Organization of the cephalic lateral-line canals in Electrophorus varii de Santana, Wosiacki, Crampton, Sabaj, Dillman, Mendes-Júnior & Castro e Castro, 2019 (Gymnotiformes: Gymnotidae)

Electrophorus spp. generate high-voltage electric discharges for defense and hunting, and low-voltage electric discharges (as other Gymnotiformes) for electrolocation and communication. Despite intense interest in the unusual electrogenic and electroreceptive capacities of electric eels, the other sensory systems of Electrophorus spp. are relatively poorly known. Here we describe the ontogenetic development and organization of the cephalic lateral-line canals in the lowland electric eel, Electrophorus varii. Preserved specimens of larvae, juveniles, and adults were examined to describe the spatial distribution of the canals and pores. Ontogenetic shifts of the cephalic lateral line formation were observed for each canal and support a hypothesis of non-synchronized development. The morphogenesis of cephalic canals in larvae and juveniles begins just before the onset of exogenous feeding. In adults, the cephalic sensory canals are formed separately from the skull and overlay cranial and mandibular bones and muscles. This study provides the first detailed description of the development and organization of the cephalic lateral-line system in Electrophorus varii.(AU)

Electrophorus spp. geram descargas elétricas de alta voltagem, usadas para defesa e caça, e (como os demais Gymnotiformes) descargas elétricas de baixa voltagem para eletrolocalização e comunicação. Apesar do grande interesse nas capacidades eletrogênicas e eletrorreceptivas incomuns dos poraquês, os outros sistemas sensoriais de Electrophorus spp. são relativamente pouco conhecidos. Aqui nós descrevemos o desenvolvimento ontogenético e a organização dos canais da linha lateral cefálica no poraquê da planície Electrophorus varii. Exemplares preservados de larvas, juvenis e adultos foram analisados para descrever a distribuição espacial dos canais e poros. Variações ontogenéticas na formação da linha lateral cefálica foram observadas para cada canal, apresentando um desenvolvimento não-sincronizado. Variações ontogenéticas da formação da linha lateral cefálica foram observadas para cada canal e suportam uma hipótese de desenvolvimento assincrônico. A morfogênese dos canais cefálicos em larvas e juvenis precede o início da alimentação exógena. Nos adultos, os canais sensoriais cefálicos se formam separadamente do crânio e sobrepõem os ossos e músculos cranianos e mandibulares. Este estudo fornece a primeira descrição detalhada do desenvolvimento e organização do sistema da linha lateral cefálica de Electrophorus varii.(AU)

Impact of Eel Flour (Monopterus albus) on the Acceleration of Fracture Healing Process in Rattus norvegicus Wistar Albino Rat

@#Introduction: Worldwide fractures among individuals are a major public health problem. As a result, fracture are the most common cause of severe enduring pain and physical disability, and they affect innumerable globally. It has been studied that nutrients that contain high protein helps in the fracture healing process. Eels contains many nutrients, such as phosphate, calcium, protein, collagen and amino acids that can help bone growth. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of eel flour (Monopterus albus) at multilevel dose content to accelerate the healing process of fracture in male Rattus novergicus Wistar Albino rat. Methods: This study design include experimental study with post-test only on controls group. The wok was conducted from May-June 2019 in the Laboratory of Anatomy of Stikes Piala Sakti Pariaman. The sampling was purposive sampling technique with a sample size of 24 rats. Results: The results of the ANOVA test have proved that administration of eel flour accelerates the healing process of the fracture showing 0.000, followed by Post Hoc LSD to determine the test of significant differences between groups. Conclusion: It was observed that with the increase in the dose of flour given to Wistar Albino rat fracture healing process became faster. From the present study it was evident that consumption of eel flour can accelerate the process of fracture healing. But there is need for further testing on humans as an effort to test the safety of the dose.

Levels of Non-Essential (Cd, Pb and Hg) Elements in Muscle Tissues of A. bicolor bicolor, McClelland 1844 from Kedah and A. bengalensis bengalensis, Gray 1831 from Perak and Human Consumption Risks / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#A study on heavy metals accumulation and human health risk assessment in the consumption of two tropical freshwater eel species (A. bengalensis bengalensis) from the Sungai Perak at Kuala Kangsar, Perak and (A. bicolor bicolor) from the Air Hitam irrigation canal, Kampung Kuala Sanglang, Kedah was carried out. Specimens were examined and analyzed for Pb and Cd concentrations using ICP-MS while the total Hg concentration was measured using a direct mercury analyzer (MA-3000). The range for the total concentrations (µg/g wet wt.) in A. bicolor bicolor were 0.01-0.4 (Cd), 0.03-0.77 (Pb) and 0.36-0.94 (Hg) while for A. bengalensis bengalensis, they were 0.76-1.23 (Cd), 0.01-0.10 (Pb) and 0.27-1.5 (Hg). A. bengalensis bengalensis (Sungai Perak) showed a significant strong relationship between Hg/Pb (r = .771, P < 0.05) and A. bicolor bicolor (Air Hitam irrigation canal) with Cd/Pb (r = -.895, P < 0.05) in muscle tissues and the results indicated Hg and Pb were introduced from point and non-point sources, therefore it is of concern. Interspatial comparison with the findings of previous local and international studies showed both species of freshwater eels accumulated Hg to high levels, exceeding the safe limits stipulated in the Malaysian Food Act of 1984, Food Regulations (1985) and USEPA (1997). However, the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) indicated that both freshwater eel spp. from the studied sites are safe to consume as there is no risk posed from consumption based on the health risk assessment results as Pb, Cd and Hg concentrations were under the permissible limits of nutrient intake.

Construction of PC9 cell lines stably transfectedwith human LncRNAMIR31HG gene and its effects on cell proliferation and migration / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To detect the effect of over expressed human MIR31HG gene on the proliferation and m grat on of PC9 ce Is, and to clarify the mechan sm of oncogene MIR31 HG Methods: The ful length sequence of ong non coding RNA (LncRNA) MIR31HG was amp fed by RT PGR and cloned nto the pcDNA3 1 ( ) eukaryot c expression vector. The PG9 cells were transfected w th the pcDNA3 1 MIR31HG overexpress on vector and control vector pcDNA3 1. The construction of MIR31HG overexpress on vector was detected by enzymatic digest on identification. The stab e cell 1 nes w th overexpress on of MIR31HG (PC9 pcDNA3 1 MIR31HG∗ stab e transfection group) and control ce 1 1 nes (PC9 pcDNA3 1, empty vector group) were established by G418 drug screen ng. and the express on evel of MIR31 HG gene n stably transfected cell ine was detected by RT PGR CCK 8 method and scratch heal ng assay were used to detect the proliferation act vities and m gration ab 1 ties of PC9 eel s. Results: The agarose gel e ectrophoresis resu ts showed that the spec f c gene fragment of MIR31HG was obta ned by amplif cation successfu ly. The gene fragments of target gene and vector were produced by double enzyme digest on of MIR31HG eukaryotic expression vector. The RT PGR resu ts showed that the MIR31HG RNA expression leve in the cells n stable transfect on group was sign ficantly h gher than that in empty vector group (P< 0 05). The results of CGK 8 test showed that the pro iferat on act vities of the eels in stable transfection group were s gnif cant y higher than those in empty vector group at 24, 36 and 48 h after culture ( P<0 01). The results of scratch healing assay showed that the scratch heal ng rate of ce Is n stable transfect on group was sign ficantly h gher than that in empty vector group at 48 h after culture ( P<0 05). Conclusion: The eukaryotic overexpression vector and the PG9 eel line stably transfected w th human LncRNA MIR31 HG gene are constructed successfully, and M1R31 HG overexpression can promote the pro iferat on and m grat on of ung cancer PG9 cells.

Use of an ultrasound device to determine sex and to perform gonad biopsy in the European eel Anguilla Anguilla / Uso de um dispositivo ultrasonográfico para determinar o sexo e efetuar a biópsia das gônadas da Enguia-Européia Anguilla anguilla

The European eel Anguilla anguilla is a highly important market species which is also increasingly in danger of extinction in Europe. One of the ways of protecting the species in the natural environment, while maintaining its market supply, is its aquaculture, e.g. due to much higher survival rate under controlled conditions than in the wild. However, this can be done only when an effective artificial reproduction biotechnique is developed. The aim of this study was to use an ultrasound device to determine the sex and to perform a biopsy of the gonads, which is a part of complete protocol of eel artificial reproduction. The findings indicate that ultrasonography is highly useful in determining the sex in migrating eel (100% of sureness) and in performing high-precision biopsy of the gonads. The present method gives the possibility to quick determine the maturity of the female gonads. The application of ultrasonography (USG) is totally safe for fish and a portable ultrasound device can be used in both the laboratory and in the field...

A Enguia-Européia Anguilla anguilla é uma espécie de grande importância comercial e que apresenta também grande risco de extinção na Europa. Uma das formas para a proteção das espécies em seu ambiente natural e de manter o seu suprimento no comércio é a aquicultura, por exemplo, devido à taxa de sobrevivência em condições controladas ser muito superior a existente em condições naturais. Contudo isto só pode ser obtido quando é desenvolvida uma biotécnica de reprodução artificial eficiente. O presente trabalho foi delineado para utilizar um dispositivo ultrassonográfico a fim de determinar o sexo e de possibilitar a realização de biópsias das gônadas, o que é parte do protocolo complete de reprodução artificial de enguias. As constatações indicaram que a ultrassonografia é muito útil para a determinação do sexo das enguias (100% de exatidão) e também é capaz de possibilitar a realização de uma biópsia das gônadas de alta precisão. O método descrito oferece possibilidades para a rápida determinação da maturidade das gônadas das fêmeas. A aplicação da ultrassonografia é totalmente segura para peixes e o dispositivo portátil de ultrassonografia pode ser utilizado tanto no laboratório como em condições de campo...

Larval Gnathostoma spinigerum Detected in Asian Swamp Eels, Monopterus albus, Purchased from a Local Market in Yangon, Myanmar

The present study was performed to determine the infection status of swamp eels with Gnathostoma sp. larvae in Myanmar. We purchased total 37 Asian swamp eels, Monopterus albus, from a local market in Yangon in June and December 2013 and 2014. All collected eels were transferred with ice to our laboratory and each of them was examined by the artificial digestion technique. A total of 401 larval gnathostomes (1-96 larvae/eel) were detected in 33 (89.2%) swamp eels. Most of the larvae (n=383; 95.5%) were found in the muscle. The remaining 18 larvae were detected in the viscera. The advanced third-stage larvae (AdL3) were 2.3-4.4 mm long and 0.25-0.425 mm wide. The characteristic head bulb (0.093 x 0.221 mm in average size) with 4 rows of hooklets, muscular long esophagus (1.025 mm), and 2 pairs of cervical sacs (0.574 mm) were observed by light microscopy. The average number of hooklets in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rows was 41, 45, 48, and 51, respectively. As scanning electron microscopic findings, the characteristic 4-5 rows of hooklets on the head bulb, a cervical papilla, tegumental spines regularly arranged in the transverse striations, and an anus were well observed. Based on these morphological characters, they were identified as the AdL3 of Gnathostoma spinigerum. By the present study, it has been confirmed for the first time that Asian swamp eels, M. albus, from Yangon, Myanmar are heavily infected with G. spinigerum larvae.

Anisakis pegreffii Larvae in Sea Eels (Astroconger myriaster) from the South Sea, Republic of Korea

Anisakis simplex sensu stricto (s.s.), Anisakis pegreffii, Anisakis berlandi (=A. simplex sp. C), and Anisakis typica are the 4 major species of Anisakis type I larvae. In the Republic of Korea (Korea), A. pegreffii, A. berlandi, and A. typica larvae in fish hosts has seldom been documented. In this study, molecular analysis was performed on Anisakis larvae from the sea eels (Astroconger myriaster), the major source of human anisakiasis in Korea, collected from Tongyeong City, a southern coastal area of Korea. All 20 sea eels examined were infected with Anisakis type I larvae (160 larvae; 8 per fish). Their species were analyzed using PCR-RFLP patterns and nucleotide sequences of internal transcribed spacers (ITS1, 5.8 subunit gene, and ITS2) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 2 (cox2). Most (86.8%; 112/129) of the Anisakis type I larvae were A. pegreffii, and 7.8% (10/129) were A. typica. The remaining 5.4% (7/129) was not identified. Thus, A. pegreffii is the major species of anisakid larvae in sea eels of the southern coast of Korea.

Photoperiodic effects on activity behaviour in the spiny eel (Macrognathus pancalus).

The study focused on the characteristics of circadian locomotor activity in the spiny eel, M. pancalus, kept under different photoperiodic conditions. Two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 tested the light intensity dependent effect on circadian rhythmicity of the locomotor activity in spiny eel. Three groups of fish were entrained to 12L:12D conditions for 10 days. Thereafter, they were released to constant conditions for 15 days as indicated below: group 1-DD (0 lux), group 2- LLdim (~1 lux) and group 3-LLbright (~500 lux). The locomotor activity of the fish, housed singly in an aquarium, was recorded continuously with infrared sensors connected to a computer. More than 90% activity of the eels was confined to the dark hours suggesting nocturnal habit. Under constant conditions, the activity in 7/9 fish in group 1, 4/8 in group 2 and 3/8 in group 3, started free running with a mean circadian period of 24.48 ± 0.17 h, 23.21 ± 0.47 h and 25.54 ± 1.13 h in respective groups. Remaining fish in each group became arrhythmic. This suggests that spiny eel can be synchronised to LD cycle and under constant conditions they free run with a circadian period. However, their activity under LL is light intensity dependent; higher the intensity, more disruption in circadian locomotor activity. Experiment 2 was conducted to study the effect of decreasing night length (increasing photoperiod) on circadian locomotor activity. The fish were sequentially exposed to 16D (8L:16D), 12D (12L:12D), 8D (16L:8D), 4D (20L:4D) and 2D (22L:2D) for 10 days in each condition, thereafter, they were released in constant dark (DD= 0lux). The results showed that the duration of night length affects both, the amplitude and duration of locomotor activity. It can be concluded that the spiny eels are nocturnal and that their locomotor activity is under the circadian control and may be influenced by the photoperiod.

Eel Ichthyofauna of Assam in Folklore Therapeutic Practices.

Over the past, plants and animals have been playing role in traditional therapeutic practices of the tribal and non tribal indigenous people of Assam. Ethnozoological study on eel fishes of Assam revealed the special significance of two eel species Anguiila bengalensis (Indian mottled eel) and Monopterus cuchia (Swamp eel) among indigenous people and the use of the fishes in various traditional medical practices. Besides oral consumption of fish, various body parts, either in mixture with other plant or animal material or alone are used traditionally in treatments of anaemia, burn injury, piles, weakness etc. In this current study, conventional taxonomy of these two species is reviewed with documentation of their therapeutic utilization.

Nutritive Value and Fatty Acids Profi le of Fresh Indonesian Eel (Anguilla bicolor) and Kabayaki / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Eel were known asa food source that contain high nutrients. Recently, the utilization of Eel for export purposes has remained high. The aimof this study were to analyze the nutritive value and fatty acids profi le of fresh Indonesian eel and roasted eel (kabayaki). This study were conducted at P.T. Jawa Suisan Indah, Sukabumi District, West Java Province, and Kimia Terpadu Laboratorium Bogor Agricultural University, from October 2012 to May 2013. The proximate analysis on fresh Indonesian Eelshowed that it contained 17.68% of protein, 28.29% of fat, 42.03% of moisture, 3.93% of ash and 0.30% of crude fi ber. While Kabayaki contains 32.70% of protein, 2.39% of fat, 48.32% of moisture, 2.37% of ash and 0.55% of crude fi bre. The fatty acids composition of fresh Indonesian Eelconsisted of 22.78% saturated fatty acids (SFA), 32.84% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), 11.4% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), 1.15% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 5.16% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). While kabayaki contained 30.68% SFA; 31.1% MUFA; 10.39% PUFA; 0.70% EPA and 1.29% DHA

Positivity and Intensity of Gnathostoma spinigerum Infective Larvae in Farmed and Wild-Caught Swamp Eels in Thailand

From July 2008 to June 2009, livers of the swamp eels (Monopterus alba) were investigated for advanced third-stage larvae (AL3) of Gnathostoma spinigerum. Results revealed that 10.2% (106/1,037) and 20.4% (78/383) of farmed eels from Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province and those of wild-caught eels obtained from a market in Min Buri District of Bangkok, Thailand were infected, respectively. The prevalence was high during the rainy and winter seasons. The infection rate abruptly decreased in the beginning of summer. The highest infection rate (13.7%) was observed in September and absence of infection (0%) in March-April in the farmed eels. Whereas, in the wild-caught eels, the highest rate (30.7%) was observed in November, and the rate decreased to the lowest at 6.3% in March. The average no. (mean+/-SE) of AL3 per investigated liver in farmed eels (1.1+/-0.2) was significantly lower (P=0.040) than those in the caught eels (0.2+/-0.03). In addition, the intensity of AL3 recovered from each infected liver varied from 1 to 18 (2.3+/-0.3) in the farmed eels and from 1 to 47 (6.3+/-1.2) in the caught eels, respectively. The AL3 intensity showed significant difference (P=0.011) between these 2 different sources of eels. This is the first observation that farmed eels showed positive findings of G. spinigerum infective larvae. This may affect the standard farming of the culture farm and also present a risk of consuming undercooked eels from the wild-caught and farmed eels.

Studies on the reproductive biology of spiny eel, Macrognathus aral from upper Assam.

The one-stripe spiny eel, Macrognathus aral (Bloch and Schneider), has been gaining importance not only as a food fish but also as an aquarium fish for its body shape and behaviour. The overall M:F ratio recorded 1:0.27, both the males and females were mostly mature in May-August. The peak values of gonado somatic ratio (GSR) attained during May for males (1.3) and August for females (12.4) indicating that the fish have only one breeding season during summer. The range of ova diameter was found to vary from 0.3 to 1.4 mm, the absolute fecundity ranged from 250 (21.6 cm / 27.4 g) to 5220.1 (27.2 cm / 66.3 g) while relative fecundity ranged from 9.1 to 128.9. The 50% maturity is attained in length group of 10.1-14 cm for males and 14.1-18 cm for females. The species is a moderately fecund, isochronal spawner and having a restricted breeding season. The relationship between fecundity and body weight and length has also been discussed.

Preparation and Certification of Reference Materials for 3-Amino-2-oxazolidinone Residue in Eel Muscle Lyophilisates / 分析化学

A methodology for preparing and certifying the reference material of 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone(AOZ) in eel muscle lyophilisates was presented. Furazolidone was accessed to eel by dipping fish in pond with furazolidone solution at a dosage of ca 0.16 mg/L. With the metabolism of furazolidone in eel, the muscles contain a certain concentration of AOZ as furazolidone metabolite was obtained. Lyophilization of the muscles was performed in one batch and 400 bags of samples were obtained by the procedure of homogenation, cryodesiccation and irradiation. The homogeneity and stability of the sample was examined. The value of the chemical constituent of the sample was certified through the collaborative analysis program participated by 11 laboratories using isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and the uncertainty assessment was performed. The reference materials have been approved as certified reference materials by AQSIQ, China (State General Administration of the People′s Republic of China for Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine) in 2009 after one year of trial period. The serial numbers is GBW(E)100180.

Feeding behavior and follower fishes of Myrichthys ocellatus (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) in the western Atlantic

This paper described aspects of feeding behavior of Myrichthys ocellatus in the Western Atlantic, using diving observations and additional data from literature. The feeding behavior of M. ocellatus was characterized by scanning the sand surface and searching for buried preys, using its head and tail as a searching tool. Twelve species of reef fish were detected as followers of M. ocellatus, including three new records of follower species. The food overlap index between M. ocellatus and most follower species was low.(AU)

O presente estudo descreveu aspectos do comportamento alimentar de Myrichthys ocellatus no Atlântico ocidental, através de observações subaquáticas, complementadas com dados compilados da literatura. Myrichthys ocellatus caracteriza-se por buscar presas entocadas ou enterradas no substrato não consolidados e por usar a cauda e a cabeça como ferramentas de busca. Doze espécies de peixes recifais foram observadas como seguidoras de M. ocellatus, incluindo três novas ocorrências. O índice de sobreposição alimentar entre M. ocellatus e a maioria das espécies seguidoras foi baixo.(AU)

Korean Mistletoe (Viscum album Coloratum) Extract Induces Eel (Anguilla japonica) Non-specific Immunity

BACKGROUND: The immunomodulatory effects of Korean mistletoe (Viscum album Coloratum) on the innate immune responses of eel (Anguilla japonica) were studied. METHODS: Mistletoe, Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as a control was injected into eel peritoneal cavities. RESULTS: Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT)-positive cells in the head kidney of eel were significantly augmented by the second day post-injection of mistletoe. Reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) were more produced in mistletoe-injected fish kidney leucocytes than in FCA-injected ones. The level of lysozyme activity in the serum of fish 2 days after injection with mistletoe was also significantly higher than that in the serum of the control fish. The optimal concentration of mistletoe in inducing the highest serum lysozyme activity was revealed to 500microgram/200 g of fish. In phagocytic activity assay, mistletoe-sensitized eel kidney phagocytes captured more zymosan than did the control fish. CONCLUSION: Korean mistletoe appeared to be a good activator of the non-specific immune responses of eel.

Cytogenetic characterization of the strongly electric Amazonian eel, Electrophorus electricus (Teleostei, Gymnotiformes), from the Brazilian rivers Amazon and Araguaia

A karyotype analysis of the electric eel, Electrophorus electricus (Teleostei, Gymnotiformes), a strongly electric fish from northern South America, is presented. Two female specimens were analyzed, one from the Amazon River and one from the Araguaia River. The specimens had a chromosomal number of 2n = 52 (42M-SM + 10A). C-bands were present in a centromeric and pericentromeric position on part of the chromosomes; some interstitial C-bands were also present. Heteromorphic nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) were detected in two chromosome pairs of the specimen from the Amazon River. The chromosome number and karyotype characteristics are similar to those of other Gymnotidae species. The genera Electrophorus and Gymnotus are positioned as the basal lineages in the Gymnotiformes phylogeny.

THE DISTRIBUTON CHARACTERISTIC OF FIVE PEPTIDE HORMONES IN THE ENDOCRINE CELLS IN DIGESTIVE TRACT OF MONOPTERUS ALBUS / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the localization and distribution of the five endocrine cells in the digestive tract mucosa of ricefield eel(Monopterus albus). Methods Using immunocytochemical technique of strept avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex(SABC) were used. Results At least 5 kinds of immunoreactive endocrine cells distributed in the digestive tract mucosa of M.albus. They were gastrin(Gas),somatostatin(Som),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),insulin(Ins),and neurofilament (NF) immunoreactive endocrine(IRE) cells.Gas and Som-IRE cells distributed between stratified squamous epithelium and goblet cell in esophagus. A large number of Gas-IRE cells were found between gastric fundus epithelium and gastric glands, and only a few in the carcia. Ins, 5-HT and NF-IRE cells distributed in the epithelium pylorus and pyloric glandular tube respectively. No any immunoreactive positive reaction was found in the gut of M.albus.In addition, immunoreactive positive reaction of glucagons was not found in whole digestive tract.All immunoreactive endocrine cells were dark brown in color.Their morphology was irregular, cytoplasmic process was shorter and thicker, their nucleus showed an empty bubble.They distributed between esophageal epithelium and gastric epithelium or glandular epithelium, and cytoplasmic process extended to the gastric lumen and glandular cavity.Conclusion There is a complex endocrine function of the digestive system in ricefield eel (M.albus) at the lowest vertebrate.

Ultrastructural changes of the external elastic lamina in experimental hypercholesterolemic porcine coronary arteries

The external elastic lamina (EEL) serves as a barrier for cells and macromolecules between the media and adventitia in the vascular wall. We evaluated the morphological changes and quantitative assessments of the EEL architecture in the coronary circulation of pigs fed with a high cholesterol diet. Confocal microscopy analysis of the EEL from hypercholesterolemic coronary arteries revealed an altered pattern characterized by fragmentation and disorganization of the EEL associated with an increase in the thickness. Computerized digital analysis of the images obtained by confocal scanning microscopy demonstrated that compared to normal coronary arteries, the EEL of hypercholesterolemic coronary arteries decreased in the percentage of their elastin content (30.80 +/- 1.64% vs. 47.85 +/- 1.82%, p = 0.001). The percentage of elastin content was negatively correlated with the vessel wall area (r = -0.82, p = 0.001). The immunoreactivity for matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) increased in cholesterol-fed coronary arteries, predominantly in the neointima and adventitia. This study demonstrates that experimental hypercholesterolemia induced ultrastructural changes of the EEL in coronary circulation. The EEL may also be an atherosclerosis-prone area compared with the intima. The EEL may play an important role in the development of structural changes which characterizes the early phase of coronary atherosclerosis and vascular remodeling.

THE COMPREHENSIVE UTILIZATION OF WASTE EEL BONE FROM ROAST EEL / 中国海洋药物

The contents of the components in waste eel bone from roast eel were determined. Optimal conditions for extracting eel bone oil from waste eel bone as raw material, purifing the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentrates from eel bone oil via salt-forming with urea complexation, and preparation of microcapsules containig PUFA concentrates from eel bone oil by spray drying were investigated systematically. The results showed that the technique was easy to carry out, the complete yield for extracting eel bone oil was above 76%, the contents of EPA and DHA in PUFA purified from eel bone oil increased from 7. 4% to about 45%, the recovery of EPA plus DHA was 64% , the content of PUFA from eel bone oil in the microcapsuls was about 26. 2%, and its antioxidative stability was higher than that of mixture of PUFA concentrates without capsulizing.

CHANGES OF FATTY ACIDS COMPOSITION OF EEL OIL AFTER REFINING PROCESSES / 营养学报

Objective: To determine the changes of fatty acids composition of eel oil after refining processes. Methods: The composition of fatty acids was determined by GC-MS. Results: The purity of eel oil was increased and the content of high-unsaturated fatty acids was not influenced after deodorization by water vapor distillation at 180 ℃ and 0.01 MPa. Its nutritive value was increased, while its purity and content of unsaturated fatty acids were further increased after winterization at 10 ℃. Its quality, especially unsaturated fatty acids, distinctly decreased after water vapor distillation at 227 ℃ and 0.01 MPa.Conclusion: The nutritive value of eel oil is increased after refining processes of water vapor distillation at 180 ℃ and 0.01 MPa, and winterization at 10 ℃.