Temperature sensitivity of skeletal ontogeny in Oreochromis mossambicus

Sensitivity of skeletal ontogenesis to temperature was assessed in Mozambican tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus and culture temperature manipulations (22, 27 and 32° C) were used to establish if age or length gave the most suitable metric for standardization. Oreochromis mossambicus larval growth was composed of two growth stanzas: an initial period of rapid growth, followed by a slower growth phase. Irrespective of culture temperature chondrogenesis occurred during the first rapid growth phase and ossification was initiated during the second slower growth phase. The sequence of events and rate at which ossification occurred was much more sensitive to temperature than chondrogenesis. Cumulative counts provide a useful developmental index for skeletal ontogenesis; overall, age (effective days‐degrees) gave the best estimation of developmental status during chondrogenesis and the initiation of ossification, although standard length (as log₁₀ L _S) was a better metric for completion of ossification. The timing of development of functionally important structures, such as Meckel's cartilage, the branchial arches, the centra and the cleithrum important for breathing, feeding and swimming, was well conserved at all temperatures and may be a good index of teleost developmental stages.     

Androgen levels and energy metabolism in Oreochromis mossambicus

Two studies were conducted to test the relationship between androgens and routine metabolism in the Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus . In the first study, endogenous levels of plasma levels of androgens and oxygen consumption rate were measured. In accordance with expectations routine metabolism corrected for metabolic body mass, was positively correlated with the behaviourally active metabolite of testosterone, 11‐ketotestosterone, but not with testosterone itself. In the second study levels of 11‐ketotestosterone were experimentally elevated, which increased the lowest values of (corrected) routine metabolism, indicating a positive relationship with standard metabolism. These results show the importance of measuring reproductive hormones, and are supportive of the hypothesis that elevated levels of androgens are a costly trait.     

Mitochondrion-rich cells in the embryonic yolk sac of Oreochromis mossambicus

By removing a small amount of yolk, tilapia embryos were dechorionated successfully as early as 30 h after fertilization. Using DASPEI, a mitochondrion-specific fluorescent stain, we were able to determine the first appearance of the mitochondrion rich cells on the surface of the yolk sac 26 h after fertilization ( c. 2 h after the beginning of gastrula stage). However, with scanning electron microscopy examination, no apical crypt could be found until 48 h after fertilization.     

Fine structure of chloride cells in freshwater- and seawater-adapted Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus) and Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters)

Ultrastructural features of branchial chloride cells in Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus) and O. mossambicus (Peters) adapted to both fresh water and sea water were compdred. In freshwater adapted fish of both species chloride cells showed similar morphological features. Multicellular complexes made of a mature chloride cell and one or more accessory cells sharing a single apical crypt have been observed. Whereas high percentages of 0. mossambicus survived at maximum salinity only a few individuals of 0. niloticus showed the capacity to adapt to sea water. In the seawater-adapted individuals of 0. niloficus and 0. rnossambicus the chloride cells showed a two- and three-fold increase in sizei. respectively. Most chloride cells are organized in large multi-cellular complcxcs with apical interdigitations of accessory cells and 'leaky junctions'. These results indicate that the difference in euryhalinity of the species studied is related to functional rather than structural differences.     

Effects of osmolality and ions on the motility of stripped and testicular sperm of freshwater-and seawater-acclimated tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus

A significantly higher concentration of testicular spermatozoa was obtained from freshwater Oreochromis mossambicus (9·9×10⁹ spermatozoa ml⁻¹) than seawater O. mossambicus (4·6×10⁹ spermatozoa ml⁻¹). The mean osmolality of the urine of freshwater fish (78·5 mOsmol kg⁻¹) was significantly different from that of seawater fish (304·8 mOsmol kg⁻¹). The mean length of the mid-piece of the spermatozoa together with the tail was more variable in freshwater O. mossambicus (8·80±0·23μm) than in seawater specimens (8·27±0·18 μm). Stripped sperm of freshwater O. mossambicus was highly contaminated by urine which was a good activator of sperm motility in O. mossambicus held in both fresh and sea water. The osmolality for initiation of motility in freshwater O. mossambicus spermatozoa was from 0 to 333 mOsmol kg⁻¹ while for seawater O. mossambicus spermatozoa it was from 0 to 1022 mOsmol kg⁻¹. The optimum osmolality for motility was from 70 to 333 mOsmol kg⁻¹ for freshwater O. mossambicus spermatozoa and from 333 to 645 mOsmol kg⁻¹ for seawater fish. In freshwater O. mossambicus spermatozoa, the presence of 20 mM CaCl₂ increased the permissive osmolality of NaCl from 184 to 645 mOsmol kg⁻¹. For seawater O. mossambicus spermatozoa, solutions of NaCl devoid of CaCl₂ were unable initiate motility, but the addition of 1·5 to 30 mM CaCl₂ to the NaCl solution (0–934 mOsmol kg₁) had a full motility initiating effect.     

The consequences of habitat occupation and habitat overlap of the introduced tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus and indigenous fish species for fishery management in a Sri Lankan reservoir

Habitat occupation and habitat overlap of the introduced tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus and co-occurring indigenous fish species were studied in a shallow lowland reservoir in Sri Lanka. Results were used to discuss the possible existence of empty habitats in reservoirs and the position of the introduced O. mossambicus in the fish community. Predictions were made of the effects of a subsidiary small-meshed gillnet fishery for indigenous minor cyprinids on the yield of tilapia. The zooplanktivorous halfbeak Hyporamphus gaimardi, an indigenous invader from brackish water estuaries and lagoons, has successfully colonized the pelagic habitat in this reservoir. The habitat of the introduced O. mossambicus overlapped significantly with those of the indigenous minor cyprinids. Only the smallest size classes of O. mossambicus (below 45 mm) arc spatially segregated from these cyprinids. Spatial distribution patterns are influenced by the rainy seasons which trigger an inshore movement of O. mossambicus and several other species around November and May. Barbus spp, (Cyprinidae) need riverine habitats for spawning, but for all other species the available habitats within the reservoir are suitable to complete their full life cycle. Exploitation of Barbus spp. with gillnets with a mesh size of 30-mm stretched mesh is predicted to have considerable detrimental effects on the existing fishery for O. mossambicus. However, a gillnet fishery with 15-mm stretched mesh to exploit Amblypharyngodon melettinus, Rasbora daniconius and H. gaimardi in the open water zone is expected to be successful without harming the existing fishery for O, mossambicus or the populations of Barbus spp.     

Innate-immune responses of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) exposure to acute cold stress

In this present study, Oreochromis mossambicus tilapia were transferred to cold water at 12°C for various time intervals (1, 4, 8, 24, and 48 hr) and its innate immune response was analyzed by studying cellular and humoral parameters. In vivo, alternative complement pathway activity in blood plasma was rapidly increased at 1 hr of cold water (12°C) exposure. Lysozyme activity and cortisol levels of plasma were increased at 4 and 1 hr, respectively. Surprisingly, only plasma cortisol levels remained unchanged through 24 hr of cold water transfer. Phagocytic ability, phagocytic capacity, and respiratory burst (RB) activity of head kidney (HK) leukocytes and splenocytes showed no any significant changes. In peripheral blood leukocytes, phagocytic capacity, and RB activity were increased at 24 hr of cold water exposure. The expressions of genes involved innate immunity in splenocytes and HK leukocytes of tilapia cold water exposure were analyzed, messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of HSP70, HSP90, and immunoglobulin M failed to change upon exposure to cold stress. Major histocompatibility complex-I and II mRNAs were significantly increased in tilapia splenocytes at 1 hr of cold water transferred. Whereas myxovirus (Mx) expression was increased in splenocytes and HK leukocytes of tilapia after 1 hr of cold water exposed. Our result reveals that the exposure of tilapia to acute cold stress condition significantly enhances plasma acid phosphatase activity and both phagocytic capacity and RB activity. Furthermore, cold stress significantly stimulates Mx gene expression in splenocytes and HK leukocytes.     

Mitotic chromosomal abnormalities and DNA polymorphism in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus,Linnaeus, 1758) as a biomarker for water pollution by heavy metals

Mitotic chromosomal aberrations and DNA polymorphism (RAPD marker) were carried out on the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus collected from five sites in Minia governorate, Egypt to test their applicability as biomonitors for heavy metal contaminants of water. The diploid chromosome number of O. niloticus population was 2 n = 44. Different types of chromosomal aberrations were recorded (e.g., deletion, ring, centromeric attenuation, end-to-end association, dicentric chromosome, stickiness chromosomes, endomitosis, fragments and chromatid gap). The chromosomal aberrations varied between O. niloticus population collected from five sites, and the most common type was ring (R) chromosomes. Samples obtained from Bahr Yousef and Irrigation drain exhibited the highest aberration frequency. The frequency of chromosomal aberration was positively correlated with the concentration of heavy metals where their concentration in the surface water of Irrigation drain and Bahr Yousef exceeded the limits defined by WHO as well as the concentration of Pb in muscles. The RAPD marker was also used to identify genetic variation among Nile tilapia samples collected from five different water sources. It created polymorphic and unique bands that can be used as genetic markers to track DNA variations. The dendrogram also revealed that exposure to heavy metal pollution causes gradual accumulation of variance, whereas areas subjected to environmental stress showed higher genetic variation and clustered together.     

The effect of copper and zinc at neutral and acidic pH on the general haematology and osmoregulation of Oreochromis mossambicus

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of sublethal copper and zinc concentrations at a neutral and an acidic pH, on selected haematological parameters as well as on the total osmolality and electrolyte concentrations of Oreochromis mossambicus. In general, at neutral pH copper and zinc caused blood acidosis, increases in circulating white blood cell numbers, causing stimulation of the immune system, and a rapid release of red blood cells from haemopoietic tissue, as reflected in the decreases in mean corpuscular volume. Increases in red blood cells are attributed to an increase in the oxygen-carrying haemoglobin as an adaptation to altered respiratory homeostasis caused by copper and zinc. These increases are therefore a secondary reaction to the metals and not the result of direct stimulation of the haemopoietic tissue. In contrast, at an acidic pH copper and zinc concentrations usually caused blood alkalosis and decreases in white blood cell numbers, due to the bioconcentration of metals which blocks and suppresses the leucopoietic tissue. Decreases were also recorded in red blood cell counts, haemoglobin, haematocrit and mean corpuscular volume, which can be ascribed to anaemic and hypoxic conditions, gill damage and impaired osmoregulation.     

河南地区新生儿染色体畸变的流行病学调查

为了解河南地区群体染色体畸变发病率情况,研究可能与染色体畸变有关的 因素及再现风险。综合运用多种现代细胞遗传学技术对3068例新生儿进行染色体核型分析,并对染色体核型异常者进行家系分析、再现风险及病例对照研究。结果表明:河南地区新生儿染色体畸变发生率为2.74%;其中13.1%由亲代遗传,86.9%为子代新生突变;病例组84例中有46例再次生育,再现染色体畸变8例,染色体畸变再发生率为17.39%;孕妇高龄、异常妊娠史、妊娠期间致畸因素接触史及胎儿宫内发育迟缓等可能是新生儿染色体畸变的高危因素。 Abstract:To investigate the incidence of chromosomal aberrations and recurrence risk in Henan and inqure into the risk factors resulting in newborn chromosomal aberrations,3 068 newbors were karyotyped with several advanced cytogenetic methods.The result showed the incidence of chromosomal aberrations was 2.74%(84cases),only 13.1% out of 84 aberrations were transmitted from the previous generation and 86.9% arose de novo.Within 46 second babies being born after their sibling with chromosomal aberrations,8 were abnormal karyotypes,the recurrence rate was 17.39%.The case-control study showed mothers with advanced age,mothers exposure to detrimental factors in pregancy and mothers with abnormal reproductive histories,intranter growth retardation may be the risk factors resulting in chromosomal aberrations.     

Evidence of steroidogenesis in postovulatory follicles of the tilapia,Oreochromis mossambicus

Summary Postovulatory follicles of the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, were examined with electron microscopy and enzyme histochemistry for evidence of steroid-hormone production. Light microscopy was also used to examine changes in the ovary with time after spawning. Electron microscopy detected the presence of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, lipid droplets, and mitochondria with tubular cristae in certain cells of the theca interna. These structures are suggestive of cells that synthesize steroid hormones. Granulosa cells also contained some smooth endoplasmic reticulum, along with an augmentation of Golgi complexes, vesicles, microvilli, and microfilaments within 5–7 days after spawning. Enzyme histochemistry demonstrated an intense reaction of 5, 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3-HSD) in variably placed thecal cells up to 7 days after spawning. At this time, the thecal cells of vitellogenic oocyte follicles also began to show strong 3-HSD activity. During the first 7 days after spawning, there was an increase in young primary oocytes and recruitment of some of these to vitellogenic oocytes. By 10 days after spawning, certain thecal cells in the follicles of these vitellogenic oocytes showed an intense 3-HSD reaction, while the postovulatory follicular tissue demonstrated a weak reaction. This arrangement continued for the lifespan of the postovulatory follicular tissue. Postovulatory follicles had a lifespan of up to 25 days after spawning in females that continued to hold the developing fry inside their mouths, i.e., mouthbrooders. At 25 days after spawning, the postovulatory follicular tissue showed signs of degeneration with the presence of vacuoles and lysosomes. In females that ate the zygotes, therefore exhibiting no parental behavior, the postovulatory follicular tissue showed signs of degeneration at l0days after spawning. In these females, the next clutch of eggs also developed at a higher rate than in mouthbrooders.     

Chromosomal Aberrations (CA), Sister Chromatid Exchanges (SCE), and High-Frequency Cells (HFC) Frequencies in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Tunisian Gasoline Truck Loaders

Gasoline constitutes a mixture of chemicals that contain well-known genotoxicants. Thus, chronic occupational exposure to gasoline may be considered to possess genotoxic risk. In this study, the frequencies of total chromosomal aberrations (TCA), aberrant cells (Ab.c.), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), high-frequency cells (HFC), and high-frequency cell individual (HFI) were investigated in peripheral blood lymphocytes from 17 gasoline-exposed workers (10 smokers and 7 non-smokers) and 22 unexposed reference subjects (12 smokers and 10 non-smokers). The exposed subjects were gasoline truck loaders at a gasoline company from Tunis City, north of Tunisia. The results indicate multiple CA, such as dicentrics (DIC), chromatid breaks (SB), and chromosome breaks (DB). A significant difference was observed in TCA and Ab.c. frequencies between exposed and unexposed groups (p < 0.01). A significant difference was found in frequencies of SCE (p < 0.01) and HFI (p < 0.05) between exposed and unexposed groups. SCE and TCA frequencies of smokers were found to be significantly higher than those of non-smokers in both groups. There was an interaction between gasoline exposure and smoking habit for TCA (p = 0.020), but not for SCE. Our findings indicate that gasoline truck loaders were under risk of significant cytogenetic damage that was enhanced by their smoking habit.     

Neuropeptides in the intestine of two teleost species (Oreochromis mossambicus,Carassius auratus): Localization and electrophysiological effects on the epithelium

Summary The presence of bioactive peptides in the gut and their possible electrophysiological effects on the intestinal epithelium were studied in two teleost species, the tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and the goldfish (Carassius auratus). Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like immunoreactive nerve fibres were found beneath the intestinal epithelium of both species. Galanin-, metenkephalin-and calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactive nerve fibres were found exclusively in the mucosa of the tilapia. Both species had vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-, enkephalin- or neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactive endocrine cells; calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactive endocrine cells were additionally found in the tilapia. Somatostatin- and dopamine--hydroxylase-like immunoreactivities were not observed. Nerve cell bodies in the myenteric plexus of both species showed immunoreactivity for calcitonin gene-related peptide-, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-, and galanin-like peptide. Enkephalin-like immunoreactive nerve cell bodies were present in the tilapia only. None of the peptides had a pronounced electrogenic effect. However, calcitonin gene-related peptide added to stripped intestinal epithelium of the tilapia, reduced the ion selectivity, and addition of galanin increased the ion selectivity. In goldfish intestine, both galanin and calcitonin gene-related peptide were without effect. Enkephalin counteracted the serotonin-induced reduction of the ion selectivity of the goldfish intestinal epithelium, but had no effect on the tilapia epithelium. In both species, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide reduced the ion selectivity of the intestinal epithelium, and neuropeptide Y induced an increase of the ion selectivity. Somatostatin showed no effect on the epithelial ion selectivity of either species. Tetrodotoxin did not inhibit the effects of the peptides studied. The changes in ion selectivity suggest that the enterocytes may be under the regulatory control of these peptides.     

食管鳞癌染色体及基因组DNA畸变研究进展

食管鳞癌是我国常见的消化道恶性肿瘤,进展快且预后差。由于早期一般无明显症状,临床确诊的食管鳞癌大多已发展到了中晚期,治愈难度较大。越来越多的证据表明,在食管鳞癌发生发展过程中,染色体及基因组DNA畸变均是最常见的遗传学改变。文章就食管鳞癌染色体及基因组水平异常的研究进展作一综述。     

Reproductive strategies of two invasive tilapia species Oreochromis mossambicus and Tilapia mariae in northern Australia

The reproductive biology of two invasive tilapia species, Oreochromis mossambicus and Tilapia mariae, resident in freshwater habitats in north-eastern Australia was investigated. Oreochromis mossambicus exhibited plasticity in some of its life-history characteristics that enhanced its ability to occupy a range of habitats. These included a shallow, weed-choked, freshwater coastal drain that was subject to temperature and dissolved oxygen extremes and water-level fluctuations to cooler, relatively high-altitude impoundments. Adaptations to harsher conditions included a decreased total length (L(T) ) and age (A) at 50% maturity (m50), short somatic growth intervals, early maturation and higher relative fecundities. Potential fecundity in both species was relatively low, but parental care ensured high survival rates of both eggs and larvae. No significant difference in the relative fecundity of T. mariae populations in a large impoundment and a coastal river was found, but there were significant differences in relative fecundities between several of the O. mossambicus populations sampled. Total length (L(T) ) and age at 50% maturity of O. mossambicus populations varied considerably depending on habitat. The L(Tm50) and A(m50) values for male and female O. mossambicus in a large impoundment were considerably greater than for those resident in a small coastal drain. Monthly gonad developmental stages and gonado-somatic indices suggested that in coastal areas, spawning of O. mossambicus and T. mariae occurred throughout most of the year while in cooler, high-altitude impoundments, spawning peaked in the warmer, summer months. The contribution these reproductive characteristics make to the success of both species as colonizers is discussed in the context of future control and management options for tilapia incursions in Australia.     

食管鳞癌染色体及基因组DNA畸变研究进展

食管鳞癌是我国常见的消化道恶性肿瘤, 进展快且预后差。由于早期一般无明显症状, 临床确诊的食管鳞癌大多已发展到了中晚期, 治愈难度较大。越来越多的证据表明, 在食管鳞癌发生发展过程中, 染色体及基因组DNA畸变均是最常见的遗传学改变。文章就食管鳞癌染色体及基因组水平异常的研究进展作一综述。     

Growth rate and tissue magnesium concentration in adult freshwater tilapia, Oreochvomis mossambicus (Peters), fed diets differing in magnesium content

The growth rate and magnesium concentration in scales, bone and muscle of freshwater tilapia, Oreochronüs mossambicus (Peters), initially weighing between 70 and 300 g, were followed during low-magnesium feeding. The growth rate decreased in fish on low-magnesium diets, but no changes were observed in the magnesium concentration in the scales, bone or muscle. No changes were observed in calcium or sodium concentrations in these tissues. We conclude that adult tilapia fed a low-magnesium diet manage, in contrast to other fish species, to maintain their magnesium balance and must therefore obtain magnesium from the water.     

奥利亚罗非鱼DMRT1,DMO基因片段的克隆及序列分析

根据其他鱼类DMRT基因中的保守序列设计了一对简并引物,利用RT-PCR扩增了雌雄奥利亚罗非鱼的DMRT基因,并对其扩增产物进行了克隆与测序。结果在雌雄奥利亚罗非鱼个体中获得了两个不同的片段,分别命名为DMO,DMRT1基因。序列同源性分析表明,奥利亚罗非鱼DMRT1,DMO cNA系列的同源性为61.78%,氨基酸同源性为86%,说明了DMRT基因存在性别差异。与尼罗罗非鱼、红鳍东方豚、虹鳟、青鱼将等鱼类DM保守区相比,氨基酸序列同源性为86%-100%,这充分显示了DM-RT基因在进化上的高度保守性。     

Effect of different salinity on serum osmolality,ion levels and hematological parameters of East Java strain tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

This study evaluated the effect of different salinity levels on the physiology of East Java strain tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by measuring the serum osmolalities (SO), ion levels and hematological parameters. Their SOs above the external medium (hyper-osmotic) at 0 and 5 ppt, becoming iso-osmotic at 10 ppt and hypo-osmotic at 15 ppt. The concentrations of serum Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^? and Ca²⁺ in fish acclimated in 0 and 5 ppt were not significantly different. The levels of Na⁺, Cl^– and Ca²⁺ in fish exposed to 10 and 15 ppt were higher than those in fish acclimated at 0 and 5 ppt. In contrast, the levels of K⁺ in fish exposed to 10 and 15 ppt were lower than those in fish exposed to 0 and 5 ppt. The levels of red blood cell, hematocrit and hemoglobin of fish exposed to salinity of 0, 5, 10 and 15 ppt were not significantly different. The levels of white blood cell increased significantly at fish exposed to 10 and 15 ppt. These data provide useful information for future reference and farming practice.