Cataracts in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Ireland, Norway and Scotland from 1995 to 1997

From 1995 to 1997 cataracts were observed in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Ireland, Norway and Scotland at around the time of smoltification (when freshwater fish become adapted to the hypertonic seawater) in both fresh- and seawater fish. Over 38,000 fish were screened for the presence of cataracts. Posterior cortical cataracts were the earliest and most consistent change, followed by perinuclear, equatorial and anterior cortical cataracts. On histological examination vacuolation of the lens fibres was consistently present in the posterior cortex. The pattern of the outbreak suggested that a nutritional factor was involved although the variable incidence and severity of the condition indicated that a number of modifying factors may have been involved in the expression of the condition.     

Association of Cytophaga psychrophila with mortality among eyed eggs of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Although Pseudomonas fluorescens was the predominant bacterium associated with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) eggs incubated at the White River National Fish Hatchery (Bethel, Vermont) during January 1992, the fish pathogen Cytophaga psychrophila was isolated only from specific lots of eggs that displayed poor survival (35% eye-up).     

Chitooligosaccharides stimulate Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., head kidney leukocytes to enhanced superoxide anion production in vitro

Chitosans and chitooligosaccharides stimulated Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., head kidney leukocytes in vitro to produce elevated levels of superoxide anion. Both soluble and insoluble chitooligosaccharides were stimulatory 2 and 7 days after addition. Protein-chitooligosaccharide conjugates were also stimulatory in vitro both at 2 and 7 days after addition. Deacetylation seemed to be of little importance for the stimulatory capacity. High concentrations of the 80% deacetylated chitosan/chitooligosaccharides were toxic to the leukocytes as judged by reduced reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium and morphology.     

Fatty acyl desaturation in isolated hepatocytes from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): stimulation by dietary borage oil containing gamma-linolenic acid

The effects of different dietary oils on the fatty acid compositions of liver phospholipids and the desaturation and elongation or [1-14C]18:3n-3 and [1-14C]18:2n-6 were investigated in isolated hepatocytes from Atlantic salmon. Atlantic salmon smolts were fed diets containing either a standard fish oil (FO) as a control diet, a 1:1 blend of Southern Hemisphere marine oil and tuna orbital oil (MO/TO), sunflower oil (SO), borage oil (BO), or olive oil (OO) for 12 wk. The SO and BO diets significantly increased the percentages of 18:2n-6, 18:3n-6, 20:2n-6, 20:3n-6, and total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in salmon liver lipids in comparison with the FO diet. The BO diet also increased the percentage of 20:4n-6. Both the SO and BO diets significantly reduced the percentages of all n-3 PUFA in comparison with the FO diet. The OO diet significantly increased the percentages of 18:1n-3, 18:2n-6, total monoenes, and total n-6 PUFA in liver lipids compared to the FO diet, and the percentages of all n-3 PUFA were significantly reduced. With [1-14C]18:3n-3, the recovery of radioactivity in the products of delta 6 desaturation was significantly greater in the hepatocytes from salmon fed SO, BO, and OO in comparison with the FO diet. The BO diet also increased the recovery of radioactivity in the products of delta 5 desaturation. Only the BO diet significantly affected the desaturation of [1-14C]18:2n-6, increasing recovery of radioactivity in both delta 6- and delta 5-desaturation products. In conclusion, dietary BO, enriched in gamma-linolenic acid (18:3n-6), significantly increased the proportions of both 20:3n-6 and 20:4n-6 in salmon liver phospholipids and also significantly increased the desaturation of both 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3 in salmon hepatocytes. The possible relationships between dietary fatty acid composition, tissue phospholipid fatty acid composition, and desaturation/elongation activities are discussed.     

Purification and characterization of two cysteine proteinase inhibitors from the skin of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

This study was designed to characterize hemostatic activation (using fibrinopeptide A (FPA), a marker of thrombin activity, and beta-thromboglobulin (BTG), a marker of platelet activation) sequentially in the coronary and peripheral circulation in patients during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and several hours after PCI and discontinuation of heparin therapy. Heparin administered during PCI is known to nonuniformly suppress thrombin activity in the coronary. Persistent elevations of FPA in coronary sinus (CS) blood during PCI have been associated with subsequent ischemic events. As a related consideration, rebound thrombin activity has been demonstrated in peripheral blood samples several hours after cessation of heparin therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Accordingly, we hypothesized that increased thrombin activity occurs in the coronary circulation after PCI and is induced by cessation of intravenous heparin to facilitate vascular sheath removal. Such a rebound prothrombotic effect, may contribute to suboptimal outcomes after PCI. In 21 patients undergoing PCI, heparin-bonded catheters were employed to obtain sequential CS and femoral vein (FV) blood samples for measurement in the coronary and peripheral circulation of plasma FPA, a marker of thrombin activity in vivo, and BTG released by platelets during degranulation. Following heparin administration samples were obtained immediately prior to (base) and during (start and end) PCI. Late samples were obtained several hours after PCI (284 +/- 46 min, mean +/- SD) following the cessation of heparin and prior to planned vascular sheath removal. Mean FPA concentration in CS blood was low at baseline (3.82 +/- 2.09 ng/ml) and did not increase during PCI. Mean FPA concentration in CS blood increased significantly several hours after cessation of heparin (3.42 +/- 2.36 vs. 7.82 +/- 9.98, end vs. late, P < 0.001). In contrast, mean FPA concentration in FV blood was highest at baseline following vascular sheath insertion, decreased during PCI (69%, P < 0.05, base vs. end), and trended upward after PCI and cessation of heparin. Mean FPA values were higher at all times in FV compared with CS blood samples and were not concordant after PCI. Elevation of coronary circulation FPA after PCI was maximal in patients with myocardial infarction within 7 days (13.7 +/- 12.4 vs. 5.6 +/- 7.9 ng/ml, P = 0.08), but was not influenced by heparin treatment prior to PCI, a history of unstable angina, or coronary stent placement during PCI (9 of 21 patients). BTG values showed less variation than did FPA values, and cessation of heparin after PCI was not associated with an increase in BTG in CS or FV blood samples. An increase in thrombin activity occurs in the coronary circulation after PCI following discontinuation of heparin. The extent of increased thrombin activity was greatest in patients with recent myocardial infarction and was not exacerbated by coronary stent placement during PCI. This phenomenon may contribute to the important minority of ischemic complications early after PCI.     

Vitamin E and selenium interrelations in the diet of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): gross, histological and biochemical deficiency signs

Either simultaneous or separate dietary deficiencies of vitamin E and selenium in Atlantic salmon during first 4 weeks of feeding caused twice the mortality shown in fish fed both supplemental vitamin E (0.5 IU/g dry diet) and selenium (0.1 mug/g). Subsequent dietary repletion with both vitamin E and selenium significantly reduced mortality during the following 2 weeks. Larger salmon (0.9 g initial mean weight), with vitamin E deficiency with or without selenium resulted in the following deficiency signs: extreme anemia, pale gills, anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, elevated plasma protein, exudative diathesis, dermal depigmentation, in vitro ascorbic acid-stimulated peroxidation in hepatic microsomes, yellow-orange liver color, yellow-brown intestinal contents, enlarged gall bladder distended with dark green bile, low vitamin E in carcass and hepatic tissue, muscular dystrophy, increased carcass fat and water, and a response to handling characterized by a transitory fainting with interruption in swimming. A deficiency of dietary selenium suppressed plasma glutathione peroxidase activity. Supplemental selenium with vitamin E significantly increased tocopherol activity in hepatic, but not carcass tissues. Supplements of both vitamin E and selenium were necessary to prevent muscular dystrophy.     

Immunoregulation in fish. I: Intramolecular-induced suppression of antibody responses to haptenated protein antigens studied in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L)

A protein that inhibits hemocyte aggregation has been isolated from hemolymph of Manduca sexta larvae and named hemocyte aggregation inhibitor protein (HAIP). HAIP has a M(r) = 50,000, pI = 8.5, and contains 7% carbohydrate. It is present at 230 +/- 20 micrograms/ml in hemolymph of day 3 fifth instar larvae. Antibodies to HAIP do not cross-react with M. sexta hemolin, which is similar in size and charge and also inhibits hemocyte aggregation. HAIP and hemolin have some similarity in amino acid composition and NH2-terminal sequence, but are different in overall secondary structure, as determined by CD spectroscopy. The concentration of HAIP in hemolymph is not affected by injection of larvae with bacteria. A protein of approximately 50,000 daltons that reacts with antibody to M. sexta HAIP is present in hemolymph of Bombyx mori, Heliothis zea, and Galleria mellonella. Although the function of HAIP in vivo is not yet clear, it may have a role in modulating adhesion of hemocytes during defensive responses.     

2-(4-Aminophenyl)benzothiazoles: novel agents with selective profiles of in vitro anti-tumour activity

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of cervical cytology screening in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and to compare the findings with results from other screening programs. METHODS: We analyzed data on 312,858 women aged 18 years and older who received one or more Papanicolaou smears, and follow-up if indicated, from October 1991 through June 1995 at screening sites across the United States providing comprehensive National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program services. RESULTS: Of the women screened, more than half were 40 years or older; slightly less than half (44%) were of racial and ethnic minorities. During the first screening cycle, 3.8% of Papanicolaou tests were reported as abnormal (squamous intraepithelial lesion [SIL] or squamous cell cancer); proportions of abnormals decreased with increasing age. The age-adjusted rate of biopsy-confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) II or worse among women screened was 7.4 per 1000 Papanicolaou tests; rates of CIN were highest among young women, but cancer rates peaked among women in their 50s and 60s. The percentages of first screening cycle-Papanicolaou tests interpreted as high-grade SIL and squamous cell carcinoma associated with biopsy-confirmed CIN II or worse (the positive predictive value) were 56.0% for CIN II/III and 3.7% for invasive cancer. Of the 150 invasive cancers diagnosed, 54.0% were classified as local disease. CONCLUSION: Observed results emphasize the duality of cervical neoplasia-CIN in younger women and invasive cancer in older women. This finding points to the importance of reaching both younger and older women for cervical cancer screening.     

Anti-tumor-promoting activity of majonoside-R2 from Vietnamese ginseng, Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv. (I)

Seven saponins (1-7) isolated from the rhizomes and roots of Panax vietnamensis were tested for their inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) induced by the tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), in Raji cells as a primary screening test for anti-tumor-promoters (cancer chemopreventive agents). The ocotillol-type saponin, majonoside-R2 (2), which is the major and characteristic constituent of this plant, exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on EBV-EA activation. Furthermore, the cell cycle analysis of 2 on Raji cells was also examined and strong inhibition was observed on the effect of the cell cycle induced by TPA. Compound 2 showed potent anti-tumor-promoting activity in two-stage carcinogenesis tests of mouse skin using 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) as an initiator and TPA or fumonisin B1 as a promoter. Consequently, these results suggest that majonoside-R2 (2) could be a valuable chemopreventive agent against chemical carcinogenesis.     

Modulation of 17-alpha-hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone or gonadotropic extract activity on the in vitro intrafollicular maturation of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdnerii) oocytes by various steroids lacking maturing activity

The efficiency of 17 alpha-hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone (17 alpha-20 beta Pg) or of a Trout pituitary gonadotropic extract to induce intrafollicular maturation of trout oocytes can be modulated by some steroids which do not present any direct maturing action: gonadotropic extract efficiency is lowered by estradiol and estrone, and enhanced by testosteron. As these steroids do not present a significant effect on 17 alpha-20 beta Pg induced maturation, their site of action may be located in the follicular tissues. The corticosteroids, particularly cortisol and cortisone enhance the maturing efficiency of gonadotropin and stimulate much more strongly the efficiency of 17 alpha-20 beta Pg. This suggests a direct effect on oocyte sensitivity to 17 alpha-20 beta Pg.     

Quinoxaline chemistry. Part 5. 2-(R)-benzylaminoquinoxalines as nonclassical antifolate agents. Synthesis and evaluation of in vitro anticancer activity

Thirty-one quinoxalines bearing a substituted benzylamino group on position 2 and various substituents on position 3,6,7 and 8 of the heterocycle were prepared in order to evaluate in vitro anticancer activity. Preliminary screening performed at NCI on twenty-two compounds showed that most derivatives exhibited a moderate to strong growth inhibition activity on various tumor panel cell lines between 10(-5) and 10(-4) molar concentrations. Interesting selectivities were also recorded between 10(-8) and 10(-5) M.     

Comparative behavioral effects between synthetic 2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT) and the odor of natural fox (Vulpes vulpes) feces in mice.

Synthetic 2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT)--a component of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) feces--is frequently used to induce unconditioned fear in rodents. Surprisingly, direct comparison between TMT and natural fox feces odor is almost nonexistent. In this study, Experiment 1 compared the avoidance in relation to TMT concentration, natural fox feces, and gender of fox and mice. Results show that the avoidance is (a) higher with either pure or 50% TMT as compared to natural fox feces, whereas the difference is slight with 10% TMT, and (b) significantly higher for the female mouse group compared to the male mouse group with TMT as well as natural fox feces. In addition, no clear difference in effect was observed between male and female fox feces. Experiment 2 compared behavioral parameters recorded as an index of fear and anxiety, general activity, and avoidance in elevated plus-maze and open-field chamber between 10% TMT and natural fox feces in relation to the estrus cycle of the mice. Results show no cycle period effect--except for the avoidance parameter "distance to odorant"--and no different effects between 10% TMT and natural fox feces except for freezing. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)