The presence of high-affinity, low-capacity estradiol-17beta binding in rainbow trout scale indicates a possible endocrine route for the regulation of scale resorption

Short-term homeostatic regulation of blood/interstitial fluid Ca2+ concentration by the scales of anadromous sea trout Salmo trutta L. during smoltification and migration

The elasmoid scales of anadromous sea trout Salmo trutta L. represent a significant internal reservoir of Ca²⁺ . Although more is known about long-term remodelling of scales in response to calciotropic challenges encountered during smoltification and migration, very little is known about the contribution made by scales to the short-term, minute-to-minute regulation of Ca²⁺ homeostasis in the extracellular fluid (ECF) during these phases of the life cycle. This gap in the knowledge is partly due to the technical challenges involved in measuring small Ca²⁺ fluxes around the scales of live fish in real time. Here, this study describes exfoliating, mounting and culturing scales and their resident cells from parr, smolt and adult sea trout from a freshwater environment, as well as from adult sea trout caught in sea or brackish water. All the scales were then examined using an extracellular, non-invasive, surface-scanning Ca²⁺ -sensitive microelectrode. The authors quantified the Ca²⁺ fluxes, in the absence of any systemic or local regulators, into and out of scales on both the episquamal and hyposquamal sides under different extracellular calcemic challenges set to mimic a variety of ECF-Ca²⁺ concentrations. Scales from the life-cycle stages as well as from adult fish taken from sea, brackish or fresh water all showed a consistent efflux or influx of Ca²⁺ under hypo- or hypercalcemic conditions, respectively. What were considered to be isocalcemic conditions resulted in minimal flux of Ca²⁺ in either direction, or in the case of adult scales, a consistent but small influx. Indeed, adult scales appeared to display the largest flux densities in either direction. These new data extend the current understanding of the role played by fish scales in the short-term, minute-to-minute homeostatic regulation of ECF-Ca²⁺ concentration, and are similar to those recently reported from zebrafish Danio rerio scales. This suggests that this short-term regulatory response might be a common feature of teleost scales.

Linking physiology and biomineralization processes to ecological inferences on the life history of fishes

Biomineral chemistry is frequently used to infer life history events and habitat use in fishes; however, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Here we have taken a multidisciplinary approach to review the current understanding of element incorporation into biomineralized structures in fishes. Biominerals are primarily composed of calcium-based derivatives such as calcium carbonate found in otoliths and calcium phosphates found in scales, fins and bones. By focusing on non-essential life elements (strontium and barium) and essential life elements (calcium, zinc and magnesium), we attempt to connect several fields of study to synergise how physiology may influence biomineralization and subsequent inference of life history. Data provided in this review indicate that the presence of non-essential elements in biominerals of fish is driven primarily by hypo- and hyper-calcemic environmental conditions. The uptake kinetics between environmental calcium and its competing mimics define what is ultimately incorporated in the biomineral structure. Conversely, circannual hormonally driven variations likely influence essential life elements like zinc that are known to associate with enzyme function. Environmental temperature and pH as well as uptake kinetics for strontium and barium isotopes demonstrate the role of mass fractionation in isotope selection for uptake into fish bony structures. In consideration of calcium mobilisation, the action of osteoclast-like cells on calcium phosphates of scales, fins and bones likely plays a role in fractionation along with transport kinetics. Additional investigations into calcium mobilisation are warranted to understand differing views of strontium, and barium isotope fractionation between calcium phosphates and calcium carbonate structures in fishes.

Scales tell a story on the stress history of fish

Fish faced with stressful stimuli launch an endocrine stress response through activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI-) axis to release cortisol into the blood. Scientifically validated biomarkers to capture systemic cortisol exposure over longer periods of time are of utmost importance to assess chronic stress in governmental, wildlife, aquaculture and scientific settings. Here we demonstrate that cortisol in scales of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) is the long-sought biomarker for chronic stress. Undisturbed (CTR) and daily stressed (STRESS) carp were compared. Dexamethasone (DEX) or cortisol (CORT) fed fish served as negative and positive controls, respectively. Scale cortisol was quantified with a validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. An increase in scale cortisol content was found in STRESS and CORT but not in CTR and DEX fish. Scale cortisol content reflects its accumulation in a stressor and time dependent manner and validates the scale cortisol content as biomarker for chronic stress. Plasma analyses confirmed that (i) CTR, DEX and CORT treatments were effective, (ii) plasma cortisol of STRESS fish showed no signs of chronic HPI-axis activation, and (iii) plasma cortisol is a poor predictor for chronic stress. The expression of HPI key genes crf, pomc, and star were up-regulated in STRESS fish in the absence of a plasma cortisol response, as was the target gene of cortisol encoding subunit α1 of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase in gills. When lost, scales of fish regenerate fast. Regenerated scales corroborate our findings, offering (i) unsurpassed time resolution for cortisol incorporation and as such for stressful events, and (ii) the possibility to investigate stress in a well defined and controlled environment and time frame creating novel opportunities for bone physiological research. We conclude that the cortisol content in ontogenetic and regenerated scales is an innovative biomarker for chronic stress offering ample applications in science and industry.

Estrogenic compounds decrease growth hormone receptor abundance and alter osmoregulation in Atlantic salmon

Exposure of Atlantic salmon smolts to estrogenic compounds is shown to compromise several aspects of smolt development. We sought to determine the underlying endocrine mechanisms of estrogen impacts on the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) axis. Smolts in freshwater (FW) were either injected 3 times over 10 days with 2 μgg(-1) 17β-estradiol (E2) or 150μgg(-1) 4-nonylphenol (NP). Seawater (SW)-acclimated fish received intraperitoneal implants of 30 μgg(-1) E2 over two weeks. Treatment with these estrogenic compounds increased hepatosomatic index and total plasma calcium. E2 and NP reduced maximum growth hormone binding by 30-60% in hepatic and branchial membranes in FW and SW, but did not alter the dissociation constant. E2 and NP treatment decreased plasma levels of IGF-I levels in both FW and SW. In FW E2 and NP decreased plasma GH whereas in SW plasma GH increased after E2 treatment. Compared to controls, plasma chloride concentrations of E2-treated fish were decreased 5.5mM in FW and increased 10.5mM in SW. There was no effect of NP or E2 on gill sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase) activity in FW smolts, whereas E2 treatment in SW reduced gill Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity and altered the number and size of ionocytes. Our data indicate that E2 downregulates the GH/IGF-I-axis and SW tolerance which may be part of its normal function for reproduction and movement into FW. We conclude that the mechanism of endocrine disruption of smolt development by NP is in part through alteration of the GH/IGF-I axis via reduced GH receptor abundance.

Parathyroid hormone 1 (1-34) acts on the scales and involves calcium metabolism in goldfish

The effect of fugu parathyroid hormone 1 (fugu PTH1) on osteoblasts and osteoclasts in teleosts was examined with an assay system using teleost scale and the following markers: alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for osteoblasts and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) for osteoclasts. Synthetic fugu PTH1 (1-34) (100pg/ml-10ng/ml) significantly increased ALP activity at 6h of incubation. High-dose (10ng/ml) fugu PTH1 significantly increased ALP activity even after 18h of incubation. In the case of TRAP activity, fugu PTH1 did not change at 6h of incubation, but fugu PTH1 (100pg/ml-10ng/ml) significantly increased TRAP activity at 18h. Similar results were obtained for human PTH (1-34), but there was an even greater response with fugu PTH1 than with human PTH. In vitro, we demonstrated that both the receptor activator of the NF-κB ligand in osteoblasts and the receptor activator NF-κB mRNA expression in osteoclasts increased significantly by fugu PTH1 treatment. In an in vivo experiment, fugu PTH1 induced hypercalcemia resulted from the increase of both osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities in the scale as well as the decrease of scale calcium contents after fugu PTH1 injection. In addition, an in vitro experiment with intramuscular autotransplanted scale indicated that the ratio of multinucleated osteoclasts/mononucleated osteoclasts in PTH-treated scales was significantly higher than that in the control scales. Thus, we concluded that PTH acts on osteoblasts and osteoclasts in the scales and regulates calcium metabolism in goldfish.

A comparative view on mechanisms and functions of skeletal remodelling in teleost fish, with special emphasis on osteoclasts and their function

Resorption and remodelling of skeletal tissues is required for development and growth, mechanical adaptation, repair, and mineral homeostasis of the vertebrate skeleton. Here we review for the first time the current knowledge about resorption and remodelling of the skeleton in teleost fish, the largest and most diverse group of extant vertebrates. Teleost species are increasingly used in aquaculture and as models in biomedical skeletal research. Thus, detailed knowledge is required to establish the differences and similarities between mammalian and teleost skeletal remodelling, and between distantly related species such as zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka (Oryzias latipes). The cellular mechanisms of differentiation and activation of osteoclasts and the functions of teleost skeletal remodelling are described. Several characteristics, related to skeletal remodelling, distinguish teleosts from mammals. These characteristics include (a) the absence of osteocytes in most species; (b) the absence of haematopoietic bone marrow tissue; (c) the abundance of small mononucleated osteoclasts performing non-lacunar (smooth) bone resorption, in addition to or instead of multinucleated osteoclasts; and (d) a phosphorus- rather than calcium-driven mineral homeostasis (mainly affecting the postcranial dermal skeleton). Furthermore, (e) skeletal resorption is often absent from particular sites, due to sparse or lacking endochondral ossification. Based on the mode of skeletal remodelling in early ontogeny of all teleosts and in later stages of development of teleosts with acellular bone we suggest a link between acellular bone and the predominance of mononucleated osteoclasts, on the one hand, and cellular bone and multinucleated osteoclasts on the other. The evolutionary origin of skeletal remodelling is discussed and whether mononucleated osteoclasts represent an ancestral type of resorbing cells. Revealing the differentiation and activation of teleost skeletal resorbing cells, in the absence of several factors that trigger mammalian osteoclast differentiation, is a current challenge. Understanding which characters of teleost bone remodelling are derived and which characters are conserved should enhance our understanding of the process in fish and may provide insights into alternative pathways of bone remodelling in mammals.

Epidermal transient down-regulation of retinol-binding protein 4 and mirror expression of apolipoprotein Eb and estrogen receptor 2a during zebrafish fin and scale development

Very little is known about the molecular control of skin patterning and scale morphogenesis in teleost fish. We have found radially symmetrical epidermal placodes with down-regulation of retinol-binding protein 4 (rbp4) expression during the initial paired fin and scale morphogenesis in zebrafish (Danio rerio). This finding may be related to changes in keratinocyte cytodifferentiation and/or the integument retinoid metabolism. rbp4 transcripts are expressed afterward in the central epidermis of the scale papilla and gradually extend to the epidermis, covering the growing scale, whereas no transcripts were detected in posterior margin epidermis. In contrast, induction of apolipoprotein Eb (apoeb) and up-regulation of estrogen receptor 2a (esr2a) transcripts were observed in the epidermis at initiator sites of zebrafish ectodermal/dermal appendage morphogenesis. This expression was maintained in the posterior margin epidermis of the formed scales. esr2a was also strongly expressed in neuromasts, whereas no rbp4 and apoeb transcripts were detected in these mechanosensory structures. The observed epidermal molecular events suggest that epidermis patterning is due to an activator-inhibitor mechanism operational at epidermal-dermal interaction sites. rbp4 transcript expression was also strongly down-regulated by 1-phenyl-2-thio-urea (PTU). As this inhibitor is commonly used to block obscuring pigmentation during in situ hybridization studies, this finding suggests that PTU should be used with caution, particularly in studying skin development.

Effect of waterborne exposure to 4-tert-octylphenol and 17beta-estradiol on smoltification and downstream migration in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar

Groups of Atlantic salmon parr (November, Exp. 1) or pre-smolts (March, Exp. 2) were exposed to estradiol-17beta (E2 conc.: nominal 500 ngl(-1)/actual 8-16 ngl(-1)) and two doses of tert-octylphenol (OP: nominal 25 microgl(-1)/actual 4.5-6.5 microgl(-1) and OP: nominal 100 microgl(-1)/actual 10-30 microgl(-1)) for 26 days in fresh water, and the effects on physiological and behavioural aspects of parr-smolt transformation were investigated. Vitellogenesis was induced by all treatments, as indicated by elevated levels of plasma vitellogenin (Vtg) and hepatosomatic index. Elevated Vtg levels were still found in OP-100 and E2-treated fish 4-5 months after cessation of treatment, indicating a slow clearance of Vtg from circulation. Smolting was compromised by E2 and OP-100 treatment as judged by reduced gill Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity and impaired ability to regulate plasma osmolality and muscle water content in 24-h sea water (SW) challenge tests during the period of smolting. Downstream migratory behaviour was monitored from late April to July (Exp. 2) by implanting passive integrated transponder tags into subgroups of treated and control smolts and placing them in a stream raceway. Irrespective of treatment, nocturnal downstream movement was initiated in all groups on April 23, switching to diurnal movement in late May. Average swimming speed was estimated to be higher than current speed, indicating active migration. E2 and OP-100 fish migrated at lower frequency than control fish, suggesting a reduced migratory drive. The data suggests that waterborne exposure of salmon to xenoestrogens reduce both physiological and behavioural components of smoltification, even when exposure occurs several months prior to smolting.

Endocrine disruption of parr-smolt transformation and seawater tolerance of Atlantic salmon by 4-nonylphenol and 17beta-estradiol

Sex steroids are known to interfere with the parr-smolt transformation of anadromous salmonids, and environmental estrogens such as nonylphenol have recently been implicated in reduced returns of Atlantic salmon in the wild. To determine the endocrine pathways by which estrogenic compounds affect smolt development and seawater tolerance, groups of juvenile Atlantic salmon were injected with one of five doses (0.5, 2, 10, 40 or 150 microg g(-1)) of branched 4-nonylphenol (NP), 2 microg g(-1) of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)), or vehicle, during the parr-smolt transformation in April, and the treatment was repeated 4, 8, and 11 days after the first injection. Plasma was obtained for biochemical analysis 7 and 14 days after initiation of treatment. After 14 days of treatment, additional fish from each treatment group were exposed to seawater for 24h to assess salinity tolerance. The E(2) treatment and the highest NP dose resulted in lower salinity tolerance and decreased plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels, along with elevated levels of plasma vitellogenin and total calcium. Plasma growth hormone levels were elevated at intermediate NP doses only, and not affected by E(2). After 7 days, plasma thyroxine (T(4)) levels decreased in a strong, dose-dependent manner in response to nonylphenol, but after 14 days, this suppressive effect of T(4) occurred at the highest NP dose only. Similarly, E(2) decreased plasma T(4) levels at 7, but not 14 days. Plasma 3,3',5-triodo-l-thyronine was reduced by E(2) and the highest NP dose after 7 and 14 days of treatment. Plasma cortisol levels were not affected by any of the treatments. The results indicate that the parr-smolt transformation and salinity tolerance can be compromised by exposure to estrogenic compounds. Suppression of plasma IGF-I levels is a likely endocrine pathway for the effects of estrogenic compounds on hypo-osmoregulatory capacity, and the detrimental effects of E(2) and NP on thyroid hormone levels are also likely to compromise the normal parr-smolt transformation of Atlantic salmon.

Osteoblastic activity and estrogenic response in the regenerating scale of goldfish, a good model of osteogenesis

Osteogenesis in the teleost was morphologically observed using regenerating scales of goldfish. Histological observations indicated that osteoblasts around the regenerating scales on days 7 to 10 were greater in size and number than those at other stages. Therefore, further experiments were carried out to examine the activity of osteoblasts in the regenerating period. To quantify their osteoblastic activities, scales on the left side of the body were taken, and the regenerating scales were then used to measure the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a marker of osteoblasts, on days 7, 10, and 15. The ontogenic scales on the right side of the body were also collected and used to measure ALP activity on the same days. Osteoblasts at all stages of regenerating scales were more active than those in the remaining ontogenic scales. The regenerating scales on day 10 had the highest activity. Furthermore, we found that estrogen receptor (ER) mRNA was expressed in the regenerating scales because estrogen participates in osteoblastic growth and differentiation in mammals. Therefore, using a scale culture system reported previously, the estrogenic response was examined in the ontogenic and regenerating scales on day 10. The reactivity was much higher in regenerating scales, although estrogen treatment significantly activated the osteoblastic activities in both scales. We are the first to demonstrate that ER is expressed in regenerating scales and that estrogen participates in osteogenesis as it does in mammalian bone. Our findings strongly suggest that regenerating scales can be used as a model of osteogenesis in vertebrates.

17β-Estradiol affects osmoregulation in Fundulus heteroclitus

The effect of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) on osmoregulatory performance was examined in the euryhaline killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus. Fish were injected once with 1, 2 and 5 microg g(-1) E(2) and, 6 h after injection, transferred from 1 ppt seawater (SW) to full strength SW (40 ppt) or from SW to 1 ppt SW. In another set of experiments, fish were injected four times on alternate days with 2 microg g(-1) E(2) and then, 6 h after the last injection, transferred from 1 ppt SW to SW or from SW to 1 ppt SW. Fish were sampled 18 h after transfer (i.e., 24 h post-injection), and plasma osmolality, Na(+) and Cl(-) concentration and gill K(+)-pNPPase activity (a reflection of the sodium pump) were examined. Transfer from 1 ppt SW to SW resulted in significantly increased plasma osmolality, but did not affect gill K(+)-pNPPase activity. A single dose of E(2) (1, 2 and 5 microg g(-1)) prior to transfer from 1 ppt SW to SW increased plasma osmolality and decreased gill K(+)-pNPPase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Prolonged treatment with E(2) increased plasma osmolality and decreased gill K(+)-pNPPase activity in 1 ppt SW-adapted fish. Transfer of fish thus treated from 1 ppt SW to SW increased plasma osmolality and did not alter gill K(+)-pNPPase activity. Transfer from SW to 1 ppt SW had no significant effect on plasma osmolality or gill K(+)-pNPPase activity. Only the highest single dose of E(2) (5 microg g(-1)) prior to transfer from SW to 1 ppt SW decreased gill K(+)-pNPPase activity. Prolonged treatment with 2 microg g(-1) E(2) decreased gill K(+)-pNPPase activity only following transfer from SW to 1 ppt SW. The results substantiate an inhibitory action of E(2) on hypoosmoregulatory capacity in this euryhaline teleost.

Osmoregulatory action of 17β-estradiol in the gilthead sea breamSparus auratus

The osmoregulatory action of 17beta-estradiol (E2) was examined in the euryhaline teleost Sparus auratas. In a first set of experiments, fish were injected once with vegetable oil containing E2 (1, 2 and 5 microg/g body weight), transferred 12h after injection from sea water (SW, 38 ppt salinity) to hypersaline water (HSW, 55 ppt) or to brackish water (BW, 5 ppt salinity) and sampled 12h later (i.e. 24 h post-injection). In a second experiment, fish were injected intraperitoneally with coconut oil alone or containing E2 (10 microg/g body weight) and sampled after 5 days. In the same experiment, after 5 days of treatment, fish of each group were transferred to HSW, BW and SW and sampled 4 days later (9 days post-implant). Gill Na+,K+ -ATPase activity, plasma E2 levels, plasma osmolality, and plasma levels of ions (sodium and calcium), glucose, lactate, protein, triglyceride, and hepatosomatic index were examined. Transfer from SW to HSW produced no significant effects on any parameters assessed. E2 treatment did not affect any parameter. Transfer from SW to BW resulted in a significant decrease in plasma osmolality and plasma sodium but did not affect gill Na+,K+ -ATPase activity. A single dose of E2 attenuated the decrease in these parameters after transfer from SW to BW, but was without effect on gill Na+,K+ -ATPase activity. An implant of E2 (10 microg/g body weight) for 5 days significantly increased plasma calcium, hepatosomatic index, plasma metabolic parameters, and gill Na+,K+ -ATPase activity. In coconut oil-implanted (sham) fish, transfer from SW to HSW or BW during 4 days significantly elevated gill Na+,K+ -ATPase. Gill Na+,K+ -ATPase activity remained unaltered after transfer of E2-treated fish to HSW or BW. However, in E2-treated fish transferred from SW to SW (9 days in SW after E2-implant), gill Na+,K+ -ATPase activity decreased with respect to HSW- or BW-transferred fish. Shams transferred to HSW showed increased levels of lactate, protein, and trygliceride in plasma, while those transferred to BW only displayed increased trygliceride levels. E2-treated fish transferred to HSW showed higher protein levels without any change in other plasmatic parameters, while those transferred to BW displayed elevated plasma glucose levels but decreased osmolality and protein levels. These results substantiate a chronic stimulatory action of E2 on gill Na+,K+ -ATPase activity in the euryhaline teleost Sparus auratas.