A new species of Huffmanela (Nematoda: Trichosomoididae) parasitizing Colomesus psittacus (Tetraodontiformes) from Marajó Island, Pará State, Brazil / Uma nova espécie de Huffmanela (Nematoda: Trichosomoididae) parasitando Colomesus psittacus (Tetraodontiformes) da Ilha de Marajó, Pará, Brasil

Abstract The puffer fish Colomesus psittacus, is not commercialized on Marajó Island. They are captured as bycacth and discarded dead in the environment in artisanal fisheries that occur in the estuaries of northern Brazil. In this sense, the objective was to identify the parasites present in the gills and to evaluate the histopathological alterations caused by these nematodes of the genus Huffmanela. Fifty-five fish were analyzed, and thirty-five specimens showed the parasite in the gills. Morphological characteristics suggest that it is a new species of the genus Huffmanela, and the histopathological exams showed an edematous inflammation in the secondary lamella and the presence of eggs of this nematode, which is the first record of this parasite in C. psittacus in Brazil.

Resumo O baiacu amazônico Colomesus psittacus é um peixe de importância comercial para a aquariofilia, além de ser capturado como bycacth e descartado morto no ambiente nas pescarias artesanais que ocorrem nos estuários da região Norte do Brasil. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se identificar e descrever nematódeos do gênero Huffmanela em baiacus oriundos da ilha de Marajó, bem como as alterações histopatológicas causadas por eles. Cinquenta e cinco peixes foram analisados, e trinta e cinco espécimes apresentaram o parasita nas branquias. Características morfológicas sugerem tratar-se de uma nova espécie do gênero Huffmanela, e os exames histopatológicos demonstraram uma inflamação edematosa na lamela secundária e presença de ovos desse nematódeo. Esse fato se torna o primeiro registro desse gênero parasito em C. psittacus no Brasil.

Toxicity bioassay and sub-lethal effects of diazinon on blood profile and histology of liver, gills and kidney of catfish, Clarias gariepinus / Toxicidade bioensaio e efeitos sub-letais do diazinon no perfil sangüíneo e histologia do fígado, brânquias e rim de peixe-gato, clarias gariepinus

Abstract The catfish, Clarias gariepinus, was exposed to different acute concentrations (5-10 mg/l) of diazinon and the Lc50 value was recorded as high as 7.3 mg/l for 96 hours. The fishes exposed to three sub-lethal levels of diazinon (0.73, 1.095 and 1.46 mg/l) for 30 days showed that the pesticide induces changes in different blood parameters. Number of red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin level and haematocrit values were elevated whereas white blood cells (WBC) count was reduced. Various blood indices like mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobine (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobine concentration (MCHC) vary insignificantly in the fish treated with diazinon. Glucose level and activity level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was increased in Clarias gariepinus exposed to diazinon. Protein level in plasma of fish treated with pesticide was changed but the change was insignificant. Histological changes in the liver, gills and kidney of fishes exposed to diazinon were apparent when compared to control. Hepatocytes necrosis and bleeding were more distinct in the fishes exposed to pesticide. Glomerulus hypertrophy and bleeding in kidneys; and fusion and degeneration of secondary lamellae and epithelial hyperplasia in gills were also observed in the exposed fish.

Resumo O peixe-gato, Clarias gariepinus, foi exposto a diferentes concentrações agudas (5-10 mg / l) de diazinon e o valor de Lc50 foi registrado tão alto quanto 7,3 mg / l por 96 horas. Os peixes expostos a três níveis sub-letais de diazinon (0,73, 1,095 e 1,46 mg / l) por 30 dias mostraram que o pesticida induz mudanças nos diferentes parâmetros sanguíneos. O número de glóbulos vermelhos, o nível de hemoglobina e os valores do hematócrito foram elevados, enquanto a contagem de leucócitos foi reduzida. Vários índices sanguíneos, como volume corpuscular médio (VCM), hemoglobina corpuscular média (HCM) e concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM) variam insignificantemente nos peixes tratados com diazinon. Nível de glicose e nível de atividade de AST e ALT foi aumentado em Clarias gariepinus expostos a diazinon. O nível de proteína no plasma de peixes tratados com pesticidas foi alterado, mas a mudança foi insignificante. Alterações histológicas no fígado, brânquias e rins de peixes expostos ao diazinon foram aparentes quando comparados ao controle. A necrose e o sangramento de hepatócitos foram mais distintos nos peixes expostos ao agrotóxico. Hipertrofia do glomérulo e sangramento nos rins; e fusão e degeneração de lamelas secundárias e hiperplasia epitelial em brânquias também foram observadas nos peixes expostos.

Analysis of histopathological abnormalities in the gills of Astyanax jacuhiensis (Characidae) for assessment of water quality in the Ijuí River, southern Brazil / Análisis de anormalidades histopatológicas en las branquias de Astyanax jacuhiensis (Characidae) para la evaluación de la calidad del agua del Río Ijuí, sur de Brasil

The aim of this study was to assess histopathological alterations in the gills of Astyanax jacuhiensis from different points along the Ijuí River and to determine if these abnormalities can be used as biomarkers in biomonitoring studies. Fish specimens were collected from three sites on the Ijuí River in winter and summer and examined histologically for abnormalities of the secondary lamellae of their gills. For each fish, estimates were made of the frequencies of lamellae with edema, hyperplasia, hypertrophy, epithelium lifting, lamellar fusion or deformation, in addition to the overall frequency of abnormal lamellae and the number of abnormalities per lamella. No differences were observed between sampling points during the winter. In summer the frequency of lamellae with hypertrophy was significantly higher at site 3 (Pirapó) than at site 2 (Santo Ângelo) and the frequency of abnormal lamellae was increased at site 1 (Ijuí) in comparison to site 3. Additionally, all three sample points had a significantly higher value in the winter than in the summer for one of the histological parameters analyzed. These results indicate temporal and spatial variation in the level of contamination of the Ijuí River and also shows that fish gill histopathology can be used for in situ biomonitoring studies.

El agua de la cuenca del río Ijuí, en el sur de Brasil, se utiliza principalmente para irrigar los cultivos y para el abastecimiento público de agua. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar alteraciones histopatológicas en las branquias de Astyanax jacuhiensis en diferentes puntos del Río Ijuí y determinar si tales anormalidades pueden ser usadas como biomarcadores en estudios de biomonitoramiento. Los especímenes fueron recolectados en tres puntos del río durante el invierno y el verano y luego las lamelas secundarias de las branquias fueron examinadas histológicamente para la presencia de anormalidades. Para cada pez se estimaron las frecuencias de lamelas con edema, hiperplasia, hipertrofia, desprendimiento del epitelio, fusión y deformación lamelar. Además, se obtuvieron las frecuencias de lamelas alteradas, así como el número medio de cambios por lamela. No se observaron diferencias entre los puntos de recolección durante el invierno. En el verano, la frecuencia de lamelas con hipertrofia fue significativamente mayor en el punto 3 (Pirapó) que en el punto 2 (Santo Angelo), y el punto 1 (Ijuí) presentó mayor frecuencia de lamelas alteradas que el punto 3. Además, en los tres puntos muestreados, el período de invierno presentó valores superiores para uno de los parámetros histológicos analizados. Estos resultados indican variación espacial y temporal en los niveles de contaminación del Río Ijuí y demuestran que el análisis histológico de las branquias de peces puede ser utilizado en estudios de monitoreo in situ.

Avaliação ectoparasitológica, hematológica e histopatológica de traíras Hoplias malabaricus Bloch, 1794 provenientes de açudes localizados no município de Sumé, estado da Paraíba / Ectoparasitologic, hematologic and histopathologic assessment of Hoplias malabaricus Bloch, 1794 from ponds located in Sumé municipality, state of Paraíba, Brazil

Hoplias malabaricus Bloch, 1794 é uma das espécies de peixes mais comumente encontrada nos açudes da Microrregião do Cariri Paraibano, todavia ainda não existem estudos na região sobre a sua fauna parasitária. Em virtude disso, o estudo objetivou caracterizar a fauna ectoparasitológica, o perfil hematológico e os achados histopatológicos das brânquias de H. malabaricus provenientes de quatro açudes localizados no município de Sumé/PB. Em cada açude foram capturados 10 exemplares e foi realizada a análise limnológica da água. Realizou-se a biometria dos exemplares e foram colhidas amostras sanguíneas por venopunção caudal. Os métodos de coleta de parasitos foram realizados segundo as recomendações da literatura. Além disso, foram coletadas amostras de brânquias para avaliação histopatológica. A comparação das médias foi feita pelo Teste Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Os resultados mostram que a ectoparasitofauna de H. malabaricus provenientes de açudes localizados no município de Sumé/PB apresentou-se diversificada, sendo identificados vários táxons de ectoparasitos na superfície corporal e brânquias. A fauna parasitária promoveu alterações hematológicas e histopatológicas nas brânquias. Além disso, os resultados evidenciam uma relação de epibiose de Epistylis sp. com Lernaea cyprinacea e crustáceos branquiúros em H. malabaricus.(AU)

Hoplias malabaricus Bloch, 1794 is one of the fish species most commonly found in the micro-region ponds of Cariri in Paraíba; however there are no studies in the region on its parasitic fauna. Due to this, the study aimed to characterize the ectoparasitologic fauna, blood profile and histopathological findings of the gills of H. malabaricus from four ponds in Sumé/PB. At each pond 10 specimens were captured and limnological water analysis was performed as the biometrics of specimens and blood samples were collected by caudal venipuncture. Parasite collection methods were used according to literature recommendations. Also gill samples were collected for histopathological assessment. Comparison of the averages were made by Tukey test at a probability of 5%. The results show that H. malabaricus ectoparasite fauna from ponds located in Sumé/PB is diverse, once various ectoparasites taxons are identified on body surface and gills. The parasitic fauna promoted hematological and histopathological changes in the gills. The results show also an epibiosis relationship of Epistylis sp. with Lernaea cyprinacea and branchiurans crustaceans on H. malabaricus.(AU)

Effects of biodegradable detergents in the accumulation of lipofuscin (age pigment) in gill and liver of two neotropical fish species / Efectos de detergentes biodegradables en la acumulación de lipofuscina (pigmento de envejecimiento) en branquias e hígado de dos espécies de peces neotropicales

Currently there is a growing concern, in both population and governments, to identify the effects of substances commonly disposed of into rivers and lakes, on aquatic fauna and flora. Thus the objective of the present study was to verify effects of biodegradable detergents and water from an urban lake on gills and liver of two neotropical fish species of great economic importance, Astyanax altiparanae and Prochilodus lineatus. In order to do so, lipofuscin, also called the ageing pigment, was used as bioindicator. After one and five months of experiment both tissues accumulated this pigment. These data are discussed from physiological points of view, related with lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial damage.

Existe una preocupación creciente de la población y los gobiernos para identificar los efectos de substancias comúnmente arrojadas en ríos y lagos, sobre la fauna y flora acuática. El objetivo fue verificar los efectos de detergentes biodegradables y agua de un lago urbano sobre las branquias e hígado de dos especies de peces neo-tropicales de gran importancia económica, Astyanax altiparanae y Prochilodus lineatus. Analizamos los pigmentos de lipofuscina, también llamado pigmento de envejecimiento, el que fue utilizado como biomarcador. Después de uno y cinco meses de experimento, ambos tejidos acumulados con el pigmento fueron analizados. Los datos fueron discutidos desde el punto de vista fisiológico, relacionado con la peroxidación lipídica y daño mitocondrial.

Response of mucous-secreting cells of the gills and intestine to stress during induced spawning of gray mullet, Mugil cephalus

Introduction: An excess of mucus has been observed in the water during induction of mullet spawning. Few data are available on the physiology of mullets during the induced spawning, especially data on the response of mucous-secreting cells in the gills and intestine

Aim of the work: The aims of the present studies were to evaluate the effects of stress on the mucous-secreting cells in the gills and intestine during induced spawning of Mugil cephalus [Teleostei]

Materials and methods: Quantification of possible cell hyperplasia [or depletion] and the chemical composition of the mucous cells during induction of M. cephalus spawning was carried out using histochemical techniques

Results: The majority of mucous cells were concentrated at the edge of the gill filaments. The mucous cell density in the gills was significantly increased during spawning, but it was significantly decreased during preoviposition mortality. However, the mucous cell density in the mucosal layer of the intestine was significantly decreased during spawning and at preoviposition mortality. The size of mucous cells in both the gills and the intestine was significantly decreased during spawning and at preoviposition mortality, whereas its size was significantly increased in the gills after spawning. Two types of glycoproteins [GPs] [acid and neutral] were identified in the mucous cells of the gill and intestine epithelium of M. cephalus. During induction of spawning, the amount of GPs in the mucous cells altered. The amount of each variety of the carbohydrate [intensity of reaction] differed at the different stages during spawning. In general, the secretion of acidic mucous was increased during spawning

Conclusion: The decrease in the GP contents in mucous cells of M. cephalus, as a result of their hypersecretion in response to stress early during handling and acclimation, decreased the production of mucus and reduced its protective role against desiccation of gill and intestine tissue when the ion concentration changed in water during acclimation and induced spawning. This may be considered one of the possible reasons for mortality. Therefore, caution must be exercised not only in acclimation of fish but also in minimization of exposure of fish to stress during induction of spawning

Gill and liver histopathology in Goodea atripinnis Jordan, related to oxidative stress in Yuriria Lake, Mexico / Histopatología en las branquias e hígado de Goodea atripinnis Jordan, relacionada con el estrés oxidativo en la Laguna Yuriria, México

In aquatic ecosystems, the complex mixture of pollutants may mediate the formation of free radicals and cause oxidative damage to the biota. Yuriria Lake (a Ramsar site in Central Mexico) receives input of wastewater from its tributaries, agricultural runoff, and municipal discharge. We studied the lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and histopathology of gill and liver of the native fish Goodea atripinnis in Yuriria Lake. Results were compared to a control group of fish cultivated in the laboratory. LPO, SOD, and CAT showed no significant differences compared to controls, but GPx showed greater and significant differences in both tissues. Three class sizes were identified; organisms of classes I and II had slight vasocongestion in the liver as compared to controls. Hepatocytes of class III showed cytoplasmic vacuolization, cellular disorganization, and the liver showed marked fibrosis compared to controls. Gills of controls and classes I and II showed no damage in gill filaments. Tissue damage in class III included hypertrophy, loss of the typical morphology, and edema in the gill filaments. The longer exposure of older organisms to Yuriria Lake conditions may have resulted in their poorer health condition...

En los ecosistemas acuáticos, la mezcla compleja de contaminantes presente puede mediar la producción de radicales libres y causar daño por estrés oxidativo a la biota. La laguna de Yuriria (sitio RAMSAR en la parte central de México) recibe aguas residuales de sus afluentes, escorrentías agrícolas y descargas municipales. Se estudió la peroxidación lipídica (LPO), las enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutasa, (SOD), catalasa (CAT) y glutatión peroxidasa (GPx); y la histopatología de las branquias e hígado del pez nativo Goodea atripinnis en la Laguna de Yuriria. Los resultados obtenidos fueron comparados con un grupo control de peces cultivados en laboratorio. La LPO, SOD y CAT no mostraron diferencia significativa en comparación con los controles; pero la GPx mostró diferencias significativas para ambos tejidos. Se identificaron tres clases de talla; los organismos de la clase I y II tuvieron una ligera vasocongestión en el hígado en comparación con los controles. Los hepatocitos de la clase III mostraron vacuolización citoplásmica, desorganización celular y el hígado mostró una marcada fibrosis. Las branquias de los organismos control y de las clases I y II no mostraron daño en sus filamentos. El daño tisular en los organismos de la clase III incluyó hipertrofia, pérdida de la morfología típica y edema en los filamentos branquiales. La exposición prolongada a las condiciones de la Laguna de Yuriria pudo haber influido en el precario estado de salud de los organismos más longevos...

Histopathology of gills of Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) and Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836) infested by monogenean and myxosporea, caugth in Aquidauana River, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil / Histopatologia de brânquias de Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) e Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836) parasitados por monogêneas e mixosporídios, capturados no Rio Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

A histological analysis was conducted on the gills of 15 Piaractus mesopotamicus and 19 Prochilodus lineatus specimens collected between April and November 2004 from the Aquidauana River, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Central-West Brazil, to describe the anatomopathological characteristics of the gills of these freshwater fish. Gill samples were fixated in 10 percent buffered formalin and processed following histological routine procedures. The histological examination of the gills of P. mesopotamicus revealed intralamellar monogenean and mixosporean cysts of Henneguya piaractus at several developmental stages over the entire (basal, median and distal) lamella. Intraepithelial cysts caused lamella dilation and deformity of adjacent lamellae. In P. lineatus gills, monogenean cysts were detected. In both host species, hyperplasia of the gill epithelium and structural disorganization of secondary lamellae was seen diffusely in the gills, leading to fused lamellae in the gills. In few cases, there was found mononuclear inflammatory cells and hemorrhagic focal points distally in the lamellae.

Realizou-se análise histológica de brânquias de 15 espécimes de Piaractus mesopotamicus e 19 Prochilodus lineatus coletados de abril a novembro de 2004, no Rio Aquidauana, MS, com intuito de contribuir com achados anatomopatológicos em brânquias dessas espécies de peixes de água doce. Amostras de brânquias foram fixadas em formalina 10 por cento, tamponadas e processadas conforme rotina histológica. Em P. mesopotamicus observou-se presença de monogênea e cistos de mixosporídio da espécie Henneguya piaractus, com localização intralamelar em vários estágios de desenvolvimento, localizados em todas as regiões (basal, mediana ou distal) das lamelas. Cistos intraepiteliais causaram dilatação e deformação das lamelas vizinhas. Em brânquias de P. lineatus, observou-se presença de monogênea. Nas duas espécies de hospedeiro foram registradas hiperplasia do epitélio branquial e desorganização estrutural das lamelas em extensas regiões, alterações que causaram a fusão lamelar. Em poucos casos registrou-se presença de células inflamatórias mononucleares e focos hemorrágicos na região distal das lamelas.

A preliminary report on effect of pulsed magnetic fields on fresh water fish (Labeo rohita) chromosomes.

Marine-life scientists around the world are already carrying out investigative trials to obtain higher yields under in-captive breeding conditions, on both edible varieties and ornamental fishes with optimal inputs. However, for such trials to succeed there is a need for genetic improvement. The idea that fish production can be enhanced by genetic manipulation is gaining acceptance, as there is a strong possibility that qualitative improvement of economically important traits can be achieved by identifying and utilizing more effective genotypes. In the present communication a tentative plan for genetic manipulation of fresh water fish using controlled, pulsed magnetic fields, is being discussed. Chromosome preparations of Labeo rohita were made using Colchicine-Methanol-Acetic acid air drying technique, using tissue from gills. The fish were exposed to Pulsed Magnetic Field (PMF)with intensity 0.2 Gauss, pulsing at 50 Hz frequency (sine wave) for 6 hours / day for a total period of 30 days inside specially designed magnetic field enclosures. The karyological investigations revealed no distinct difference between "test" and "control" groups.