Ming-Yih Leu - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Ming-Yih Leu
Artemia's color intensity affects their chance being preyed upon,so doesthe growth and surviv... more Artemia's color intensity affects their chance being preyed upon,so doesthe growth and survival of the predators.Ten diets from four food sources,namely:MC,marine algae;Chlorella sp.;BY,bread yeast;AM,algae,Dunaliellasalina meal and CR,syntheticβ-carotene were used in the study.Diets containing BY and CR had the best growth of the brine shrimp,which demonstratedthe role CR or carotenoids might have in improving the growth of brineshrimp.The color intensities in brine shrimp were not necessarily proportionalto the carotenoid content in diet.Even with the inclusion of carotenoids inthe diet,the brine shrimp reflected its color effectively when it was in goodgrowth condition.
![Research paper thumbnail of A novel universal probe library quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method to profile immunological gene expression in blood of captive beluga whales ([i]Delphinapterusleucas[i])](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/85717398/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](TNFα, and IFNγ) were selected for analysis, and two validated housekeeping genes (PGK1 and RPL4) ... more TNFα, and IFNγ) were selected for analysis, and two validated housekeeping genes (PGK1 and RPL4) with stable expression were used as reference genes. Sixteen blood samples were obtained from four animals with different health conditions and stored in RNAlater solution. These samples were used for RNA extraction followed by qRT-PCR analysis. Analysis of gene transcripts was performed by relative quantitation using the comparative Cq method with the integration of amplification efficiency and two reference genes. The expression levels of each gene in the samples from clinically healthy animals were normally distributed. Transcript outliers for IL-2Rα, IL-4, IL-12, TNFα, and IFNγ were noticed in four samples collected from two clinically unhealthy animals. This assay has the potential to identify immune system deviation from normal state, which is caused by health problems. Furthermore, knowing the immune status of captive cetaceans could help both trainers and veterinarians in impleme...
Journal of Marine Science and Technology, 2015
The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium of Taiwan housed a whale shark in a 3.7 millio... more The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium of Taiwan housed a whale shark in a 3.7 million liter indoor oval tank from June 2005 until July 2013, at which point it was released. This study reports the transport of the whale shark into and out of the Museum, its husbandry conditions, feeding regime, growth during captivity, and details on the release of the animal. During the eight years in captivity, the animal grew from 2.3 to 7.8 m in length and from 200 to 3,600 kg in weight when released, with estimated overall growth rates of 0.67 m yr^(-1) and 412 kg yr^(-1) in length and mass, respectively. The animal beached shortly after release, possibly due to having acclimated to life in captivity. Therefore, detailed behavioral knowledge is needed for future releases of animals that have been maintained in captivity for extended periods.
Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014
Algal bloom is a major concern worldwide. In this study, we characterised the physical and bioche... more Algal bloom is a major concern worldwide. In this study, we characterised the physical and biochemical parameters during an algal bloom event in a coastal lagoon in an attempt to predict local blooms in the future. Results showed that the highest concentrations of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), chlorophyll a (chl a) and phytoplankton abundance were found in the inner area, whereas the highest dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentration occurred near the inlet-outlet channel. Chl a was correlated with DIP, and there was a significant exponential relationship between chl a and the nitrogen to phosphorus ratio (N/P ratio) across all sampling stations and times. A higher proportion of the variation in chl a was explained by the N/P ratio than either DIP or DIN. We found that a N/P ratio <2.38 will likely trigger an algal bloom (chl a ≥ 10 µgL–1) in the lagoon. Our results suggest that the N/P ratio could be used as an expedient and reliable measure of the potential eutrop...
Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 2012
The aim of this study was to report the successful results on voluntary spawning of Plectorhinchu... more The aim of this study was to report the successful results on voluntary spawning of Plectorhinchus vittatus, a description of larval and juvenile development stages, and appropriate first-feed items for pilot-scale larviculture systems. Spontaneous spawning of P. vittatus in captivity from 11 April to 22 June, 2009, was described for the first time. Over a 73-d period, the female produced 49 spawns, 75.1% of which resulted in fertile eggs. The average fecundity per spawn was 4170 eggs (range 2090-7080 eggs). Fertilized eggs were spherical, buoyant, and had a diameter of 0.80 ± 0.02 mm (mean ± SD). Newly hatched larvae were 1.90 ± 0.06 mm in total length (TL) with 28 myomeres. Transformation of larvae to the juvenile stage was completed at 9.58 ± 0.69 mm TL. A statistical model: Y = (X × 0.5034) − (X 2 × 0.0004) − 0.5883, where Y is mean TL (mm) and X represents days post hatch, explained 99.57% of variation in growth (P < 0.001, R 2 = 0.9957). The effects of live feed on survival was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in larvae fed a combination of diet (rotifers, copepods, and Artemia) than the others. These results indicate that P. vittatus is a potential species for captive breeding programs and the use of a combination of diet may be a suitable first food for the larviculture.
Copeia, 1997
The earliest record for the whale shark is 1828, when a 13.7-m immature male was har-pooned by fi... more The earliest record for the whale shark is 1828, when a 13.7-m immature male was har-pooned by fishermen off Table Bay, South Af-rica. Andrew Smith described the species as Rhincodon typus (Steel, 1985). However, small whale sharks were unknown until 1953, when a 355-...
Aquaculture, 1996
... Preliminary report on the artificial fertilization and incubation of yellowfin porgy Acanthop... more ... Preliminary report on the artificial fertilization and incubation of yellowfin porgy Acanthopagrus talus . Bull. ... Studies on factors related to mass motalities of black sea bream fry in the artificial seeding ... Vertebral malformation in hatcheryreared red seabream Chrysophrys major. ...
Aquaculture, 1994
Abstract Silver bream, Rhabdosargus sarba , was spawned naturally in captivity without the use of... more Abstract Silver bream, Rhabdosargus sarba , was spawned naturally in captivity without the use of hormones or other treatment. Spawning occurred continuously from 24 December 1989 to 29 March 1990 over a period of 96 days, with a water temperature range of 13.8–23.5°C. It is estimated that a female laid about 2 586 000 eggs during the spawning period. The hatched larvae were reared in 5-t rectangular concrete tanks and fed initially on rotifers, Brachionus plicatilis , followed by Artemia nauplii and finally weaned onto an artificial diet. Larval rearing trials for growth and survival to 45 days produced juveniles of 19.4 mm average total length, at a survival rate ranging from 7.3 to 43.2%. Few agonistic attacks were observed throughout the rearing period, despite high initial stocking densities. After 105 days the juveniles reached an average size of 61.6 mm fork length with a survival rate of 12.5%.
![Research paper thumbnail of Spawning behaviour, early development and first feeding of the bluestriped angelfish [Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)] in captivity](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/85717362/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Aquaculture Research, 2010
Successful natural spawning of Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis in captivity from 19 March to 11 M... more Successful natural spawning of Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis in captivity from 19 March to 11 May, 2008 is described for the ¢rst time. A single male dominates a harem of two females, spawning with each at dusk, from 10 min before to 20 min after sunset. Each female laid an average 119 Â 10 3 eggs during the spawning period. Fertilized eggs were spherical, buoyant and had a diameter of 0.83 AE 0.02 mm (mean AE SD). Embryonic development lasted 15^18 h at 28.1 1C. Newly hatched larvae were 1.60 AE 0.07 mm in total length (TL) with 27 myomeres. Larvae completed yolk absorption within 3 days post hatching (ph) at 3.01 AE 0.08 mm TL. Ten days ph, the larvae had attained 3.95 AE 0.12 mm TL. Larvae were fed either 100% s-type rotifers (Brachionus rotundiformis), 100% copepods (Microsetella sp.), a combination of the two (50%:50%) or without live feed (starved control) to determine the e¡ect of live feed on the survival rate. The survival was signi¢cantly (Po0.001) higher in larvae fed a combination of diet than the others. These results indicate that C. septentrionalis is a potential species for captive breeding programs and the use of a combination of diet (s-type rotifers and copepods) may be a suitable ¢rst food for the larvae.
Israeli Journal of Aquaculture-bamidgeh, 2003
Mangrove red snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Forsskal) spawned naturally in captivity, withou... more Mangrove red snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Forsskal) spawned naturally in captivity, without the use of hormones or other treatments, from May 21 to September 15, 1999. Each female laid an average 2,350,000 eggs. Larvae were reared in 4-ton circular fiberglass tanks. They were first fed S-type rotifers (Brachionus rotundiformis). Later, Artemia nauplii and copepods were added to the diet. They were weaned onto an artificial diet. Metamorphosis began at 18 days when the larvae reached 10.5 mm total length and was complete by day 30 when larvae were 17.2 mm. From day 26, large larvae (over 25 mm) cannibalized their smaller siblings. Abnormalities were observed in 4.9% of the individuals. At 50 days, the larvae rearing trial produced juveniles of 49 mm average total length with a survival of 10.8-32.3%.
The purpose of this study was to use total residual oxidants (TRO) as an indicator for determinin... more The purpose of this study was to use total residual oxidants (TRO) as an indicator for determining the optimal ozone dosage needed to control water quality and thereby enhance survival of cultivated aquatic organisms. When the TRO concentration was maintained at 0.16 mg/l for two hours, the total bacteria plate count dropped from 7.7 x 103 CFU/ml in the untreated sea water to less than 10 CFU/ml in the ozone-treated sea water. The TRO concentration in the ozone-treated water was well below the 96-h LC50 for hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus x O. niloticus) and whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) determined in this study. Hence, adjustment of the ozone concentration in aquacultural sea water is a viable option that simultaneously kills the majority of harmful bacteria in the water and enhances survival of cultivated aquatic organisms.
This is the first record of the paedomorphic fish, Schindleria pietschmanni (Schindler, 1931) (Sc... more This is the first record of the paedomorphic fish, Schindleria pietschmanni (Schindler, 1931) (Schindleriidae) from Taiwan. We examined eight specimens from six different samples were collected from thirty cruises. Paedomorphosis results as a fish retains its larval from and becomes reproductively mature. One female, 15.3 mm standard length (SL), was sexually mature with many eggs. The remaining seven specimens were in the Ian al or juvenile stage and ranged between 3.0 and 8.9 mm SL. Identification of the species as Schindleria pietschmanni was based on two diagnostic features: 1) the count of anal fin rays: 2) the origin of the anal fin.
Cytokines are fundamental for a functioning immune system, and thus, potentially serve as importa... more Cytokines are fundamental for a functioning immune system, and thus, potentially serve as important indicators of animal health. Quantitation of mRNA using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is an established immunological technique. It is particularly suitable for detecting the expression of proteins against which monoclonal antibodies are not available. In this study, we developed a novel probe-based quantitative gene expression assay for immunological assessment of captive beluga whales ( Delphinapterusleucas ) that is one of the most common cetacean species on display in aquariums worldwide. Six immunologically relevant genes (IL-2Rα, -4, -10, -12, TNFα, and IFNγ) were selected for analysis, and two validated housekeeping genes (PGK1 and RPL4) with stable expression were used as reference genes. Sixteen blood samples were obtained from four animals with different health conditions and stored in RNAlater solution. These samples were used for RN...
Fish physiology and biochemistry, 2018
The mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) naturally inhabits freshwater (FW; 1-3‰) and seawater (SW; 28... more The mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) naturally inhabits freshwater (FW; 1-3‰) and seawater (SW; 28-33‰) ponds in constructed wetland. To explore the physiological status and molecular mechanisms for salinity adaptation of the mosquitofish, cytoprotective responses and osmoregulation were examined. In the field study, activation of protein quality control (PQC) mechanism through upregulation of the abundance of heat shock protein (HSP) 90 and 70 and ubiquitin-conjugated proteins was found in the mosquitofish gills from SW pond compared to the individuals of FW pond. The levels of aggregated proteins in mosquitofish gills had no significant difference between FW and SW ponds. Furthermore, the osmoregulatory responses revealed that the body fluid osmolality and muscle water contents of the mosquitofish from two ponds were maintained within a physiological range while branchial Na/K-ATPase (NKA) expression was higher in the individuals from SW than FW ponds. Subsequently, to further clar...
PeerJ, 2017
Cytokines are fundamental for a functioning immune system, and thus potentially serve as importan... more Cytokines are fundamental for a functioning immune system, and thus potentially serve as important indicators of animal health. Quantitation of mRNA using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is an established immunological technique. It is particularly suitable for detecting the expression of proteins against which monoclonal antibodies are not available. In this study, we developed a probe-based quantitative gene expression assay for immunological assessment of captive beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) that is one of the most common cetacean species on display in aquariums worldwide. Six immunologically relevant genes (IL-2Rα, -4, -10, -12, TNFα, and IFNγ) were selected for analysis, and two validated housekeeping genes (PGK1 and RPL4) with stable expression were used as reference genes. Sixteen blood samples were obtained from four animals with different health conditions and stored in RNAlater™ solution. These samples were used for RNA extra...
Artemia's color intensity affects their chance being preyed upon,so doesthe growth and surviv... more Artemia's color intensity affects their chance being preyed upon,so doesthe growth and survival of the predators.Ten diets from four food sources,namely:MC,marine algae;Chlorella sp.;BY,bread yeast;AM,algae,Dunaliellasalina meal and CR,syntheticβ-carotene were used in the study.Diets containing BY and CR had the best growth of the brine shrimp,which demonstratedthe role CR or carotenoids might have in improving the growth of brineshrimp.The color intensities in brine shrimp were not necessarily proportionalto the carotenoid content in diet.Even with the inclusion of carotenoids inthe diet,the brine shrimp reflected its color effectively when it was in goodgrowth condition.
TNFα, and IFNγ) were selected for analysis, and two validated housekeeping genes (PGK1 and RPL4) ... more TNFα, and IFNγ) were selected for analysis, and two validated housekeeping genes (PGK1 and RPL4) with stable expression were used as reference genes. Sixteen blood samples were obtained from four animals with different health conditions and stored in RNAlater solution. These samples were used for RNA extraction followed by qRT-PCR analysis. Analysis of gene transcripts was performed by relative quantitation using the comparative Cq method with the integration of amplification efficiency and two reference genes. The expression levels of each gene in the samples from clinically healthy animals were normally distributed. Transcript outliers for IL-2Rα, IL-4, IL-12, TNFα, and IFNγ were noticed in four samples collected from two clinically unhealthy animals. This assay has the potential to identify immune system deviation from normal state, which is caused by health problems. Furthermore, knowing the immune status of captive cetaceans could help both trainers and veterinarians in impleme...
Journal of Marine Science and Technology, 2015
The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium of Taiwan housed a whale shark in a 3.7 millio... more The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium of Taiwan housed a whale shark in a 3.7 million liter indoor oval tank from June 2005 until July 2013, at which point it was released. This study reports the transport of the whale shark into and out of the Museum, its husbandry conditions, feeding regime, growth during captivity, and details on the release of the animal. During the eight years in captivity, the animal grew from 2.3 to 7.8 m in length and from 200 to 3,600 kg in weight when released, with estimated overall growth rates of 0.67 m yr^(-1) and 412 kg yr^(-1) in length and mass, respectively. The animal beached shortly after release, possibly due to having acclimated to life in captivity. Therefore, detailed behavioral knowledge is needed for future releases of animals that have been maintained in captivity for extended periods.
Marine and Freshwater Research, 2014
Algal bloom is a major concern worldwide. In this study, we characterised the physical and bioche... more Algal bloom is a major concern worldwide. In this study, we characterised the physical and biochemical parameters during an algal bloom event in a coastal lagoon in an attempt to predict local blooms in the future. Results showed that the highest concentrations of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), chlorophyll a (chl a) and phytoplankton abundance were found in the inner area, whereas the highest dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentration occurred near the inlet-outlet channel. Chl a was correlated with DIP, and there was a significant exponential relationship between chl a and the nitrogen to phosphorus ratio (N/P ratio) across all sampling stations and times. A higher proportion of the variation in chl a was explained by the N/P ratio than either DIP or DIN. We found that a N/P ratio <2.38 will likely trigger an algal bloom (chl a ≥ 10 µgL–1) in the lagoon. Our results suggest that the N/P ratio could be used as an expedient and reliable measure of the potential eutrop...
Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 2012
The aim of this study was to report the successful results on voluntary spawning of Plectorhinchu... more The aim of this study was to report the successful results on voluntary spawning of Plectorhinchus vittatus, a description of larval and juvenile development stages, and appropriate first-feed items for pilot-scale larviculture systems. Spontaneous spawning of P. vittatus in captivity from 11 April to 22 June, 2009, was described for the first time. Over a 73-d period, the female produced 49 spawns, 75.1% of which resulted in fertile eggs. The average fecundity per spawn was 4170 eggs (range 2090-7080 eggs). Fertilized eggs were spherical, buoyant, and had a diameter of 0.80 ± 0.02 mm (mean ± SD). Newly hatched larvae were 1.90 ± 0.06 mm in total length (TL) with 28 myomeres. Transformation of larvae to the juvenile stage was completed at 9.58 ± 0.69 mm TL. A statistical model: Y = (X × 0.5034) − (X 2 × 0.0004) − 0.5883, where Y is mean TL (mm) and X represents days post hatch, explained 99.57% of variation in growth (P < 0.001, R 2 = 0.9957). The effects of live feed on survival was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in larvae fed a combination of diet (rotifers, copepods, and Artemia) than the others. These results indicate that P. vittatus is a potential species for captive breeding programs and the use of a combination of diet may be a suitable first food for the larviculture.
Copeia, 1997
The earliest record for the whale shark is 1828, when a 13.7-m immature male was har-pooned by fi... more The earliest record for the whale shark is 1828, when a 13.7-m immature male was har-pooned by fishermen off Table Bay, South Af-rica. Andrew Smith described the species as Rhincodon typus (Steel, 1985). However, small whale sharks were unknown until 1953, when a 355-...
Aquaculture, 1996
... Preliminary report on the artificial fertilization and incubation of yellowfin porgy Acanthop... more ... Preliminary report on the artificial fertilization and incubation of yellowfin porgy Acanthopagrus talus . Bull. ... Studies on factors related to mass motalities of black sea bream fry in the artificial seeding ... Vertebral malformation in hatcheryreared red seabream Chrysophrys major. ...
Aquaculture, 1994
Abstract Silver bream, Rhabdosargus sarba , was spawned naturally in captivity without the use of... more Abstract Silver bream, Rhabdosargus sarba , was spawned naturally in captivity without the use of hormones or other treatment. Spawning occurred continuously from 24 December 1989 to 29 March 1990 over a period of 96 days, with a water temperature range of 13.8–23.5°C. It is estimated that a female laid about 2 586 000 eggs during the spawning period. The hatched larvae were reared in 5-t rectangular concrete tanks and fed initially on rotifers, Brachionus plicatilis , followed by Artemia nauplii and finally weaned onto an artificial diet. Larval rearing trials for growth and survival to 45 days produced juveniles of 19.4 mm average total length, at a survival rate ranging from 7.3 to 43.2%. Few agonistic attacks were observed throughout the rearing period, despite high initial stocking densities. After 105 days the juveniles reached an average size of 61.6 mm fork length with a survival rate of 12.5%.
Aquaculture Research, 2010
Successful natural spawning of Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis in captivity from 19 March to 11 M... more Successful natural spawning of Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis in captivity from 19 March to 11 May, 2008 is described for the ¢rst time. A single male dominates a harem of two females, spawning with each at dusk, from 10 min before to 20 min after sunset. Each female laid an average 119 Â 10 3 eggs during the spawning period. Fertilized eggs were spherical, buoyant and had a diameter of 0.83 AE 0.02 mm (mean AE SD). Embryonic development lasted 15^18 h at 28.1 1C. Newly hatched larvae were 1.60 AE 0.07 mm in total length (TL) with 27 myomeres. Larvae completed yolk absorption within 3 days post hatching (ph) at 3.01 AE 0.08 mm TL. Ten days ph, the larvae had attained 3.95 AE 0.12 mm TL. Larvae were fed either 100% s-type rotifers (Brachionus rotundiformis), 100% copepods (Microsetella sp.), a combination of the two (50%:50%) or without live feed (starved control) to determine the e¡ect of live feed on the survival rate. The survival was signi¢cantly (Po0.001) higher in larvae fed a combination of diet than the others. These results indicate that C. septentrionalis is a potential species for captive breeding programs and the use of a combination of diet (s-type rotifers and copepods) may be a suitable ¢rst food for the larvae.
Israeli Journal of Aquaculture-bamidgeh, 2003
Mangrove red snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Forsskal) spawned naturally in captivity, withou... more Mangrove red snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Forsskal) spawned naturally in captivity, without the use of hormones or other treatments, from May 21 to September 15, 1999. Each female laid an average 2,350,000 eggs. Larvae were reared in 4-ton circular fiberglass tanks. They were first fed S-type rotifers (Brachionus rotundiformis). Later, Artemia nauplii and copepods were added to the diet. They were weaned onto an artificial diet. Metamorphosis began at 18 days when the larvae reached 10.5 mm total length and was complete by day 30 when larvae were 17.2 mm. From day 26, large larvae (over 25 mm) cannibalized their smaller siblings. Abnormalities were observed in 4.9% of the individuals. At 50 days, the larvae rearing trial produced juveniles of 49 mm average total length with a survival of 10.8-32.3%.
The purpose of this study was to use total residual oxidants (TRO) as an indicator for determinin... more The purpose of this study was to use total residual oxidants (TRO) as an indicator for determining the optimal ozone dosage needed to control water quality and thereby enhance survival of cultivated aquatic organisms. When the TRO concentration was maintained at 0.16 mg/l for two hours, the total bacteria plate count dropped from 7.7 x 103 CFU/ml in the untreated sea water to less than 10 CFU/ml in the ozone-treated sea water. The TRO concentration in the ozone-treated water was well below the 96-h LC50 for hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus x O. niloticus) and whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) determined in this study. Hence, adjustment of the ozone concentration in aquacultural sea water is a viable option that simultaneously kills the majority of harmful bacteria in the water and enhances survival of cultivated aquatic organisms.
This is the first record of the paedomorphic fish, Schindleria pietschmanni (Schindler, 1931) (Sc... more This is the first record of the paedomorphic fish, Schindleria pietschmanni (Schindler, 1931) (Schindleriidae) from Taiwan. We examined eight specimens from six different samples were collected from thirty cruises. Paedomorphosis results as a fish retains its larval from and becomes reproductively mature. One female, 15.3 mm standard length (SL), was sexually mature with many eggs. The remaining seven specimens were in the Ian al or juvenile stage and ranged between 3.0 and 8.9 mm SL. Identification of the species as Schindleria pietschmanni was based on two diagnostic features: 1) the count of anal fin rays: 2) the origin of the anal fin.
Cytokines are fundamental for a functioning immune system, and thus, potentially serve as importa... more Cytokines are fundamental for a functioning immune system, and thus, potentially serve as important indicators of animal health. Quantitation of mRNA using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is an established immunological technique. It is particularly suitable for detecting the expression of proteins against which monoclonal antibodies are not available. In this study, we developed a novel probe-based quantitative gene expression assay for immunological assessment of captive beluga whales ( Delphinapterusleucas ) that is one of the most common cetacean species on display in aquariums worldwide. Six immunologically relevant genes (IL-2Rα, -4, -10, -12, TNFα, and IFNγ) were selected for analysis, and two validated housekeeping genes (PGK1 and RPL4) with stable expression were used as reference genes. Sixteen blood samples were obtained from four animals with different health conditions and stored in RNAlater solution. These samples were used for RN...
Fish physiology and biochemistry, 2018
The mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) naturally inhabits freshwater (FW; 1-3‰) and seawater (SW; 28... more The mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) naturally inhabits freshwater (FW; 1-3‰) and seawater (SW; 28-33‰) ponds in constructed wetland. To explore the physiological status and molecular mechanisms for salinity adaptation of the mosquitofish, cytoprotective responses and osmoregulation were examined. In the field study, activation of protein quality control (PQC) mechanism through upregulation of the abundance of heat shock protein (HSP) 90 and 70 and ubiquitin-conjugated proteins was found in the mosquitofish gills from SW pond compared to the individuals of FW pond. The levels of aggregated proteins in mosquitofish gills had no significant difference between FW and SW ponds. Furthermore, the osmoregulatory responses revealed that the body fluid osmolality and muscle water contents of the mosquitofish from two ponds were maintained within a physiological range while branchial Na/K-ATPase (NKA) expression was higher in the individuals from SW than FW ponds. Subsequently, to further clar...
PeerJ, 2017
Cytokines are fundamental for a functioning immune system, and thus potentially serve as importan... more Cytokines are fundamental for a functioning immune system, and thus potentially serve as important indicators of animal health. Quantitation of mRNA using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is an established immunological technique. It is particularly suitable for detecting the expression of proteins against which monoclonal antibodies are not available. In this study, we developed a probe-based quantitative gene expression assay for immunological assessment of captive beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) that is one of the most common cetacean species on display in aquariums worldwide. Six immunologically relevant genes (IL-2Rα, -4, -10, -12, TNFα, and IFNγ) were selected for analysis, and two validated housekeeping genes (PGK1 and RPL4) with stable expression were used as reference genes. Sixteen blood samples were obtained from four animals with different health conditions and stored in RNAlater™ solution. These samples were used for RNA extra...