Catfish Heteropneustes Fossilis Research Articles

Annual cyclic variations in some biochemical constituents of seminal vesicle and testis of the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch): A study correlating plasma testosterone level

In Heteropneustes fossilis, significant annual variations were observed in seminal vesicle-somatic index (SVSI), gonadosomatic index (GSI), concentrations of total proteins, hexosamines, fructose and glucose in both SV and testis, and in plasma testosterone with high values in late prespawning-early spawning phases (June-July) and low or undetectable levels in resting phase (December-January) except for glucose. There is an inverse relationship between the annual patterns of fructose and glucose with fructose dominant in the prespawning and early spawning phases (June-July), and glucose in the resting phase (November-January). The increase in the concentrations of SV and testicular protein, hexosamine and fructose can be correlated with the increase in testosterone concentration on one hand and with the increase of SVSI and GSI, on the other. The decrease in glucose level in the recrudescent phase may be due to its increased conversion into fructose, the main seminal sugar in this species.

Altered body shape as a morphometric indicator of triploidy in Indian catfishHeteropneustes fossilis(Bloch)

Triploid fish are usually detected by various cytological techniques, such as karyotyping, flow cytometry, etc. However, these methods cannot be applied on an aquaculture farm with scanty resources. In the search for an easy and rapid morphometric method various body proportion ratios were compared between diploid and triploid fish. Despite many significant differences of morphometric ratios among two ploidy groups, only the ratio between standard length and body depth (SL/BD) was found to be a precise indicator of triploidy in Indian catfish Heteropneustes fossilis under our experimental conditions. This ratio may be useful in segregating triploids from diploids of this catfish in a aquaculture farm.

Distribution of γ-aminobutyric acid in catfish ( Heteropneustes fossilis) forebrain in relation to season, ovariectomy and E 2 replacement, and effects of GABA administration on plasma Gonadotropin-II level

In the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis, the hypothalamus and telencephalon showed seasonal variations in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) with high levels in prespawning and spawning phases and low levels in preparatory and postspawning phases. Ovariectomy for 4 and 5 weeks reduced significantly the GABA contents only in the hypothalamus. Replacement with E 2 (1 μg/g BW) restored the levels to that of sham ovariectomized or parallel control group. Treatment with GABA (i.p.; 10 or 50 μg/g body weight (BW)) alone did not produce any significant effect on plasma gonadotropin-II (GTH-II) level in any of the seasons. Injection of GABA, but not baclofen (a GABA B agonist), stimulated GTH-II secretion in pimozide or GnRH analogue-pimozide pretreated fish at both 0.5 and 2 h in early prespawning phase except at 0.5 h in the pimozide—GABA (10 μg) group. This stimulatory effect was not evident in other seasons. The results of the present study suggest that Estradiol-17β (E 2) seems to stimulate GABA which may account for its high level in the recrudescent phase. GABA seems to have a permissive role in GTH-II secretion when dopamine receptor function is inhibited.

Multiple Induced Spawnings of the Indian Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) within a Prolonged Spawning Season

Abstract Singhi, the Indian catfish Heteropneustes fossilis, attained gonadal maturity repeatedly in a single spawning cycle by photothermal treatment. After the first spawning, maintenance at 30 C and 14 h light/10 h dark for 3 wk induced recruitment of the next batch of mature oocytes for subsequent spawnings. The number of eggs released declined with each spawning. However, fertilizability of the eggs was maintained until the fifth spawning. Mature fish were induced to spawn by D‐Lys6 salmon gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist administration. The dose of salmon gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist for the second and subsequent spawnings was determined to be 25‐fold less compared to the dose administered for the first spawning. Fish released the maximum number of eggs upon induction when they were maintained continuously at 30 C and 14 h light/10 h dark for 6 wk. The result obtained in the present study points to a possibility of obtaining multiple spawnings from those species of farmed fish which spawn once a year.

Periovulatory changes in hypothalamic and pituitary monoamines following GnRH analogue treatment in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis: a study correlating changes in plasma hormone profiles.

In Heteropneustes fossilis, administration of a single dose (0.15 micrograms/g body weight, i.p.) of [D-Ala6,Gly10]-gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) induced ovulation (in 35 of 35 fish) when mild-stripped at 16 h. Plasma gonadotrophin II (GTH II) levels showed a highly significant increase at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 h with the peak at 8 h. Plasma cortisol, progesterone and testosterone showed significant elevations at 2, 4, 8 and 12 h with peaks at 8 h (cortisol and testosterone) and 4 h (progesterone). The levels declined to control values at 16 and 48 h except that of testosterone which decreased even further. In contrast, plasma levels of oestradiol-17 beta decreased significantly at 2, 4, 8 and 12 h, with the lowest value at 8 h, but increased at 16 and 18 h. The contents of hypothalamic and pituitary serotonin and noradrenaline increased at 8 h, coinciding with the peak GTH II rise, and decreased at 16 h. In contrast, dopamine content declined at 8 h in both the hypothalamus and pituitary, but increased at 16 h only in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamic adrenaline level decreased at 8 h but increased significantly at 16 h. Hypothalamic levels of monoamine oxidase, catechol O-methyltransferase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase were elevated significantly at 8 h; the dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity decreased at 16 h. Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase activity was elevated only at 16 h, coinciding with the rise in adrenaline content. It is inferred that the preovulatory decrease in dopamine content concomitant with rises in serotonin and noradrenaline levels, triggered by the low titre of oestradiol, might have potentiated the GnRHa/GnRH (endogenous)-induced release of GTH II for a prolonged period.

Superoxide Anion Radical Generation as a Temperature Stress Response in the Gills of Freshwater Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis: Role in Mucus Exudation Under Elevated Temperature

Temperature induced superoxide anion radical (O 2 ·−) generation in vivo has been demonstrated in the gills of Heteropneustes fossilis by electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping. Temperature exposures from 25°C to 37°C for various times (1–4 hr) caused generation of O 2 ·− in the gill. The acid mucopolysaccharide test was conducted in gill sections during elevated temperatures. The results showed an increased activity of mucopolysaccharide in gills which indicate an increased mucus secretion in gills during elevated temperatures. The detectable stable levels of O 2 ·− in the gill at 32 and 37°C temperature exposures point towards a probable role for this radical in the exudation of mucus under elevated temperature.

Methallibure-induced inhibition of hypothalamo-hypophyseal-ovarian activity in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis involves changes in hypothalamic monoamine activity

Administration of Methallibure, a non-steroidal gonadotropin (GTH) inhibitor 20 μg g−1 body weight; i.p., daily for 10 days, to prespawning phase female Heteropneustes fossilis inhibited the brain-pituitary-ovarian axis as indicated by significant reductions in plasma and pituitary levels of GTH-II, and plasma levels of 17β-estradiol (E2) and testosterone. Concurrently, the treatment resulted in significant reductions in the hypothalamic content of serotonin, noradrenaline (and adrenaline) that stimulate, and a significant elevation of dopamine that inhibits GTH-II release in this species. Activities of the monoamine degrading enzymes, monoamine oxidase and catechol-O-methyltransferase were significantly increased, while that of the synthesizing enzymes, dopamine-β-hydroxylase and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase were significantly decreased. These results suggest that the mechanism of inhibition of GTH-II secretion includes, among others, differential actions of the drug on hypothalamic monoamine metabolism.

Changes in the levels and distribution of glycogen during regeneration of cutaneous wounds in Heteropneustes fossilis: a histochemical investigation

Incisional wounds of the same length and depth were made in the skin of catfish Heteropneustes fossilis, and the response in terms of levels of glycogen in cells during healing was studied histochemically. After injury, glycogen disappeared completely from the cells in the migrating epidermis. This disappearance is correlated with the migration of the epidermal cells toward the wound gap for epithelialization and the increased production of mucous cells at the initial stages of healing. The gradual accumulation of glycogen in the epithelial cells and the basal cells after epithelialization of the wound during the early stages of healing suggests that in these cells gluconeogenesis predominates. The gradual disappearance of glycogen from the epithelial cells 72 h after injury and from the basal cells 36 h after injury indicates the gradual resumption of their metabolic activities. The increased gradients of glycogen in club cells that are undergoing vacuolization and disintegration are discussed. No significant levels of glycogen were observed during the formation of granulation tissue and biosynthesis of the sub‐cutis. The depletion of glycogen in the degenerating muscle bundles is correlated with the synthesis of lactic acid which contributes to local acidity and favours the autolysis of muscles.

Evaluation of EDTA and fish skin extract in primary culture of fish liver cells

The isolation, primary culture and attachment of liver cells to the substratum from a tropical catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as isolating agent of liver cells and skin extract (SE) from fish as attachment substrate for the primary culture of liver cells has been standardised. A suitable temperature for such cultures has also been determined. Attachment efficiency of the liver cells in culture and their intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity have been taken as parameters for characterization of the primary culture. Disaggregation of liver cells with EDTA is very potent to isolate substantial rumber of cells from the liver of H. fossilis. An ideal concentration of EDTA for liver cell isolation has been standardized. Matrix prepared from carp and catfish skin at different pH (2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0) were also evaluated for liver cell culture by considering the attachment efficiency of the cells over the substratum as well as retention of intracellular LDH enzyme after 48 hours of seeding. Matrix of carp skin was compared with that of catfish as suitable substrate for primary culture of fish liver cells. It has been found that the SE prepared at pH 4.0, both from carp and catfish skin, performed better than those at other pHs. At the same time, the matrix of carp skin was found to be better than that of catfish skin. Cultures were incubated separately at 17 and 23 °C in air atmosphere. Incubation temperature at 23 °C was found to be more suitable than that at 17 °C. The percent of detached/unattached cells showed only marginal variation between two temperatures but LDH-activity recorded drastic reduction (between 50 to 75%) depending upon the pH of the matrix during preparation. Our finding establishes despensibility of enzyme (collagenase/trypsin) for cell isolation in catfish. Our studies also exhibit that carp skin extract performs better than catfish skin extract in terms of attachment efficiency as well as intracellular LDH activity. This study indicates that no species/generic barrier exists in matrix between catfish and carp.

Histopathological changes induced by ambient ammonia (ammonium sulphate) on the opercular linings of the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis

Histopathological changes induced by ambient ammonia (ammonium sulphate) on the opercular linings of the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis

Changes in lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase activity, ascorbic acid and phospholipid content in liver of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis exposed to elevated temperature

1. 1. Lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, ascorbic acid (AsA) and individual phospholipid contents in liver of fresh water cat fish Heteropneustes fossilis were measured after exposure to different temperatures (25, 27, 32, 37°C) at various times (1–4 h). 2. 2. Lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly increased with increases in temperature at various times. 3. 3. Ascorbic acid content was depleted when temperature was increased. 4. 4. After temperature exposure, phosphatidyl inositol was increased while phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl serine and phosphatidyl ethanolamine were depleted. Phosphatidic acid level did not change. 5. 5. The findings indicated an increased oxidative stress in liver following increases in temperature at various times. Concurrent with the increase in lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase activity and ascorbic acid from the liver of fish varied. It is suggested that depletion of major individual phospholipids following temperature exposure could be due to superoxide created oxidative stress in the liver.

Ammonium sulphate induced stress related alterations in the respiratory epithelium of the airbreathing organ of the catfishHeteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)

In this paper, histopathological changes in the inner lining of the accessory respiratory organ ofHeteropneustes fossilis following exposure to sublethal concentration (0.2 g I–1) of ammonium sulphate (3 mg I–1 total ammonia-N) has been described. The goblet cells show periodic increased followed by decreased secretory activities. Necrosis and shedding of the epithelial cells over the secondary lamellae cause periodic haemorrhages which lead to degeneration and decreased number of secondary lamellae. Subsequently regeneration takes place each time as evidenced by the appearance of inflammatory tissue. Fusion of more than one secondary lamellae is also common. Regeneration also leads to uncontrolled hyperplasia of haphazardly arranged epithelial cells. This hyperplasia causes increased distance of respiratory blood-air barrier in the secondary lamellae, leading to impaired normal aerial respiration

Effects of mammalian gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analogue, pimozide, and the combination on plasma gonadotropin levels in different seasons and induction of ovulation in female catfish

In the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis, 0.5μg g‐1 B.W. mGnRH‐A alone or the low dose of 0.05 μg g‐1 B.W. in combination with pimozide [a dopamine (DA)‐receptor antagonist, 5 or l0μg g‐1 B.W.], caused a preovulatory surge in plasma gonadotropin (GTH) and induced a high rate of ovulation. The ovulatory response of the catfish to the low dose of mGnRH‐A when given alone was not effective in the early (July) but was effective in the late spawning season (August). Plasma GTH response to these treatments showed seasonal variations. Pimozide administration potentiated the response to mGnRH‐A in a season‐dependent manner, being effective only in the prespawning and spawning phases. Pimozide treatment alone did not affect plasma GTH. These observations suggest that the release of GTH from the pituitary is subject to seasonal differences in the sensitivity of the GnRH system and the degree of its modulation by dopamine.

Effects of Administration of Some Monoamine-Synthesis Blockers and Precursors on Ovariectomy-Induced Rise in Plasma Gonadotropin II in the CatfishHeteropneustes fossilis

In the present study, effects of three daily ip injections of some monoamine (MA)-synthesis blockers and precursors on plasma gonadotropin (GTH-II) levels were investigated in 3-week ovariectomized catfish, and the effects were correlated with changes in hypothalamic MA contents. Administration of α-methylparatyrosine (α-MPT; 250μg/g BW, a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor) significantly decreased the ovariectomy-induced rise in GTH-II compared to that of the sham control group. Injection ofl-dihydroxyphenylalanine (10μg/g BW) in the α-MPT-treated fish elevated the GTH-II level significantly over that of the sham control group but not to the level of the ovariectomized fish. Administration of noradrenaline (NA; 5μg/g BW) in combination with α-MPT counteracted the effect of the latter and maintained the plasma GTH-II level at that of the ovariectomized fish. Plasma GTH-II level was decreased significantly in the diethyldithiocarbamate (10μg/g BW, a dopamine-β-hydroxylase inhibitor)-injected fish compared to that of the sham and ovariectomized control groups. Administration ofpara-chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA; 100μg/g BW, a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor) decreased the GTH-II level significantly compared to that of the ovariectomized group. Supplementation of 5-hydroxytryptophan (20μg/g BW) withp-CPA nullified the latter's effect and maintained the GTH-II level at that of the ovariectomized fish. The administration of bothp-CPA and α-MPT significantly reduced plasma GTH-II to the lowest mark compared to that of the sham, ovariectomized, and all other treatment groups. These results clearly show that the ovariectomy-induced rise in GTH-II was mediated through simultaneous activation of hypothalamic serotonergic and NA-ergic and suppression of dopaminergic mechanisms.

Lipid peroxidation and ascorbic acid status in respiratory organs of male and female freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis exposed to temperature increase

Lipid peroxidation and ascorbic acid (AsA) contents were measured in the gill and air sac of male and female catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis, after exposure to temperatures (25–37 °C) at various times. Lipid peroxidation in gill and air sac biomembranes was enhanced on increasing the temperature from 25 to 37 °C for 60–240 min. In gill, the significant decline in AsA was observed only at 240 min exposed with different temperature range. In other exposure periods, the decline was nonsignificant. Air sac AsA was decreased significantly by exposure of 32 and 37 °C temperatures at various times. Lipid peroxidation and AsA contents after temperature exposure in gill and air sac of male and female fish showed no significant difference. The findings indicated an increased oxidative stress in gill and air sac of male and female fish after increased temperature exposure. The decline in AsA level supports its antioxidant role in relation to oxygen radicals.

Collection of some fish parasites from the lower reaches of Diyala river, mid Iraq

Abstract Upon collection and inspection of some fish specimens, belonging to seven species, from the lower reaches of Diyala river, mid Iraq, two ciliated protozoans (Chilodonella cyprini and Trichodina domerguei). two sporozoans (Myxobolus oviformis and M. pfeifferi ), three trematodes (Dactylogyrus vastator, Ascocotyle coleostoma and Diplostomum sp.), one nematode (Contracaecum sp.), one acanthocephalan (Neoechinorhynchus agilis), one crustacean (Ergasilus sieboldi) and one fungal species (Saprolegnia sp.) were detected. The mugilid fish Liza abu and the stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis represent new host records for C. cyprini and D. vastator, respectively, in Iraq.

Sublethal effects of mixtures of copper and ammonia on selected biochemical and physiological parameters in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch).

Sublethal effects of mixtures of copper and ammonia on selected biochemical and physiological parameters in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch).

Changes in Hypothalamic Catecholamines, Dopamine-β-hydroxylase, and Phenylethanolamine- N-methyltransferase in the Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis in Relation to Season, Raised Photoperiod and Temperature, Ovariectomy, and Estradiol-17β Replacement

In Heteropneustes fossilis, contents and turnovers of hypothalamic catecholamines (CA) and activities of dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT) showed significant seasonal variations with significantly high day values. The seasonal pattern of dopamine (DA) on one hand and that of noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (A) on the other hand showed an inverse relationship, the former decreasing and the latter increasing during the progress of gonadal recrudescence. The DBH and PNMT levels were low in the resting phase and increased to the peak in the prespawning (DBH) and spawning (PNMT) phases. Maintenance of the fish under long photoperiods (16L:8D) and high temperature (28 ± 2°) stimulated the NA and A, and DBH and PNMT activities, and suppressed the DA mechanism, the changes being maximal in the raised temperature groups. In the resting phase (December), ovariectomy (OVX) or estradiol-17β, (E 2) replacement in 4-week ovariectomized fish did not produce any significant effects on the CA and enzyme activities. On the contrary, in the prespawning phase (May), OVX produced differential and biphasic responses on CA and the enzymes. The contents and turnovers of both NA and A increased significantly at 2-5 weeks and decreased in the sixth week. However, the reverse was true for DA. The DBH and PNMT activities (assayed only 3, 4, and 6 weeks after OVX) were elevated significantly in the third and fourth weeks but decreased in the sixth week. Plasma levels of gonadotropin (GTH) increased significantly at all durations of OVX in a bimodal pattern while the E 2 levels decreased consistently. Supplementation with a low dose (0.1 μg/g BW) or E 2 restored the NA and A and enzyme activities while the higher doses (0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 μg/g BW) depleted them. The reverse was true for DA. The low dose of E 2 restored the GTH level while the higher ones inhibited it significantly. These results indicate that both environmental photoperiod and temperature and E 2-negative feedback act on the CA to modulate GTH secretion.

Annual Variations in Hypothalamic Serotonin and Monoamine Oxidase in the Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis with a Note on Brain Regional Differences of Day-Night Variations in Gonadal Preparatory Phase

In Heteropneustes fossilis, significant annual variations in serotonin (5-HT) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) were found in the hypothalamus both at 12 and 24 hr with high values of content and turnover index (TI) during gonadal recrudescence, and low values during gonadal quiescence. The 5-HT content reached high levels during April-July (late preparatory, prespawning, and spawning phases). The TI of 5-HT showed two peaks in its midday value: a major peak occurred in March (midpreparatory phase) and a minor one in June (prespawning phase). High MAO activity was seen in June (prespawning phase) and low values during February, March, and April (preparatory phase). Significant day-night variations in 5-HT content and TI, and MAO activity were observed in the hypothalamus and telencephalon in February and March (early and midpreparatory phase), but not at other times of the year. In the whole brain and separate regions such as the thalamus, midbrain, and hindbrain no day-night patterns were seen. A comparison of the data shows that the increase in 5-HT content and TI from February to March was significantly higher in the hypothalamus than in telencephalon and the opposite is true for MAO. The results suggest that the high hypothalamic activities of 5-HT and MAO during recrudescence is related to breeding activity; the day-night variations during the early and midpreparatory phase in these variables may be related to initiation of breeding in this species.

A lens-like specialization for photic input in the pineal window of an Indian catfish,Heteropneustes fossilis

An unusual lens-like structure is reported in the pineal window of the Indian nocturnal catfishHeteropneustes fossilis. This is the first report of its kind for the pineal window of fishes. This structure, coupled with a pineal fossa and a pineal window, forms a specialization that apparently serves to concentrate the photic input to the intracranially situated pineal organ. This structure may play a significant role in the photoneuroendocrine function of the photosensitive pineal under conditions of low light intensity, controlling the fish's circadian rhythmic activities.