大鼠32只,随机分为4组(n=8),测定各组大鼠肝脏细胞O自由基和N自由基。结果:高脂饲料组大鼠肝脏超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性显著提高,茶多酚补充组丙二醛(MDA)含量比对照组及高脂饲料组显著下降;高脂饲料组大鼠肝脏TNOS、iNOS活性及NO含量显著升高,茶多酚降低了总-氧化氮合酶(TNOS)、诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)活性及NO含量。结论:高脂饲料诱导了大鼠肝脏细胞的氧化应激状态,茶多酚提高了营养性肥胖大鼠肝脏的抗氧化能力,对营养性肥胖大鼠肝脏有一定的保护作用。     

Characterization of phospholipase A1, A2, C activity in Ureaplasma urealyticum membranes

Neointimal thickening following catheter injury is characterized, in part, by growth factor-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. It was hypothesized that a reduction in serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), characteristic of chemically-induced diabetes, would result in decreased VSMC proliferation and attenuate neointimal thickening. It was found that alloxan-treated New Zealand White rabbits exhibit varying degrees of glycemia. Rabbits classified as diabetic (glucose = 400 mg/dL) had significantly decreased serum concentration of IGF-1 (87.4 ± 14 nmol/L vs. 170 ± 14 nmol/L) and significantly decreased intimal/medial (I/M) ratios 2, 4, and 8 weeks after aortic injury compared to euglycemic rabbits (13.7 ± 2, 21.1 + mn; 2, 32.4 ± 3 in euglycemics and 6.6 ± 1, 14 ± 2, 19 ± 5 in diabetics, respectively). The I/M for high hyperglycemic animals (glucose 286-399 mg/dL) was comparable to diabetic animals yet their serum IGF-1 levels were normal rather than depressed. Vascular IGF-1 content similarly increased upon injury in both diabetic and euglycemic animals. In diabetic animals, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunostaining was present by day 1 peaked by day 5 and returned to control by day 14. In euglycemic animals, staining by day 1 continued to increase through day 14. A similar increase in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity occurred from day 1 through day 5 in both diabetic and euglycemic animals. This is the first demonstration of an association between MAPK activity and VSMC proliferation following vascular injury in diabetic animals as previously reported in euglycemic animals. In conclusion, this study provides evidence against a direct effect of IGF-1 in the reduction in neointimal thickening, VSMC proliferation, and MAPK activity upon catheter injury in chemically-induced diabetic rabbits.     

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: update on prenatal diagnosis and treatment

The diagnostic term congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) applies to a family of inherited disorders of steroidogenesis caused by an abnormality in one of the five enzymatic steps necessary in the conversion of cholesterol to cortisol. The enzyme defects are translated as autosomal recessive traits, with the enzyme deficient in more than 90% of CAH cases being 21-hydroxylase. In the classical forms of CAH (simple virilizing and salt wasting), owing to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD), androgen excess causes external genital ambiguity in newborn females and progressive postnatal virilization in males and females. Non-classical 21-OHD (NC21OHD) refers to the condition in which partial deficiencies of 21-hydroxylation produce less extreme hyperandrogenemia and milder symptoms. Females do not demonstrate genital ambiguity at birth.

The gene for adrenal 21-hydroxylase, CYP21, is located on chromosome 6p in the area of HLA genes. Specific mutations may be correlated with a given degree of enzymatic compromise and the clinical form of 21-OHD. NC21OHD patients are predicted to have mild mutations on both alleles or one severe and one mild mutation of the 21-OH locus (compound heterozygote). In most cases the mutation groups represent one diagnosis (e.g., Del/Del with SW CAH), however we have found several non-correlations of genotype to phenotype. Non-classical and classical patients were found within the same mutation group. Phenotypic variability within each mutation group has important implications for prenatal diagnosis and treatment.

Prenatal treatment of 21-OHD with dexamethasone has been utilized for a decade. An algorithm has been developed for prenatal diagnosis and treatment, which, when followed closely, has been safe for both the mother and the fetus, and has been effective in preventing ambiguous genitalia in the affected female newborn. This is an instance of an inborn metabolic error successfully treated prenatally.

Since 1986, prenatal diagnosis and treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) has been carried out in 403 pregnancies in The New York Hospital–Cornell Medical Center. In 280, diagnoses were made by amniocentesis, while 123 were diagnosed using chorionic villus sampling. Of the 403 pregnancies evaluated, 84 babies were affected with classical 21-OHD. Of these, 52 were females, 36 of whom were treated prenatally with dexamethasone. Dexamethasone administered at or before 10 weeks of gestation (23 affected female fetuses) was effective in reducing virilization. Thirteen cases had affected female sibs (Prader stages 1–4); 6 of these fetuses were born with entirely normal female genitalia, while 6 were significantly less virilized (Prader stages 1–2) than their sibs, and one was Prader stage 3. Eight newborns had male sibs; 4 were born with normal genitalia, 3 were Prader stages 1–2, and 3 were born Prader stages 3–4. No significant or enduring side effects were noted in either the mothers or the fetuses, indicating that dexamethasone treatment is safe. Prenatally treated newborns did not differ in weight, length, or head circumference from untreated, unaffected newborns.

Based on our experience, proper prenatal diagnosis and treatment of 21-OHD is effective in significantly reducing or eliminating virilization in the newborn female. This spares the affected female the consequences of genital ambiguity of genital surgery, sex misassignment, and gender confusion.     

人滋养细胞表面抗原（Trop-2）在病变子宫内膜中表达的研究

摘要 目的：探讨人滋养细胞表面抗原（trophoblast cell-surface antigens2,Trop-2）在病变子宫内膜中的表达及其临床相关性。方法：采用免疫组化法检测100例正常子宫内膜或病变子宫内膜组织中Trop-2蛋白的表达,其中单纯增生子宫内膜患者26例,复杂或不典型增生子宫内膜患者34例,子宫内膜腺癌患者20例,对照组为20例增生期子宫内膜患者。结果：免疫组织化学法研究结果显示,Trop-2蛋白在正常增生子宫内膜和单纯性增生子宫内膜中几乎不表达,在复杂或不典型增生子宫内膜组织中以及子宫内膜腺癌呈阳性表达。主要分布在细胞膜上,阳性率分别为35.29 %和65.00 %,经过对比子宫内膜癌组的阳性表达率显著高于复杂型或伴不典型增生子宫内膜组的阳性表达率（P<0.05）,且复杂型或伴不典型增生子宫内膜组的阳性表达率显著高于单纯性增生子宫内膜组（P<0.05）,其表达水平随内膜病变程度的加重而升高,呈正相关关系（P＜0.05）。结论：Trop-2蛋白在子宫内膜病变中的表达与其严重程度一致,可反映子宫内膜病变的发生发展,或可作为判断其严重程度的指标。     

Central obesity as a risk factor for prostatic hyperplasia

Objective: Obesity‐related metabolic diseases may influence prostatic hyperplasia. This study examined the impact of obesity on prostate volume in men without overt obesity‐related metabolic diseases. Research Methods and Procedures: We recruited 146 men over the age of 40 years who did not have overt obesity‐related diseases, such as diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, hypertension, or dyslipidemia. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed on all subjects. The subjects were divided into three groups according to their BMI: normal (18.5 to 22.9 kg/m²), overweight (23 to 24.9 kg/m²), and obese (≥25 kg/m²), and two groups according to their waist circumference: normal waist (≤90 cm) and central obesity (>90 cm). The classification of the subgroups was based on the Asia‐Pacific criteria of obesity. We compared the prostate volume among subgroups and assessed factors related to prostatic hyperplasia. Results: Mean prostate volume was 18.8 ± 5.0, 21.8 ± 7.2, and 21.8 ± 5.6 mL in the normal, overweight, and obese groups, respectively, and was 20.0 ± 5.9 and 23.7 ± 5.3 mL in the normal waist and central obesity group, respectively. Prostate volume was significantly greater in the obese group than in the normal group (P = 0.03) and in the central obesity group compared with the normal waist group (P = 0.002). Prostate volume was positively correlated with BMI and waist circumference after adjustment for age. After adjusting for confounding factors, central obesity was an independent factor affecting prostatic hyperplasia, which was defined as a prostate volume >20 mL (odds ratio = 3.37, p = 0.037). Relative to men with both low BMI (18.5 to 22.9 kg/m²) and normal waist circumference, those with high BMI (≥25 kg/m²) and central obesity were at significantly increased risk of prostatic hyperplasia (odds ratio = 4.88, p = 0.008). However, those with high BMI (≥25 kg/m²) and normal waist circumference were not at significantly increased risk. Discussion: Prostate volume was greater in the obese and central obesity groups than in the normal group after patients with overt obesity‐related metabolic diseases were excluded. Although both BMI and waist circumference were positively correlated with prostate volume, central obesity was the only independent factor affecting prostate hyperplasia. We suggest that central obesity is an important risk factor for prostatic hyperplasia.     

Effects of Panax ginseng on the nerve growth factor expression in testosterone induced benign prostatic hyperplasia

The prostatic hyperplasia in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) leads to obstructive micturition symptoms. Previous studies showed that pontine micturition center (PMC), ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG), and medial preopticnucleus (MPA) regions in the brain have been known to regulate the urinary bladder function. The present study shows the influences of Panax ginseng on nerve growth factor (NGF) expressions in PMC, vlPAG, and MPA regions in the brain. Wistar rats were used for the present study. The rats split into four groups; 4 groups (n = 6) in control group, BPH-induced group, BPH-induced and P. ginseng-treated group, and BPH-induced and finasteride-treated group. BPH in rats was induced by testosterone and the animals were evaluated for NGF expression in PMC, vlPAG, and MPA regions in the brain. The NGF expression was identified using immunohistochemistry (IHC). The NGF expression by IHC showed spots with dark brown color. In our results, NGF expressions in PMC, vlPAG, and MPA regions in the brainstem of the BPH-induced group showed increase than the control animal. These increased NGF expressions in three regions were decreased using treatment with P. ginseng (200 mg/kg). These results suggest that P. ginseng has therapeutic effects on the symptoms of BPH and is associated with the regulation of NGF expression in the brain. In conclusion, the administration of P. ginseng helps nerve growth factor activation.     

Characterization of enzymatically isolated myocytes from the turtle, Chrysemys picta

Application of an enzymatic cell isolation technique to a turtle heart yielded mononuclear spindle-shaped myocytes. Turtle myocyte morphology revealed a long, thin, tapered cell with an average length of 221± 9.6 μm and an average width of 9.55 ± 0.87 μm. Cell volume was calculated to be 16,248 ± 24,776 μm³ and mean sarcomere length was 2.24 ± 0.09 μm. The Ca⁺²-tolerant myocytes shortened to a degree of 13 ± 6.1% when stimulated in an electric field. Both spontaneous and induced contractions resembled a twitch. Myocyte volume did not vary significantly with the body mass of the turtle.     

Selenium level in benign and cancerous prostate

The dietary microelement selenium (Se) has been proposed as a potential chemopreventive agent for prostate cancer. This element is present in various amounts in all tissues. Little information is available on Se level in patients with prostate gland disorders. The levels of Se in prostatic gland of patients with prostate cancer, benign prostate hyperplasia, and healthy controls were examined. The Se level for benign prostate hyperplasia (156±30.6 ng/g) was the same as in the control group (157±26.0 ng/g), but in the gland of prostate cancer patients (182±34.1 ng/g wet weight), the Se level was significantly (p<0.01) higher than in both healthy controls and benign prostate hyperplasia. Thus, the Se level in human healthy controls is lower than in kidney and liver but higher compared with other tissues.     

Novel naftopidil derivatives containing methyl phenylacetate and their blocking effects on α1D/1A-adrenoreceptor subtypes

α₁-Adrenoceptor (α₁-AR) antagonists are considered to be the most effective monotherapy agents for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). In this study, we synthesized compounds 2–17, which are novel piperazine derivatives that contain methyl phenylacetate. We then evaluated the vasodilatory activities of these compounds. Among them, we found that compounds 2, 7, 12, which contain 2-OCH₃, 2-CH₃ or 2, 5-CH₃, respectively, exhibited potent α₁-blocking activity similar to protype drug naftopidil (1). The antagonistic effects of 2, 7, and 12 on the (?)-noradrenaline-induced contractile response of isolated rat prostatic vas deferens (α_1A), spleen (α_1B) and thoracic aorta (α_1D) were further characterized to assess the sub receptor selectivity. Compared with naftopidil (1) and terazosin, compound 12 showed the most desirable α_1D/1A subtype selectivity, especially improved α_1A subtype selectivity, and the ratios pA₂ (α_1D)/pA₂ (α_1B) and pA₂ (α_1A)/pA₂ (α_1B) were 17.0- and 19.5-fold, respectively, indicating less cardiovascular side effects when used to treat LUTS/BPH. Finally, we investigated the chiral pharmacology of 12. We found, however, that the activity of enantiomers (R)-12 and (S)-12 are not significantly different from that of rac-12.     

Effect of incubation temperature on muscle growth of barramundi Lates calcarifer at hatch and post-exogenous feeding

Muscle morphology was investigated in newly hatched barramundi Lates calcarifer larvae incubated at set temperatures (26, 29 and 31° C) prior to hatching. Three days after hatching (the start of exogenous feeding), larvae from the 26 and 31° C treatments were each divided into two groups and reared at that temperature or transferred over the period of several hours to 29° C (control temperature). Incubation temperature significantly affected muscle cellularity in the developing embryo, with larvae incubated at 26° C (mean ±s .e . 223·3 ± 7·9) having on average 14·4% more inner muscle fibres than those incubated at 31° C (195·2 ± 8·8) and 4·8% more than those incubated at 29° C (213·5 ± 4·7). Conversely, inner muscle fibre cross‐sectional area significantly increased at the warm incubation temperature in L. calcarifer, so that the total cross‐sectional muscle area was not different between treatment groups. The total cross‐sectional area of superficial muscle fibres and the proportion of superficial to total fibre cross‐sectional area in just hatched L. calcarifer were also affected by incubation temperature, with incubation at the cool temperature (26° C) increasing both the total cross‐sectional area and proportion of superficial muscle fibres. By 9 days post‐hatch, the aforementioned differences were no longer significant. Similarly, there was no difference in total superficial fibre cross‐sectional area between any treatment groups of L. calcarifer, whereas incubation temperature still significantly affected the proportion of superficial to total muscle fibre cross‐sectional area. Larvae hatched and grown at 31° C had a significantly reduced percentage of superficial muscle cross‐sectional area (mean ±s .e . 5·11 ± 0·66%) compared with those incubated and grown at 29° C (8·04 ± 0·77%) and 26° C (9·32 ± 0·56%) and those incubated at 26° C and transferred to 29° C (7·52 ± 0·53%), and incubated at 31° C and transferred to 29° C (6·28 ± 0·69%). These results indicate that changes in muscle cellularity induced by raising or lowering the incubation temperature of L. calcarifer display varying degrees of persistence over developmental time. The significance of these findings to the culture of L. calcarifer is discussed.