Identification and characterization of pathogen to bacterial septicaemia in cultured turbot, Scophthalmus maximus

Bacteria-infected turbots Scophthalmus maximus with septicaemia were examined between 2001 and 2004 in aspects of the conditions of disease occurrence, clinical syndromes and pathological changes. The phenotypic information of pathogenic bacteria was studied, including morphology, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and the mol% G C of the DNA. In addition, representative strains (S010623-1, LH031120-1) were selected for molecular identification by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results show that the isolates (LH031120-1 to LH031120-6, HT040308-1 to HT040308-6, HT040620-1 to HT040620-6) from three farms were identified as Edwardsiella tarda. The isolates (S010610-1 to S010610-10, S010623-1 to S010623-20) from one farm were identified as Listonella anguillarum. We conducted studies on the pathogenicity of isolates by artificial infection, and revealed all infected groups in morbidity and mortality. The septicaemia infected turbot showed a syndrome similar to that of the naturally infected fish. Antibiotic sensitivity showed that of 37 antimicrobial agents, E. tarda was sensitive to 27 agents, and L. anguillarum was sensitive to 21 agents.     

Distribution and ultrastructure of pigment cells in the skins of normal and albino adult turbot, Scophthalmus Maximus

The distribution and ultrastructure of pigment cells in skins of normal and albino adult turbots were examined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Three types of pigment cells of melanophore, iridophore and xanthophore have been recognized in adult turbot skins. The skin color depends mainly on the amount and distribution of melanophore and iridophore, as xanthophore is quite rare. No pigment cells can be found in the epidermis of the skins. In the pigmented ocular skin of the turbot, melanophore and iridophore are usually co-localized in the dermis. This is quite different from the distribution in larvae skin. In albino and white blind skins of adult turbots, however, only iridophore monolayer still exists, while the melanophore monolayer disappears. This cytological evidence explains why the albino adult turbot, unlike its larvae, could never resume its body color no matter what environmental and nutritional conditions were provided. Endocytosis is quite active in the cellular membrane of the iridophore. This might be related to the formation of reflective platelet and stability of the iridophore.     

Molecular characterization and expression analysis of Lily-type lectin (SmLTL) in turbot Scophthalmus maximus,and its response to Vibrio anguillarum

A full-length lily-type lectin(Sm LTL) was identified from turbot(Scophthalmus maximus) in this study. By searching database for protein identification and function prediction, Sm LTL were confirmed. The full-length c DNA of Sm LTL is composed of 569 bp and contains a 339 bp ORF that encodes 112 amino acid residues. The Sm LTL peptide is characterized by a specific β-prism architecture and contains three mannose binding sites in a three-fold internal repeat between amino acids 30–99; two of the repeats share the classical mannose binding domain(Qx Dx Nx Vx Y) while the third binding site was similar to other fish-specific binding motifs(Tx Tx Gx Rx V). The primary, secondary, and tertiary structures of Sm LTL were predicted and analyzed, indicating that the S m LTL protein was hydrophilic, contained 5.36% α-helices, 39.29% extended strands, 16.07% β-folds, and 39.29% random coils, and three β-folds. Quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) analysis revealed that the Sm LTL mRNA was abundantly expressed in skin, gill, and intestine. Low levels of Sm LTL expression were observed in other tissues. The expression of Sm LTL in gill, skin and intestine increased at m RNA level after stimulation of V ibrio anguillarum, our results suggest that Sm LTL serve as the first line of defence against microbial infections and play a pivotal role in the innate mucosal immune system. The current study indicates that Sm LTL is a member of the lilytype lectin family and the information reported here will provide an important foundation for future research on the role of this protein.     

Variation in the immunoglobulin levels in turbot （Scophthalmus maximus） after vaccination with Streptococcus iniae

A pathogenic bacterium(S636),identified as Streptococcus iniae,was isolated from turbot(Scophthalmus maximus) in 2005.We immunized turbot with formalin-killed S.iniae four times(on days 1,14,21,and 28) by intraperitoneal inoculation.After each vaccination,we obtained serum samples and isolated the lymphocytes from the peripheral blood,spleen,pronephros,and mesonephros.We measured surface Ig-positive(sIg+) lymphocytes and serum antibody levels from these organs using flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunoso...     

Development of an inactivated iridovirus vaccine against turbot viral reddish body syndrome

Turbot(Scophthalmus maximus L.) reddish body iridovirus(TRBIV) was propagated in turbot fin cells(TF cells) and inactivated as the TRBIV vaccine with its protection efficiency evaluated in this study.TF cells were cultured in 10% bovine calf serum(BCS)-containing MEM medium(pH7.0) at 22℃,in which TRBIV propagated to a titer as high as 105.6 TCID50 mL-1.The TRBIV was inactivated with 0.1% formalin and formulated with 0.5% aluminum hydroxide.The inactivated vaccine caused neither cytopathogenic effect(CPE) on TF cells nor pathogenic effect on turbots.After being administered with the vaccine twice via muscle injection,the turbot developed high-tittered TRBIV neutralizing antibodies in a dose-dependent manner.The vaccine protected the turbot from dying with an immunoprotection rate of 83.3% as was determined via subcutaneous vaccination in the laboratory and 90.5% via bath vaccination in turbot farms,respectively.The inactivated vaccine was very immunogenic,efficiently preventing tur-bot from death.It holds the potential of being applied in aquaculture.     

Characterization of EmpA protease in Vibrio anguillarum M3

EmpA is an extracellular metalloprotease secreted by Vibrio anguillarum.For better understanding its role in the patho-genicity of V.anguillarum strain M3,empA insertion mutant was constructed.In the mutant it decreased in extracellular proteolytic activity,swarming motility,hemolytic activity and virulence on turbot(Scophthalmus maximus).Significant decline(by 5-fold)of extracellular proteolytic activity and similar growth curve between mutant and wild type strains indicated that EmpA was the major extracellular protease of M3.LD50 of mutant increased by 38-fold compared with wild type.No pro-EmpA was detected in the su-pernatant of culture,indicating that EmpA autolyzed to mature protein after 24 h.Secretion of EmpA in M3 was similar to that in NB10 strain.Attenuated virulence of mutant was similar to that of M93Sm strain.It was demonstrated that specific operation of EmpA was different from that in previous studies and EmpA contributed to the swarming motility and hemolytic activity in V.an-guillarum strain M3.The results provides insight into understanding the function of EmpA and its potential application in vaccine development.     

Comparison of the morphometric dynamics of fast-growing and slow-growing strains of turbot Scophthalmus maximus

The dynamics of changes in body shape of fast-growing and slow-growing strains of turbot Scophthalmus maximus, and of the differences in body shape between the two strains, were evaluated from 3 to 27 months of age. The ratios of total length/body length, body width/body length and total length/body width were used as morphometric indices. The two strains exhibited different temporal trends in total length/body length but similar trends in body width/body length and total length/body width. Generally, body width/body length of the two strains increased with time and total length/body width decreased. Thus, the bodies of both fast-growing and slow-growing strains of turbot changed from a narrow to a more rounded shape. However, the ratio total length/body length was generally lower, body width/body length was mostly higher and total length/body width was consistently lower in the fast-growing strain than in the slowgrowing strain. Correlation analysis of the three shape ratios with body weight showed that total length/body length and total length/body width were unsuitable, and that width/body length was suitable, for use as a phenotypic marker for selective breeding of turbot for growth in weight.     

pH值对大菱鲆生长及鱼体生化组成的影响

研究不同pH对大菱鲆（Scophthal musximus）幼鱼生长及一般生化组成的影响。结果发现：不同时间段内,饲料利用率（FCR）总是随环境pH升高而呈上升趋势,特定生长率（SGR）及增重率（WGR）随环境DH升高而呈下降趋势。在不同时间段,pH83与pH88组的FCR均高于其他组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,而SGR、WGR均低于其他组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。各组间鱼体水分差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;脂肪含量总体呈下降趋势,pH63组的脂肪含量高于其他组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,pH6．8至7．3之间时差异不具统计学意义（P〉0.05）,pH78至8．8时降低,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;蛋白含量在pH6．3至7．3之间时差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,pH7．8至88时降低,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;灰分含量在DH6．3至7．3之间时差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,pH7．8至88时升高,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结果表明,水环境pH在6．3～7．3范围内有利于大菱鲆幼鱼的健康生长。     

Impact assessment of modified clay on embryo-larval stages of turbot Scophthalmus maximus L.

Using modified clay is one of the most promising methods for the mitigation of harmful algal blooms(HABs). However, the environmental impact of modified clay has become a subject of global concern. In this study, turbot(Scophthalmus maximus L.) embryos were used as a model to assess the effect of modified clay on this sensitive stage of fish development. Results show that the 24 and 48 h LC_(50)(median lethal concentrations) of the modified clay were 1.70 and 1.65 g/L, and the safe concentration was 0.47 g/L, which is much higher than the concentration used to treat HAB. The modified clay did not affect significantly the hatchability of turbot embryos but when the concentration exceeded 0.50 g/L, the deformity rate of newly hatched larvae increased significantly. The total length, specific growth rate(SGR)and yolk sac absorption rate of larvae reached their peaks at 0.50 g/L and then gradually decreased as the concentration of modified clay increased. Therefore, a moderate amount of modified clay does not harm the survival and hatching of turbot embryos, or the growth and development of newly hatched larvae.     

Effects of Dietary Stachyose on Growth Performance,Digestive Enzyme Activities and Intestinal Morphology of Juvenile Turbot(Scophthalmus maximus L)

A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary stachyose on the growth performance, digestive enzymes activities and intestinal structures of juvenile turbot(Scophthalmus maximus L). Five isonitrogenous(49.58% crude protein) and isolipidic(10.50% crude lipid) diets were formulated to contain 0(Control), 0.625%(S-0.625), 1.25%(S-1.25), 2.5%(S-2.5) and 5%(S-5) stachyose, respectively. With the increase of stachyose level, the growth performance and feed utilization of turbot, such as the specific growth rate, final mean body weight, weight gain rate and feed efficiency, increased significantly(P 0.05) and then stabilized. The feed intake of fish fed S-5 was significantly higher(P 0.05) than that of fish in other groups. The activities of trypsin, intestinal caseinolytic, stomach and intestinal amylase were significantly influenced by stachyose(P 0.05). The highest values of trypsin and intestinal caseinolytic activities were observed in group S-1.25, while the highest activity of stomach amylase and the lowest activity of intestine amylase were observed in group S-5. No lesion or damage was found on the distal intestine structures of fish from all treatments, while the height of simple folds in the distal intestine was significantly increased(P 0.05) when 1.25% or 2.5% stachyose was added in the diets. These results indicated that moderate level of stachyose(1.25%) improves the growth performance, feed utilization, digestive enzyme activities and the distal intestine structures of juvenile turbot.     

Cloning and sequence analysis of a full-length cDNA of SmPP1cb encoding turbot protein phosphatase 1 beta catalytic subunit

Reversible protein phosphorylation, catalyzed by protein kinases and phosphatases, is an important and versatile mechanism by which eukaryotic cells regulate almost all the signaling processes. Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) is the first and well-characterized member of the protein serine/threonine phosphatase family. In the present study, a full-length cDNA encoding the beta isoform of the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1(PP1cb), was for the first time isolated and sequenced from the skin tissue of flatfish turbot Scophthalmus maximus, designated SmPP1cb, by the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technique. The cDNA sequence of SmPP1cb we obtained contains a 984 bp open reading frame (ORF), flanked by a complete 39 bp 5' untranslated region and 462 bp 3' untranslated region. The ORF encodes a putative 327 amino acid protein, and the N-terminal section of this protein is highly acidic, Met-Ala-Glu-Gly-Glu-Leu-Asp-Val-Asp, a common feature for PP1 catalytic subunit but absent in protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B). And its calculated molecular mass is 37 193 Da and pI 5.8. Sequence analysis indicated that, SmPP1cb is extremely conserved in both amino acid and nucleotide acid levels compared with the PP1cb of other vertebrates and invertebrates, and its Kozak motif contained in the 5'UTR around ATG start codon is GXXAXXGXXATGG, which is different from mammalian in two positions A-6 and G-3, indicating the possibility of different initiation of translation in turbot, and also the 3'UTR of SmPP1cb is highly diverse in the sequence similarity and length compared with other animals, especially zebrafish. The cloning and sequencing of SmPP1cb gene lays a good foundation for the future work on the biological functions of PP1 in the flatfish turbot.     

Cloning, Expression and Characterization of Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein （TCTP） Gene from Flatfish Turbot （Scophthalmus maximus）

A full-length cDNA encoding translationally controlled tumor protein of marine flatfish turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), SmTCTP, was isolated with rapid amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE). SmTCTP consisted of a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 84 bp, a 3' UTR of 451 bp and an open reading flame (ORF) of 513 bp, encoding a protein of 170 amino acid residues, which contained two signature sequences of TCTP family. The 5'UTR of SmTCTP started with a 5'-terminal oligopyrimidine tract (5'-TOP), a typical feature for translationaily controlled mRNAs. The deduced amino acid sequence of SmTCTP was similar to the other known verte-brate TCTPs in a range of 58.8% to 64.1%. The length offish TCTPs was diverse among species, e.g., TCTP of turbot and sea perch (Lateolabrax japonicus) is 170 aa in length, while that of zebrafish (Danio rer/o) and rohu (Labeo rohita) is 171 aa in length. North-ern blot analysis revealed that SmTCTP has only one type of mRNA. Its expression level in albino skin was slightly higher than that in normal skin. We constructed the pET3Oa-SmTCTP expression plasmid. The recombinant protein of His-tag SmTCTP was over-expressed in E. coli, purified and identified with peptide mass fingerprinting. These results may pave the way of further inves-tigation of the biological function of TCTP in fish.     

Protein-sparing effect of carbohydrate in diets for juvenile turbot Scophthalmus maximus reared at different salinities

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protein-sparing effect of carbohydrate in diets for juvenile turbot(Scophthalmus maximus) reared at five salinities(12,18,24,30,and 36).The fish were fed three isocaloric and isolipidic diets for 60 days.The results show that specific growth rate(SGR)and feed conversion efficiency(FCE) were higher in fish reared at salinities of 18 and 36,but lower at 12.Fish fed with diet C25P40(25%carbohydrate and 40%protein) had lower SGR and FCE values compared with those fed with the C5P52(5%carbohydrate and 52%protein) and C15P46(15%carbohydrate and 46%protein) diets;however,there was no statistical difference between diet C5P52 and C15P46.SGR and FCE values were unaffected by diet composition in fish reared at salinity 36.Hepatic lipogenic enzyme activities were higher in fish reared at 18 and 36,but lower at 12,while glucokinase(GK) activity was higher in fish reared at 12,and lower at 18 and 36.Dietary starch enhanced GK activity while depressing lipogenic enzyme activity.However,lipogenic enzyme activity increased with increasing dietary starch in fish reared at 36.It is recommended that salinity should be maintained 12 in the farming of juvenile turbot.In addition,an increase in gelatinized starch from 5%to 15%could spare 6%dietary protein in fish reared at salinities of 18-30,while higher salinity(36) could improve dietary carbohydrate use and enhance the protein-sparing effect,which is linked with the induction of lipogenic capacities.     

Turbot Scophthalmus maximus：stocking density on growth, pigmentation and feed conversion

1 INTRODUCTION Turbot is a type of marine flatfish naturally distributing along the coastal area of European. It is highly demanded for good taste. The price therefore, is very expensive. To meet the consump- tion, large-scale turbot cultures were perform…     

Pharmacokinetics and acetylation of sulfamethoxazole in turbot <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scophthalmus maximus</Emphasis> after intravascular administration

The pharmacokinetic profiles and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) acetylation process in turbot reared at 18°C were investigated. Either SMX (parent drug) or its acetylized metabolite, N₄-acetylsulfamethoxazole (AcSMX), was administered intravascularly to turbot at a dosage of 50 mg/kg BW. Serum concentrations of the parent drug and its metabolite were both measured by HPLC, and the changes in concentration over time were analyzed in two- and non-compartment models because SMX treatment produced multiple peaks. The results demonstrated that the elimination half-life of the parent drugs, SMX and AcSMX, were 159.2 and 5.9 h, respectively. The apparent volume of distribution was 0.2 and 0.8 L/kg, and the clearance was 0.038 and 0.222 L/(h·kg), for SMX and AcSMX, respectively. SMX acetylation in turbot was 2.8%, and the deacetylation of AcSMX was 0.2%. These findings may be useful in optimizing SMX dosage regimens in turbot aquaculture.     

Effects of waterborne Fe(II) on juvenile turbot Scophthalmus maximus: analysis of respiratory rate, hematology and gill histology

The concentration of Fe(Ⅱ) is high in some groundwater supplies used in turbot culture,and the toxicity of waterborne Fe(Ⅱ) is unknown.We investigated the stress responses of juvenile turbot,Scophthalmus maximus,exposed to Fe(Ⅱ) of different concentrations (0.01,0.05,0.1,0.5,1,and 2 mg/L) for 1,7,14,and 28 d,under the same ambient conditions of other parameters.Changes in respiratory rate,hematological parameters,and gill structure were determined.The results show that waterborne Fe(Ⅱ) did not cause severe hematological perturbation to turbot.A low-medium Fe(Ⅱ) concentration (lower than 0.1 mg/L) could boost the respiratory rate,and caused no or very limited damage to fish.A high Fe(Ⅱ) concentration (0.1 mg/L or higher),however,caused gill damage,such as vacuoles in branchial lamellae,epithelial necrosis,and hypertrophy of epithelial cells,and even death after extended exposure time.Therefore,excess waterborne Fe(Ⅱ) and long-term exposure to Fe(Ⅱ) could be responsible for poor growth and high mortality of turbot in culture.The concentration of waterborne Fe(Ⅱ) in turbot culture should be kept below 0.1 mg/L.     

SHORT TIME DYNAMICS OF CILIATE ABUNDANCE IN THE BOHAI SEA （CHINA）

The ciliate community in the Bohai Sea (China) was studied from 23 September to 7 October 1998. A hurricane struck the study area between the two grid station investigations, which were six days apart. Six tintinnid species ( Favella panamensis, Leptotintinnus nordqvisti, Tintinnopsis but-schlii, T. karajacensis , T. Radix and Wangiella dicollaria ) were identified. Total cililate abundance in the surface layer ranged from 20 to 770 ind/l. In the first grid investigation, Tintinnopsis karajacensis dominated in the warm, low salinity waters at the Huanghe River mouth. Aloricate ciliate sp. 1 dominated in the cold, high salinity waters in the northwest of the study area and the Bohai Strait. In the second grid investigation, T. Karajacensis almost disappeared. The abundance of aloricate ciliate sp. 1 decreased drastically. The aloricate ciliate sp. 2 dominated at the Bohai Strait. The change of ciliate abundance may be due to the disturbance of hurricane.     

Development and application of a tyrosinase-based time-temperature indicator (TTI) for determining the quality of turbot sashimi

Time-temperature indicators(TTIs) are convenient intuitive devices that are widely used to predict food quality. The aim of this study is to develop a new simple device which can be attached to food packages as a quality indicator for turbot sashimi. In this study, a solid TTI based on the reaction between tyrosinase and tyrosine was developed. The Arrhenius behavior of this enzymatic TTI was studied. The kinetics of the tyrosinase-based TTI was investigated in the form of color change from colorless to dark black induced by the enzymatic reaction. The mathematical formula for the color alterations as a function of time and temperature was established. The longest indication time for the developed TTI was 50 hours at 4℃. The activation energy of the tyrosinase-based TTI was 0.409 k J mol~(-1). The suitability of the tyrosinase-based TTI was validated for turbot sashimi using total plate count. The feasibility of using this TTI as a quality indicator for turbot sashimi was assessed based on the activation energy and indication time. Therefore, the tyrosinasebased TTI system developed in this study could be used as an effective tool for monitoring the quality changes of turbot sashimi during the distribution and storage.