[Determination of furazolidone residues in muscles of the cultured common carp following experimental bath and oral administration]

Furazolidon is a prohibited antibiotic not permissible for use in aquaculture. However, some fish farmers may use it illegally. This study was aimed to investigates the residues of Furazolidone in the muscles of cultured Common Carp. One handred Cultured Common Carp were caught and the Furazolidone content of the fishe's muscle was measured using HPLC technique. Furazolidone was administered experimentally to 60 Common Carp through two different procedures. The first procedure was applied by a short term bath while the second approach was considered orally. Sampling from the fishe's muscles was done within 10, 20 and 30 days after exposure. The results of this study showed that Furazolidone was detected in the muscles of 40 cultured fish [40%]. This study revealed that Furazolidone had been residually retained in the muscles of fish, using both methods, when examining the 10 day samples. The residues were 3.41 +/- 0.76, for the oral administration method, and 2.36 +/- 0.54 mg/kg, for the bath. There was no significant difference between these two groups [p>0.05]. After 20 days, the residue of Furazolidone was not detected in the short term bath group, but it was detected in the oral group. The results indicated that there was a longer retention of the drug in the oral administration group. Subsequently, 30 days after the drug administration for both groups, no Furazolidone was detected in the fishe's muscles. In the control group, for all samples, there was no Furazolidone residue detectable in the fishe's muscles. This study showed that Furazolidone may be used in some of the fish farms in the Khozestan Province and at least thirty days are needed for drug to be cleared from their bodies

[Investigation on mycobacteriosis in aquarium fish: a periodic study in Ahvaz]

Mycobacterial infection or Mycobacteriosis is one of the most important zoonotic bacterial diseases in fish, especially in aquarium fish, worldwide. Despite the importance of this disease, there is no record about the surveillance of this disease in Ahvaz region-Iran. In this investigation the occurrence of Mycobacterium spp. in ornamental fish was studied using PCR technique. In this survey, 150 fish were obtained from aquarium shops of Ahvaz. The fish was belonged to 5 species, i.e. Scatophagus argus, Astronotus ocellatus, Heross severus, Caesioteres sp. and Symphysodon aequifasciatus. The fish were transferred to the laboratory and examined after dissection. Meanwhile, liver, kidney and spleen samples were collected for PCR analysis. 80% of the examined fish showed no gross lesions at necropsy. However, only in a few fish some symptoms such as emaciation and anorexia were observed. In this study only 1 out of 150 fish [Heros severus] was detected as positive in PCR examination. Meanwhile, in DNA sequencing the bacterial species was recognized as Mycobacterium bovis. Other fish species showed no infection with Mycobacteria in PCR examination. Due to no pathogenesis of M. bovis in fish, this positive specimen can be considered as a transmission to fish from infected persons or feed products. These negative findings show that this Iranian region can be considered as a freeone for these particular pathogens

Feeding effect of cholesterol in the diet on sex hormones concentrations and the gonads' growth of yearling common carp [Cyprinus carpio]

There are some evidences that cholesterol can affect fish reproductive system. In this study the effect of high diet cholesterol on fish sex hormones and gonads weight was investigated. A randomized experiment was conducted on 90 immature common carp. The fishes were divided into three groups with three replicates each [control, 0.5% cholesterol diet, and 1% cholesterol diet]. After one-month feeding, progesterone, estrogen and testosterone were measured. The level of progesterone in control group, 0.5% cholesterol and 1% cholesterol diet were 1.83 +/- 0.42, 2.45 +/- 0.38 and 2.62 +/- 0.52 ng/ml, respectively. Also the level of estrogen in control group, 0.5% and 1% cholesterol diet were 3670.34 +/- 186.26, 3791.20 +/- 98.48, and 3836.78 +/- 81.74 pg/ml, respectively., while those of testosterone levels were 1.75 +/- 0.319, 2.09 +/- 0.425, and 2.25 +/- 0.321 ng/ml, respectively. The highest and the lowest body weight and gonad weight were observed in fish fed% 1 cholesterol and the control, respectively. The results showed positive effects of cholesterol on sexual hormones, the 0.5% cholesterol diet and the 1% cholesterol diet did not show any significant difference in the sexual hormones levels. The results indicated that the effect of cholesterol on the these sex hormones, gonad weight, body length and body weight was significant [p<0.01]. We can conclude that diets of 0.5% cholesterol can be used to increase the amount of sexual hormones in common carp

[In-vitro study of inhibitory effect of garlic extract on Aeromonas sobria]

BACKGROUND: Garlic [Allium sativum] is known for its antibacterial properties, but information on its effects against bacteria species that are important in fish diseases is scarce

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to use garlic as a natural product to improve the aquatic animal health status so as to compensate the demand for environment-friendly products for sustainable aquaculture

METHODS: For this purpose thee methods of extraction including: row garlic extract, water, ethanol and methanol extract were used for in-vitro toxicity tests on Aeromonas sobria by disk diffusion and tube test

RESULTS: According to results in 200 and 400 mg/mL concentrations of ethanol extract of garlic, the inhibition zone of bacterial growth was 7 and 10 mm respectively. There was no inhibition zone for all concentrations of methanol extract of garlic. In water garlic extract the inhibition zone for concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 mg/mL were 8, 10 and 14 mm respectively. For 100% and 50% raw garlic the inhibition zone was 27 and 8 mm respectively. MIC for Aeromonas sobria in ethanol extract, water extract and raw garlic were estimated as 200, 100 mg/mLand 10% respectively. MBC for these extracts was also estimated as 300, 100 mg/mLand 25% respectively

CONCLUSIONS:Our data indicate that raw and water extract of garlic have the highest antibacterial effect. Ethanol extract had a lower effect and methanol showed no bacteriostatic effect

Therefore, garlic extract can inhibit the growth of Aeromonas sobria, an important fish pathogen, and may have therapeutic value, particularly for carp

Effects of dietary Aloe vera on some specific and nonspecific immunity in the common carp [Cyprinus carpio]

In this study, the immunostimulatory effect of dietary Aloe vera crude extract was investigated in Cyprinus carpio. Three hundred fish were randomly divided into four groups. The first group was immunized with Aeromonas hydrophila bacterin [A.h] and was fed a diet contained 0.5% Aloe vera. The second group was immunized with A.h and fed a diet without Aloe vera. The third group was not immunized and fed with a diet that contained 0.5% Aloe vera. The fourth group remained as the control group and was neither immunized nor fed with Aloe vera supplements. Blood samples were taken every 14 d for eight weeks and samples were analyzed for hematological and immunological parameters. White blood count [WBC], red blood count [RBC], packed cell volume [PCV], lysozyme activity, serum bactericidal activity, complement activity, total protein, IgM concentration and specific A. hydrophila antibody were assessed. At the end of treatment, 20 fish from each group were challenged with A. hydrophila. WBC value, antibody level, lysozyme and bactericidal activity were significantly increased in the serum of fish treated with Aloe vera [p<0.05]. No significant differences were seen in the RBC, PCV or complement activity among the groups. The relative percent survival [RPS] was found to be increased in fish fed with Aloe vera. This study indicates that the oral administration of Aloe vera is able to enhance some specific and non-specific immune responses in the common carp

Macroscopic and microscopic studies of annual ovarian maturation cycle of Shirbot Barbus grypus in Karoon river of Iran

The aim of this investigation was to study macroscopic and microscopic structures of ovaries in Barbus grypus of Karoon river and their changes during annual maturation cycle. For this purpose, 120 adult B. grypus with a mean weight of 835.0 to 1012.0 g, were caught from Karoon river and transferred alive to the laboratory. After biometrical studies, the weights and morphological appearances of gonads were recorded. Then, tissue samples from the anterior, middle and posterior portions of the gonad were excised and fixed in Bouin's solution. For microscopical studies, 5 micro m paraffin sections were prepared and stained with haematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid Schiff [PAS]. Gonado-somatic indices, macroscopical and microscopical changes of ovaries were studied during different months of the year. The results showed that gonado-somatic index ranged from 0.35 +/- 0.080% in September to 2.25 +/- 0.321% in June, and the maximum values were seen in June. Cyclic changes of ovarian maturation were divided into seven stages histologically. Ovarian maturation cycle in B. grypus began in late summer. Spawning period of B. grypus continued approximately from late April to early August, which indicated that B. grypus has a prolonged spawning season. Ovarian type of B. grypus was group synchronous with a capacity for multiple ovulations within a reproductive season

Microsporidian infection in lizardfish, Saurida undosquamis of Persian Gulf

Lizardfish is one of the economically important fishes of Persian Gulf. In recent years, white, ellipsoid, round or elongated nodules were found in body cavity of this fish species which in preliminary microscopic examination were recognized as microsporidia. To determine the approximate prevalence rate of microsporidian infection and to establish its taxonomic position, 50 lizardfish were bought from the local markets of Ahvaz city [the center of Khozestan province - Iran] and transferred to the laboratory for parasitological examination. In the laboratory, internal organs including liver, kidneys, spleen, intestines, gonads and muscles were examined grossly and microscopically for the microsporidian infection using wet and dry smear [stained with Giemsa]. Histopathological sections were prepared from the cysts of infected fishes and stained with haematoxylin and eosin to see the arrangement of the spores within the cysts. Some of these small cysts were sampled and fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde for electron microscopic study. According to the results, the total infection rate was 44%. The infection rate in the peritoneum, stomach, gonads, intestine, spleen, muscles and liver were 16, 2, 4, 8, 2, 10 and 2%, respectively. The cysts were mostly ovoid in shape with mean size of 4.3 +/- 1.8 mm [0.8 to 10 mm]. The spores were ovoid and uninucleate with mean diameter of 2.4 _ 1.3 micro m. Polar tube coiled between six and eight time, in one row. According to the histopathology and light and electron microscopic studies, the parasite was recognized as Glugea sp

Evaluation of some blood serum biochemical parameters of rainbow trout [oncorhynchus my kiss] cultured in earthen ponds

In order to determine of some blood serum biochemical parameters in rainbow trout, blood samples were taken from the caudal vein of 531 apparently healthy rainbow trout cultured in earthen ponds. Data was analyzes by regression analysis, pearson correlation coefficient test and fisher's test. The mean values of ALP, AST, ALT and LDH were 722 +/- 320, 337 +/- 150, 29 +/- 24 and 579 +/- 353 U/L and the mean values of sodium, potassium and chloride were 144.4 +/- 6.8, 1.8 +/- 0.5 and 126.7 +/- 13.0 mmol/l respectively. The mean values of total protein and albumin were 4.0 +/- 0.7 and 1.7 +/- 0.8 gr/dl. In this study the mean values of uric acid, creatinine, urea, triglyceride, cholesterol, glucose, calcium and phosphorus were 1.7 +/- 0.6, 0.4 +/- 0.2, 9.1 +/- 4.8,273.4 +/- 165.2, 270 +/- 88, 103.8 +/- 35.9, 15.9 +/- 2.9 and 25.3 +/- 5.0 mg/dl respectively. The results of regrisson analysis showed that with increase in age, the mean values of albumin, total protein, cholesterol, sodium, potassium and chloride increased and the mean values of triglyceride, creatinin, AST, ALT and LDH decrease [p<0.05]

Electrocardiographic changes in anesthesia with ketamine in grass carp

To determine the influence of ketamine onelectrocardiogram parameters of grass carp.Design:Experimental Study.60 grass carp with average weight between 200-300g. For this study 60 grass carp with averageweight between 200-300 g were chosen. Fishes weredivided randomly into 4 group of 15 fishes. A group waschosen as control group and three groups wereanesthetized with bath method by ketamine in differentconcentration [80,100,120 mg/lit]. During anesthesia andat 15 and 30 minutes after recovery, the electrocardiogramof fishes were recorded. After recording theelectrocardiogram of all fishes, the average and standarddeviation of the electrocardiogram parameters [heart rate,PR and St segment, QRS,RR, TP distance] were measured. Data were analized using one wayanalysis of variance with software minitab- 10.5. The average of PR segment in concentrations 100and 120 mg/lit ketamine anesthesia were significantlymore than control group [P<0.05].The heart rate increasedsignificantly in comparison with control group, but TP andRR distance have decreased. These effects also observedduring recovery. No difference in QRS complexes wereobserved in all groups. According to the results of electrocardiogramparameters, anesthesia with ketamine has no marked effecton heart activities of fishes

[Morphology and biomechanical properties of tendons and ligametns]

Tendons and ligaments are much prone to different types of injuries and hence pose serious orthopaedic problems in man and all species of animals. Regardless of age, or level of activity, every human being or animal is in some danger of tendinous or ligamentous injury even during its daily routine activity. However, the incidence of tendon injury is higher in certain sections of the human population such as athletes and similarly in certain species of animals like race horses. The treatment of these ailments advocated so far is mainly aimed to restore the functional and structural integrity of the damaged tissue in the shortest possible time. The different therapies tried so far have not proved ideal. The basic knowledge on the morphological, biochemical and biomechanical aspects of normal, load bearing tissues are not adequately available and thus a large gap still exists in our present knowledge of normal tendons structure and their functions. This article is therefore, aimed to present the information on tendon and ligament's morphology by light and electron microscopy, biochemical constitute, arid biomechanical properties of normal tendon, to provide a base line to study the repair mechanisms of injured tendons and ligaments

effect of physical activity on tendon healing

It has been documented that normal tendons and ligaments are responsive to changes in mechanical stimuli, but there is little experimental data showing the effect of mild physical activity or restricted exercise on the treatment of tendon or ligament injuries. As such, the effect of free exercise, cage confinement and external fixation on healing of a standard induced tendon injury in the superficial distal flexor tendon of the rabbit were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. The lesions in the exercise group were well organized and showed a greater degree of crimp formation at the histological level The tenoblasts were more mature and the inflammatory cells were fewer in the lesions. Whereas the animals with cage confinement and external fixation exhibited a disorganized arrangement of collagen fibrils with a large population of active tenoblasts and inflammatory cells. Electron microscopic quantification showed mean fibril diameter higher in the exercised group as compared to others. Mobilization in the early stage following tendon injury might accelerate wound healing and thus he advised in management of tendon injuries