Tumors in fish from the Detroit River

A fish tumor survey was conducted in the Lower Detroit River during 1985 to 1987. Five species of fish were collected from sediment deposition zones and were examined for neoplasia. Neoplasms and related lesions were found in bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus), walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), redhorse sucker (Moxostoma, sp), white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), and bowfin (Amia calva). Overall, 8.2 percent of the fish examined had oral/dermal lesions and 10.1 percent had liver lesions. Liver and skin tumors were found to be age-related in bullheads and size-related in walleye. Based on the fish surveyed, the incidence of tumors in fish from the Detroit River was similar to that observed in other chemically contaminated waterways.     

美国威斯康星州的Lower Fox River和Lower Green Bay水域的污染沉积物对鱼类影响的研究

LowerFoxRiver和LowerGreenBy水域的沉积物造成了该地区的轻度污染。经测定和分析,沉积物中含有较高的PCBs和较低含量的PCDFs及PCDDs,在鱼样品中呈现有PCBs和农药。组织病理学检查,鱼体内寄生虫感染发生率较高,部分肝组织坏死,出现肉芽瘤状物,胰腺纤维化,但没有发现鱼体上有肿瘤。     

Granule Associated Serine Proteases of Hematopoietic Cells – An Analysis of Their Appearance and Diversification during Vertebrate Evolution

Serine proteases are among the most abundant granule constituents of several hematopoietic cell lineages including mast cells, neutrophils, cytotoxic T cells and NK cells. These proteases are stored in their active form in the cytoplasmic granules and in mammals are encoded from four different chromosomal loci: the chymase locus, the met-ase locus, the T cell tryptase and the mast cell tryptase locus. In order to study their appearance during vertebrate evolution we have performed a bioinformatic analysis of related genes and gene loci from a large panel of metazoan animals from sea urchins to placental mammals for three of these loci: the chymase, met-ase and granzyme A/K loci. Genes related to mammalian granzymes A and K were the most well conserved and could be traced as far back to cartilaginous fish. Here, the granzyme A and K genes were found in essentially the same chromosomal location from sharks to humans. However in sharks, no genes clearly identifiable as members of the chymase or met-ase loci were found. A selection of these genes seemed to appear with bony fish, but sometimes in other loci. Genes related to mammalian met-ase locus genes were found in bony fish. Here, the most well conserved member was complement factor D. However, genes distantly related to the neutrophil proteases were also identified in this locus in several bony fish species, indicating that this locus is also old and appeared at the base of bony fish. In fish, a few of the chymase locus-related genes were found in a locus with bordering genes other than the mammalian chymase locus and some were found in the fish met-ase locus. This indicates that a convergent evolution rather than divergent evolution has resulted in chymase locus-related genes in bony fish.     

A virus-like agent associated with neurofibromatosis in damselfish

Damselfish neurofibromatosis (DNF) is a transmissible disease involving neurofibromas and chromatophoromas affecting bicolor damselfish Stegastes partitus on Florida reefs. Analysis of genomic DNA by Southern blotting techniques demonstrated the presence of a group of extrachromosomal DNAs in tumors from fish affected with DNF but not in healthy individuals. Cell lines obtained from tumors contained identical DNAs and were shown to be tumorigenic in vivo, while lines established from healthy fish did not contain such DNA and were not tumorigenic. These DNA patterns were also observed in experimentally induced tumors. A DNase resistant component of this DNA was isolated from both tumor cells and conditioned media of tumor cell lines suggesting that these sequences were encapsulated in viral particles. These data support the hypothesis that one or more of these extrachromosomal DNA forms is the genome of an unusual virus and that this virus is the etiologic agent of DNF. We have tentatively termed this agent the damselfish virus-like agent (DVLA).     

Altered sexual maturation and gamete production in wild roach (Rutilus rutilus) living in rivers that receive treated sewage effluents.

Disruption in gonadal development of wild roach living in U.K. rivers receiving large volumes of treated sewage effluent is manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from malformation of the germ cells and/or reproductive ducts to altered gamete production. Intersex fish were also found to have an altered endocrine status and an elevated concentration of plasma vitellogenin. Gonadal growth was inhibited only in severely intersex fish, whereas progression of spermatogenesis was delayed in a large proportion of all intersex and exposed male fish. In contrast to the effects observed in the intersex and exposed male fish, the maturation of ovaries in female fish inhabiting effluent-contaminated rivers appeared to be less obviously affected, although a higher incidence of oocyte atresia was found in the effluent-exposed fish compared with the reference fish. A positive correlation was found between the proportion of female tissue in the gonads of intersex fish and their plasma vitellogenin concentration, suggesting that vitellogenin can be an indicator for the level of gonadal disruption in intersex roach. The estradiol-17beta concentration in intersex fish was intermediate between the concentration found in males and females, and the plasma testosterone was between 2- and 3-fold higher in intersex fish compared with male fish. These data suggest a link between altered endocrine status in intersex and female fish and gonadal disruption. Spermiation was also affected in roach living in effluent-impacted rivers: a lower proportion of fish were found releasing sperm, and in those intersex fish that were spermiating, a reduced milt volume and a reduced sperm density were found. All intersex fish had malformations of the reproductive duct(s), and in severely affected fish, the ducts were occluded, thus preventing release of gametes. In view of the widespread occurrence of intersexuality in wild fish populations in rivers throughout the United Kingdom, assessment of the reproductive capabilities of these intersex roach is clearly needed to understand the impact of this phenomenon on roach fertility.     

Evidence of luminous bacterial symbionts in the light organs of myctophid and stomiiform fishes

The myctophids and stomiiforms represent two common groups of luminous fishes, but the source of luminescence in these animals has remained undetermined. In this study, labeled luciferase gene fragments from luminous marine bacteria were used to probe DNA isolated from specific fish tissues. A positive signal was obtained from skin DNA in all luminous fishes examined, whereas muscle DNA gave a weaker signal and brain DNA was negative. This observation is consistent with luminous bacteria acting as the light source in myctophids and stomiiforms and argues against the genes necessary for luminescence residing on the fish chromosomes. To confirm the location of this signal, a bacterial probe was hybridized in situ to sections of a stomiiform. A strong signal was generated directly over specific regions of the fish light organs, whereas no signal was found over other internal or epidermal tissues of the fish. Taken together, these data provide the first indication that luminous bacterial symbionts exist in myctophids and stomiiforms and that these symbionts account for luminescence in these fishes.     

Characterization and genetic variations of satellite DNAs in Acrossocheilus paradoxus (Günther, 1868) (Cyprinidae) indicate population expansion

A Hin dIII repetitive DNA family from Acrossocheilus paradoxus , a cyprinid fish endemic to Taiwan, was isolated and identified as a tandem arrangement of satellites in the genomic DNA. Cross-hybridization revealed similar patterns across fish genera and two families and suggested that this repetitive DNA is a conserved satellite sequence in fish. Forty-five monomeric repeat units of the repetitive DNA were cloned and sequenced, and found to be approximately 210 base pairs long and to have an average base composition of 52·8% A+T. Alignment analysis by examining 45 cloned repeat DNA strands from 22 individuals from nine different streams suggested that this repetitive DNA is highly polymorphic. The variability of sequences was mainly attributable to point mutations within the sequences. Genetic distances in all repeated DNAs ranged from 0 to 0·129 (average, 0·06). The high levels of genotype diversity and low levels of nucleotide diversity in satellites suggest population expansion of A. paradoxus .     

A novel population health approach: Using fish retinoblastoma gene profiles as a surrogate for humans

Retinoblastoma, a tumor suppressor gene, is frequently mutated in diverse types of human tumors. We have previously shown that two types of fish tumor, eye and liver, also possess mutant Rb genes. Our aim is to determine if the Rb allele status is linked to environmentally-induced cancer and whether this information in fish can be used to predict future phenotype. This is a proof-of-concept investigation to elucidate if fish may act as surrogates in assessing pollution-induced tumor incidence and inform regulatory authorities of potential long-term population health consequences. Marine flatfish, Limanda limanda, that display either normal liver histopathology, liver adenoma or liver hepatocellular carcinoma were analysed for the presence of Rb gene alterations. Several Rb alterations were detected in the fish displaying adenoma and carcinoma, and not in the surrounding normal tissue from the same individuals. The profile is similar to that reported in humans in that they spread across the gene, particularly exons 8-23, and a functionally important region of the protein. This Rb allele data was then used to build statistical classifier sets, linking Rb status with tumor pathology. Further flatfish caught from coastal-water areas of differing contaminant burden around the UK were subsequently analysed for the presence of Rb alterations. Using novel pattern matching statistics of the classifier sets compared with the coastal samples, the coastal fish were considered more similar to the characterised disease phenotype than the normal phenotype. Preliminary data suggests that using a statistical approach, based on classifying sets of histopathologically-defined tumor states, makes it possible to predict the phenotype of wild fish based on the status of the Rb allele. Since the Rb gene is orthologous, fish populations could act as surrogates for human populations in an eco-epidemiological investigation of the combined roles of genetics and environmental exposures in the tumorigenesis process.     

Isolation of a lethal rhabdovirus from the cultured Chinese sucker Myxocyprinus asiaticus

A rhabdovirus was found to be associated with a lethal hemorrhagic disease in the cultured Chinese sucker Myxocyprinus asiaticus Bleeker. The rhabdovirus was amplified and isolated from the infected GCO (grass carp ovary) cells. In ultrathin sections of liver cells from the diseased fish, the virus particles exhibited the characteristic bacilliform morphology, and budded through vesicle membranes of the infected cells. The isolated rhabdovirus particles were found to have a bacilliform morphology with 2 rounded ends rather than a typical flat base. The virus particles were measured and ranged in size from 150 to 200 nm in length and 50 to 60 nm in diameter. Most other characteristics, including their size, extensive virus infectivity to fish cell lines, strong cytopathogenic effects, stability at high temperatures, vesicle formation in infected cells, structure protein electrophoretic patterns and the presence of an RNA genome, very closely resembled those of other fish rhabdoviruses. At present it is not known if this is a novel virus species or if it is an isolate of a known fish rhabdovirus. Until a confirmed identification can be made, we will temporarily refer to this virus as Chinese sucker rhabdovirus (CSRV).     

A new species of Trichodina (Ciliophora: Peritrichia) from the intestine of the surgeonfish Acanthurus xanthopterus

A population of a trichodinid (Ciliophora: Peritrichia) was found in the gut of the surgeonfish Acanthurus xanthopterus collected from Hawaii, South Africa and New Guinea and described as a new species. This is only the second record of a trichodinid from the intestine of a marine fish. In all the fish specimens examined, the micro-fauna normally found in other species of the fish family. Acanthuridae was absent and replaced entirely by the trichodinid population.     

Homology of Melanoma-Inducing Loci in the Genus Xiphophorus

Several species of the genus Xiphophorus are polymorphic for specific pigment patterns. Some of these give rise to malignant melanoma following the appropriate crossings. For one of these pattern loci from the playfish Xiphophorus maculatus the melanoma-inducing gene has been cloned and found to encode a novel receptor tyrosine kinase, designated Xmrk. Using molecular probes from this gene in Southern blot analyses on single fish DNA preparations from 600 specimens of different populations of various species of the genus Xiphophorus and their hybrids, either with or without melanoma-predisposing pattern, it was shown that all individuals contain the Xmrk gene as a proto-oncogene. It is located on the sex chromosome. All fish that carry a melanoma-predisposing locus which has been identified by Mendelian genetics contain an additional copy of Xmrk, closely linked to a specific melanophore pattern locus on the sex chromosome. The melanoma-inducing loci of the different species and populations are homologous. The additional copy of Xmrk obviously arose by a gene-duplication event, thereby acquiring the oncogenic potential. The homology of the melanoma-inducing loci points to a similar mechanism of tumor suppression in all feral fish populations of the different species of the genus Xiphophorus.     

Is Aeromonas hydrophila the dominant motile Aeromonas species that causes disease outbreaks in aquaculture production in the Zhejiang Province of China?

The significance of Aeromonas hydrophila in association with disease outbreaks in aquaculture production in the Zhejiang province of China was investigated. Bacteriological examination of moribund fish and crabs resulted in 95 bacterial isolates: 88 bacterial isolates from fish and 7 isolates from crabs. PCR and traditional biochemical methods were used for identification of A. hydrophila. Out of 69 motile aeromonads, 35 isolates were identified as A. hydrophila by biochemical tests. However, 6 of those were not identified as A. hydrophila by a species specific PCR method. Serotyping revealed 2 dominant serotypes (O9 and O97) among A. hydrophila isolates. The data presented show that approximately 42% of the motile aeromonads isolated from disease outbreaks among various fish species were A. hydrophila. It is noteworthy that A. hydrophila accounted for more than 50% of the isolated aeromonands isolated from crucian carp Carassius carassius and Wuchang bream Megalobrama amblycephala with haemorrhagic septicaemia. Although this species was the most frequently isolated organism from internal organs of diseased fish and crabs in the present study, other motile Aeromonas spp. were also found. The PCR assay was useful in preventing misidentification of A. hydrophila, which may occur when only phenotypic tests are employed.     

Characteristics of myxobacteria isolated from the surface of freshwater fish

A study was made of 32 nonpathogenic myxobacterial isolates obtained from a variety of fish taken in the Pacific Northwest. Morphological, cultural, biochemical, and serological studies were carried out on these strains. All were found to be members of the genus Cytophaga. Two myxobacterial strains pathogenic to fish were also included in this study for comparative purposes. These pathogenic organisms were found to be culturally and physiologically similar to some of the nonpathogenic strains. Antiserum against the pathogenic species, however, showed no cross agglutination when tested against the other myxobacterial isolates. As a result, serological procedures appear promising as a rapid means for distinguishing pathogenic myxobacteria from one another and from saprophytic myxobacteria commonly found on fish.     

Carriage of potentially fish-pathogenic bacteria in Sparus aurata cultured in Mediterranean fish farms

A bacteriological survey of gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata from different fish farms and culture systems on the Spanish Mediterranean coast was conducted. Three different studies were performed. Study A included hatchery-reared larvae; Study B, periodic examination of randomly sampled growing fish; and Study C, growing fish sampled only during mortality/morbidity events. In Studies B and C, sea cages, earth ponds and indoor tanks were surveyed, and in both cases diseased (showing clinical signs) and non-diseased fish were included. In Study A, a shift from Vibrio spp. (30 d after hatching) to oxidative species (60 d after hatching) was detected, and no mortality events were registered. The percentage of fish yielding bacterial growth were similar in Studies B and C, reaching 57.4 and 61.3%, respectively. A statistically significant relationship between the bacterial carriage and the type of facility was only found in Study B, showing that fish from sea cages had a higher bacterial occurrence than fish from other facilities. A statistically significant relationship between bacterial carriage and signs of disease was found, although the pattern differed in each study. Thus, in Study B only 36.2% of fish yielding abundant bacterial growth were diseased, versus 68.0% in Study C. In total, 25.0% of the fish examined were diseased. Bacterial species composition was similar in asymptomatic and diseased fish, except for a group of V. ichthyoenteri-like isolates that occurred almost exclusively in asymptomatic fish. Dominant bacterial species were V. harveyi and V. splendidus, followed by V. ichthyoenteri-like isolates, Photobacterium damselae ssp. damselae and V. fisheri. Non-fermenters were less frequent but, among them, unidentified halophilic Cytophaga-Flavobacterium isolates and Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis were the most abundant. An association of individual species with disease was not clear, which suggests the involvement of mixed infections.     

Detection of Aeromonas salmonicida, causal agent of furunculosis in salmonid fish, from the tank effluent of hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon smolts.

The fish pathogen, Aeromonas salmonicida, could be detected only by bacteriological culture from the kidney of dead or moribund fish in one tank in a hatchery rearing Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) smolts. However, by using a DNA probe specific for this species, allied to a PCR assay, the pathogen could be detected in water, feces and effluent samples taken from this fish tank. Also, the presence of the pathogen was found in effluent samples from two fish tanks containing apparently healthy fish. Subsequently, the presence of pathogen in these tanks was confirmed by an increase in the daily mortality rate and by a plate culture from moribund fish.     

贵州雷公山国家级自然保护区鱼类物种多样性及其资源保护

2005年4月至2006年11月,对雷公山自然保护区的鱼类资源状况进行了调查.调查表明,保护区共有鱼类35种,隶属4目10科30属.该区的鱼类多数为适应于山区溪流生活的种类,鲤科鱼类是其中最大的类群,构成鱼类区系成分的主体.该区有一定经济价值的鱼类包括泥鳅(Misgurnus anguillicandatus)、马口鱼(Opsariichthys bidens)、鲤(Cyprinus carpio)、瓦氏黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus vachelli)、黄鳝(Monopterus albus)、草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)、刺鲃(Spinibarbus caldwelli)、南方白甲鱼(Onychostoma gerlachi)、月鳢(Channa asiatica)等.通过实地调查,对保护区内两条主要水系(长江水系和珠江水系)的物种相似度进行了对比.     

Zonation of a lentic ecotone and its correspondence to life history strategies in fish

A drainage channel network southeast of lake Neusiedl was investigated for fish species distribution. The network consists of relatively large and permanent channels providing a stable habitat for fish and smaller unstable channels drying up approximately once every five years. A consistent pattern of fish species distribution was found which could be interpreted with the help of a new triangular model of life history adaptations. In permanent channels so-called periodic and equilibrium species prevail whereas temporary channels are inhabited by opportunistic species exclusively. In the drainage channel network a number of locally endangered fish species which have disappeared from the adjacent lake during the last decades were found suggesting that the channel network functions as a refuge for these fishes.