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Crespo D, Fjelldal PG, Hansen TJ, Kjærner-Semb E, Skaftnesmo KO, Thorsen A, Norberg B, Edvardsen RB, Andersson E, Schulz RW, Wargelius A, Kleppe L. Loss of bmp15 function in the seasonal spawner Atlantic salmon results in ovulatory failure. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23837. [PMID: 39031536 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400370r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) is an oocyte-specific growth factor important for successful female reproduction in mammals. While mutations in BMP15/Bmp15 cause ovulatory deficiency and/or infertility in certain mammalian species, loss of bmp15 in zebrafish, a continuous spawner and the only bmp15 knockout model in fish to date, results in complete arrest of follicle development and later female-to-male sex reversal, preventing to examine effects on ovulation/fertilization. Here, we used Atlantic salmon, a seasonal spawner, and generated bmp15 mutants to investigate ovarian development and fertility. Histological and morphometric analyses revealed that in biallelic frameshift (bmp15 fs/fs) mutant ovaries, folliculogenesis started earlier, resulting in an advanced development compared to wild-type (WT) controls, accompanied by a weaker expression of the (early) oocyte-specific factor figla. This precocious ovarian development was followed in bmp15 fs/fs females by enhanced follicle atresia during vitellogenic stages. Although genes involved in steroid synthesis and signaling (star, cyp11b, cyp17a1 and esr1) were dramatically higher in late vitellogenic bmp15 fs/fs mutant ovaries, estradiol-17β plasma levels were lower than in WT counterparts, potentially reflecting compensatory changes at the level of ovarian gene expression. At spawning, bmp15 fs/fs females displayed lower gonado-somatic index values and reduced oocyte diameter, and the majority (71.4%), showed mature non-ovulating ovaries with a high degree of atresia. The remaining (28.6%) females spawned eggs but they either could not be fertilized or, upon fertilization, showed severe malformations and embryonic mortality. Our results show that Bmp15 is required for proper follicle recruitment and growth and later ovulatory success in Atlantic salmon, providing an alternative candidate target to induce sterility in farmed salmon. Moreover, since loss of bmp15 in salmon, in contrast to zebrafish, does not result in female-to-male sex change, this is the first mutant model in fish allowing further investigations on Bmp15-mediated functions in the ovulatory period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Crespo
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Per Gunnar Fjelldal
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Matre Research Station, Matredal, Norway
| | - Tom J Hansen
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Matre Research Station, Matredal, Norway
| | - Erik Kjærner-Semb
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kai Ove Skaftnesmo
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anders Thorsen
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Birgitta Norberg
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Haukanes, Norway
| | - Rolf B Edvardsen
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eva Andersson
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Wargelius
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lene Kleppe
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
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Bogevik AS, Krasnov A, Burgerhout E, Berge K, Martinsen I, Hoel E, Erik Dalva L, Kilane S, Eriksen Vold J, Aarhus B, Østbye TKK, Rosenlund G, Morken T. Effect of prolonged feeding of broodstock diet with increased inclusion of essential n-3 fatty acids on maturing and spawning performance in 3-year-old Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 348:114434. [PMID: 38142842 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) broodstock recruits are normally fed a specialized diet with a higher content of essential nutrients for a limited time period prior to fasting and transfer to freshwater. Typically, this period lasts for about six months, but may vary among producers. Reduced use of marine ingredients in commercial salmon diets during the last decades has affected the content of essential nutrients, such as n-3 long chained polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), minerals and vitamins. Furthermore, to minimize the risk of losses and implement new breeding achievements faster, breeding companies have shortened the production cycle of broodstock from 4 to 3 years, which may affect the number of fish that are large enough to mature. In the present study, we have extended the broodstock feeding period from 6 to 15 months prior to the freshwater transfer giving a higher content of n-3 LC-PUFA (higher inclusion of marine oils) from February to December (Phase 1), and thereafter a diet with a higher energy content to ensure growth towards the spring and maturation (Phase 2). Four sea cages with approximately 80.000 salmon postsmolt, two sea cages with males and two with females, were given a control diet and an experimental diet. Samples were taken in Phase 1 at start (1.7 kg), mid (3.4 kg) and end Phase 1/start of Phase 2 (8.3 kg), and end of Phase 2 (13.4 kg). The fish were thereafter fasted, and selected fish transferred to landbased freshwater tanks where light and temperature were used to manipulate the spawning time of the fish in two groups (early or late). Due to disease in the facility, measures of egg quality and hatching were only obtained from the early group. During the trial and spawning period, biometrical measurements were recorded, and samples of liver, gonad, fillet and red blood cells (RBC) were collected for fatty acid composition and blood plasma for analysis of lipid and health-related parameters. Samples were also collected for gonadal transcriptomic analysis by microarray and qPCR (end Phase 2) and plasma steroids (end Phase 2, mid maturation and spawning). Males fed the test diet had a larger body size compared to the control group at the end of Phase 2, while no differences were observed between dietary groups for the females. Total mortality in the trial was lower in the test group compared to the control, losses were caused mainly by sea lice treatments, loser fish or cardiomyopathy syndrome (CMS). The dietary LC-PUFA levels in the test diet were reflected in the tissues particularly during Phase 1, but only different in the fillet samples and eggs at the end of Phase 2 and at spawning. Plasma sex steroids content increased at mid maturation and showed lower levels of androgens and estrogens in females fed the test diet compared to the control. At the end of Phase 2, transcriptional analysis showed upregulation of steroidogenic enzymes, although not reflected in changes in plasma steroids in Phase 2, indicating changes to come during maturation. The differences in LC-PUFA content in tissues and plasma steroids did not appear to affect fecundity, sperm quality, egg survival or hatching rate, but the test group had larger eggs compared to the control in the early spawner-group. Prolonged feeding of n-3 LC-PUFA to pre-puberty Atlantic salmon broodstock appears to be important for higher survival in challenging sea cage environments and has an effect on sex steroid production that, together with high energy diet during early maturation, cause the test group to produce larger eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Eirik Hoel
- Skretting, P.O. Box 319, 4002 Stavanger, Norway
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Grethe Rosenlund
- Skretting Aquaculture Innovation, P.O. Box 48, 4001 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Thea Morken
- Skretting Aquaculture Innovation, P.O. Box 48, 4001 Stavanger, Norway
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Accustomed to the heat: Temperature and thyroid hormone influences on oogenesis and gonadal steroidogenesis pathways vary among populations of Amargosa pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis amargosae). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 272:111280. [PMID: 35902003 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Many fish experience diminished reproductive performance under atypically high or prolonged elevations of temperature. Such high temperature inhibition of reproduction comes about in part from altered stimulation of gametogenesis by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) endocrine axis. Elevated temperatures have also been shown to affect thyroid hormone (TH) signaling, and altered TH status under high temperatures may impact gametogenesis via crosstalk with HPG axis pathways. Here, we examined effects of temperature and 3'-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) on pathways for gonadal steroidogenesis and gametogenesis in Amargosa pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis amargosae) from two allopatric populations: 1) the Amargosa River - a highly variable temperature habitat, and 2) Tecopa Bore - an invariably warm groundwater-fed marsh. These populations were previously shown to differ in TH signaling profiles both in the wild and under common laboratory conditions. Sexually-mature pupfish from each population were maintained at 24 °C or 34 °C for 88 days, after which a subset of fish was treated with T3 for 18-24 h. In both populations, mRNA abundances for follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and luteinizing hormone receptor were higher in the ovary and testis at 24 °C compared to 34 °C. Females from Tecopa Bore - but not from the Amargosa River - also had greater ovarian transcript abundances for steroidogenic enzymes cytochrome P450 aromatase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase at 24 °C compared to 34 °C, as well as higher liver mRNA levels of vitellogenins and choriogenins at cooler temperature. Transcript abundances for estrogen receptors esr1, esr2a, and esr2b were reduced at 34 °C in Amargosa River females, but not in Tecopa Bore females. T3 augmented gonadal gene transcript levels for steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR) transporter in both sexes and populations. T3 also downregulated liver estrogen receptor mRNAs in females from the warmer Tecopa Bore habitat only, suggesting T3 modulation of liver E2 sensitivity as a possible mechanism whereby temperature-induced changes in TH status may contribute to shifts in thermal sensitivity for oogenesis.
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Nobata S, Kitagawa T, Houki S, Ito M, Aoki Y, Sato K, Hyodo S. Relationships between maturational status and migration behavior of homing chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta in inner bays of the Sanriku coast. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 313:113896. [PMID: 34499908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The correlations among gonad maturity and various homing behaviors of chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta, were evaluated using acoustic tracking of tagged fish in Otsuchi Bay, Japan. There was a negative correlation between the time duration from release of tagged fish until river entry and the plasma 17α, 20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) levels, an indicator of final maturation. Females with high DHP entered the rivers soon after the release, whereas females with low DHP (<10 ng/ml) took a few days to more than one week until river entry. Similar correlation was also found in males. A pattern of river entry correlated with maturational conditions was also observed in fish entering the rivers of neighboring bays. DHP concentrations of fish caught in the rivers were consistently higher. On the other hand, more than half of released salmon departed from the bay regardless of their plasma DHP level, suggesting that maturational status does not force homing adults to enter the most available nearest rivers. Fish entering the rivers experienced ambient temperatures less than 8 °C, which is approximately 5 °C lower than that of the bay. These results indicate that homing salmon hold their position in the bay until just before spawning, which may be attributable to low temperature avoidance. This characteristic type of river entry may be suitable to geographical features and thermal regimes of this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigenori Nobata
- Division of Bioscience, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8564, Japan.
| | - Takashi Kitagawa
- International Coastal Research Center, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 1-19-8, Akahama, Otsuchi, Kamihei, Iwate 028-1102, Japan
| | - Shouji Houki
- International Coastal Research Center, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 1-19-8, Akahama, Otsuchi, Kamihei, Iwate 028-1102, Japan
| | - Motohiro Ito
- International Coastal Research Center, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 1-19-8, Akahama, Otsuchi, Kamihei, Iwate 028-1102, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Aoki
- International Coastal Research Center, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 1-19-8, Akahama, Otsuchi, Kamihei, Iwate 028-1102, Japan
| | - Katsufumi Sato
- Division of Bioscience, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8564, Japan; International Coastal Research Center, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 1-19-8, Akahama, Otsuchi, Kamihei, Iwate 028-1102, Japan
| | - Susumu Hyodo
- Division of Bioscience, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8564, Japan
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Butzge AJ, Yoshinaga TT, Acosta ODM, Fernandino JI, Sanches EA, Tabata YA, de Oliveira C, Takahashi NS, Hattori RS. Early warming stress on rainbow trout juveniles impairs male reproduction but contrastingly elicits intergenerational thermotolerance. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17053. [PMID: 34426625 PMCID: PMC8382822 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96514-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The exposure of adult fish to warm or high temperatures is known to impair reproduction, yet the long-term reproductive impacts for treatments at early life are not well clarified. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of warm temperature (WT) during juvenile stage on gonad maturation, gamete quality, and offspring thermotolerance in rainbow trout. While the comparison of basic reproductive parameters in WT females did not reveal any kind of impairment, many WT males showed an atrophied, undeveloped gonad, or a smaller testis with lower milt volume; sperm quality parameters in WT males and deformity rates in the respective progeny were also highly affected. However, despite of such negative effects, many of the remaining progeny presented better rates of survival and growth when exposed to the same conditions as those of parental fish (WT), suggesting that thermal stress in parr stage males elicited intergenerational thermotolerance after a single generation. The present results support that prolonged warming stress during early life stages can adversely affect key reproductive aspects, but contrastingly increase offspring performance at upper thermal ranges. These findings have implications on the capacity of fish to adapt and to cope with global warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Juliano Butzge
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Tulio Teruo Yoshinaga
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Omar David Moreno Acosta
- Laboratorio de Biología del Desarrollo, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas/Universidad Nacional de San Martín (CONICET/UNSAM), 7130, Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Juan Ignacio Fernandino
- Laboratorio de Biología del Desarrollo, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas/Universidad Nacional de San Martín (CONICET/UNSAM), 7130, Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Antônio Sanches
- Fishery Engineering Course and Aquaculture Centre (CAUNESP), São Paulo State University, Registro, 11900-000, Brazil
| | - Yara Aiko Tabata
- Salmonid Experimental Station At Campos Do Jordão, UPD-CJ (APTA/SAA), Campos do Jordão, 12460-000, Brazil
| | - Claudio de Oliveira
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Neuza Sumico Takahashi
- Centro de Pesquisa de Aquicultura, Sao Paulo Fisheries Institute (APTA/SAA), São Paulo, 05001-900, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Shohei Hattori
- Salmonid Experimental Station At Campos Do Jordão, UPD-CJ (APTA/SAA), Campos do Jordão, 12460-000, Brazil.
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Alix M, Kjesbu OS, Anderson KC. From gametogenesis to spawning: How climate-driven warming affects teleost reproductive biology. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 97:607-632. [PMID: 32564350 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Ambient temperature modulates reproductive processes, especially in poikilotherms such as teleosts. Consequently, global warming is expected to impact the reproductive function of fish, which has implications for wild population dynamics, fisheries and aquaculture. In this extensive review spanning tropical and cold-water environments, we examine the impact of higher-than-optimal temperatures on teleost reproductive development and physiology across reproductive stages, species, generations and sexes. In doing so, we demonstrate that warmer-than-optimal temperatures can affect every stage of reproductive development from puberty through to the act of spawning, and these responses are mediated by age at spawning and are associated with changes in physiology at multiple levels of the brain-pituitary-gonad axis. Response to temperature is often species-specific and changes with environmental history/transgenerational conditioning, and the amplitude, timing and duration of thermal exposure within a generation. Thermally driven changes to physiology, gamete development and maturation typically culminate in poor sperm and oocyte quality, and/or advancement/delay/inhibition of ovulation/spermiation and spawning. Although the field of teleost reproduction and temperature is advanced in many respects, we identify areas where research is lacking, especially for males and egg quality from "omics" perspectives. Climate-driven warming will continue to disturb teleost reproductive performance and therefore guide future research, especially in the emerging areas of transgenerational acclimation and epigenetic studies, which will help to understand and project climate change impacts on wild populations and could also have implications for aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Alix
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Kelli C Anderson
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania Newnham Campus, Newnham, Tasmania, Australia
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Koya Y, Fujii R, Tahara D, Yambe H, Natsumeda T. Effects of preventing a temperature decrease during winter on reproduction of male small-egged Kajika, Cottus pollux SE. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2020; 46:1243-1253. [PMID: 32166614 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-020-00787-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the effects of preventing temperature decrease on the reproductive activity of the male cold-water teleost, Cottus pollux SE, testicular development, serum 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) levels, and physiological responses associated with nesting behavior (i.e., elevation of serum 11-KT levels and accumulation of urine in the urinary bladder) were observed from November to January. Specifically, males were exposed to three different cooling regimes (control, 16 to 6 °C; H1, 16 to 11 °C; H2, 16 to 14 °C), and the results were compared. In addition, the effects of temperature on male reproductive behavior were also clarified. At higher water temperature regimes, the rate of testicular development and serum 11-KT levels were both higher from November to mid-December than from mid-December to January. However, the results showed that high water temperature regimes in the coldest period of winter did not suppress spermatogenesis completely. Conversely, the physiological responses to nesting were affected by high water temperatures, with serum 11-KT levels increasing and urine accumulation in the urinary bladder being suppressed. Furthermore, frequencies of two behaviors associated with nesting, i.e., body undulation and face displays, were also suppressed under high water temperatures (~ 14 °C) compared with normal temperatures (~ 7 °C) during the breeding season. Based on the physiological and behavioral responses to nesting, findings showed that preventing a water temperature decrease during winter suppresses reproductive activity in Cottus pollux SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunori Koya
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, Gifu University, Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.
| | - Ryoji Fujii
- Gifu Prefectural Research Institute for Fisheries and Aquatic Environments, Hagiwara, Gero, 509-2517, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tahara
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Fukui Prefectural University, 1-1 Gakuen Obama, Fukui, 917-0003, Japan
| | - Hidenobu Yambe
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido, 099-2493, Japan
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Naeve I, Mommens M, Arukwe A, Virtanen J, Hoque ME, Kjørsvik E. Ultrasound as a noninvasive tool for monitoring reproductive physiology in male Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Physiol Rep 2020; 7:e14167. [PMID: 31286664 PMCID: PMC6640606 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined the potential for ultrasound as a noninvasive tool for maturation monitoring in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) males. Ultrasound examination and measurements were compared to common practices for maturation monitoring such as gonadosomatic index (GSI), sex hormone analysis, and histological analysis of spermatogenesis. There were significant correlations (R2 = 0.68, P < 0.01) between ultrasound‐based measurements of the left testis and total testes weight and GSI, and ultrasound could be used for noninvasive GSI measurements. Echogenicity of ultrasound images corresponded to the histological stages observed, which added nuance to ultrasound‐based GSI measurements during final weeks preceding stripping. We propose that ultrasound can be used as an alternative to more invasive methods for sexual maturation monitoring in wild and farmed Atlantic salmon males. Using ultrasound technology, we have established a quick and noninvasive method that could reduce the number of stressful handlings and unwanted sacrifice of broodfish required for maturation monitoring in Atlantic salmon males.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jonni Virtanen
- Department of Biology, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway.,Clewer Aquaculture Oy, Turku, Finland
| | - Md Enamul Hoque
- Department of Biology, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Oceanography, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
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9
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Bogevik AS, Hayman ES, Bjerke MT, Dessen JE, Rørvik KA, Luckenbach JA. Phospholipid and LC-PUFA metabolism in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) testes during sexual maturation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233322. [PMID: 32469895 PMCID: PMC7259613 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of dietary lipids in male reproduction are not as well understood as in females, in which dietary lipids, such as phospholipids (PL) and associated fatty acids (FA), are important structural components of the eggs and provide energy for their offspring. In mammals, lipids are suggested to be important for spermatogenesis and to structural components of the spermatozoa that could improve fertilization rates. New knowledge of how lipids affect sexual maturation in male Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), an important global aquaculture species, could provide tools to delay maturation and/or improve reproductive success. Therefore, changes in testicular composition of lipids and gene transcripts associated with spermatogenesis and lipid metabolism were studied in sexually maturing male salmon compared to immature males and females. An increase in total testis content of FA and PL, and a shift to higher PL composition was observed in maturing males, concomitant with increases in mRNA levels for genes involved in spermatogenesis, FA uptake and synthesis, and production of long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and PL. A particularly interesting finding was elevated testis expression of acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (acsl4), and acyl-CoA thioesterase 2 (acot2), critical enzymes that regulate intra-mitochondrial levels of 20:4n-6 FA (arachidonic acid), which have been associated with improved cholesterol transport during steroidogenesis. This suggested that FA may have direct effects on sex steroid production in salmon. Furthermore, we observed increased testis expression of genes for endogenous synthesis of 16:0 and elongation/desaturation to 22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid) in sexually maturing males relative to immature fish. Both of these FA are important structural components of the PL, phosphatidylcholine (PC), and were elevated concomitant with increases in the content of phosphatidic acid, an important precursor for PC, in maturing males compared to immature fish. Overall, this study suggests that, similar to mammals, lipids are important to spermatogenesis and serve as structural components during testicular growth and maturation in Atlantic salmon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edward S. Hayman
- Ocean Associates Inc., Under Contract to Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | | | - Kjell-Arne Rørvik
- Division Aquaculture, Nofima AS, Ås, Norway
- Department of Animal and Aquaculture Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - J. Adam Luckenbach
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
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10
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Wu H, Saito Y, Yoshiura Y, Ohnuki H, Endo H. Development of an enzyme-functionalized immunosensor for measuring maturation-inducing hormone in fish. Biochem Eng J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2019.107460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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11
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Schulz RW, Taranger GL, Bogerd J, Nijenhuis W, Norberg B, Male R, Andersson E. Entry into puberty is reflected in changes in hormone production but not in testicular receptor expression in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:48. [PMID: 31226998 PMCID: PMC6588918 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Puberty in male Atlantic salmon in aquaculture can start as early as after the first winter in seawater, stunts growth and entails welfare problems due to the maturation-associated loss of osmoregulation capacity in seawater. A better understanding of the regulation of puberty is the basis for developing improved cultivation approaches that avoid these problems. Our aim here was to identify morphological and molecular markers signaling the initiation of, and potential involvement in, testis maturation. METHODS In the first experiment, we monitored for the first time in large Atlantic salmon males several reproductive parameters during 17 months including the first reproductive cycle. Since testicular growth accelerated after the Winter solstice, we focused in the second experiment on the 5 months following the winter solstice, exposing fish from February 1 onwards to the natural photoperiod (NL) or to continuous additional light (LL). RESULTS In the first experiment, testis weight, plasma androgens and pituitary gonadotropin transcript levels increased with the appearance of type B spermatogonia in the testis, but testicular transcript levels for gonadotropin or androgen receptors did not change while being clearly detectable. In the second experiment, all males kept under NL had been recruited into puberty until June. However, recruitment into puberty was blocked in ~ 40% of the males exposed to LL. The first morphological sign of recruitment was an increased proliferation activity of single spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. Irrespective of the photoperiod, this early sign of testis maturation was accompanied by elevated pituitary gnrhr4 and fshb and testicular igf3 transcript levels as well as increased plasma androgen levels. The transition into puberty occurred again with stable testicular gonadotropin and androgen receptor transcript levels. CONCLUSIONS The sensitivity to reproductive hormones is already established before puberty starts and up-regulation of testicular hormone receptor expression is not required to facilitate entry into puberty. The increased availability of receptor ligands, on the other hand, may result from an up-regulation of pituitary Gnrh receptor expression, eventually activating testicular growth factor and sex steroid release and driving germ and Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rüdiger W Schulz
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, P.O.Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Geir Lasse Taranger
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, P.O.Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Nijenhuis
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Birgitta Norberg
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, P.O.Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rune Male
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eva Andersson
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, P.O.Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway.
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12
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Naeve I, Mommens M, Arukwe A, Kjørsvik E. Ultrasound as a noninvasive tool for monitoring reproductive physiology in female Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Physiol Rep 2019; 6:e13640. [PMID: 29732739 PMCID: PMC5936688 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aiming to explore ultrasound technology as a noninvasive method for maturation monitoring, we compared ultrasound observations and measurements in female Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) during the last year before ovulation with standard, invasive methods such as gonadosomatic index (GSI), gonad histology and sex hormone analysis. Ultrasound measurements of ovaries correlated strongly (R > 0.9, P < 0.01) with ovary weight and GSI, and could be used as a noninvasive tool for GSI estimation. Using ultrasound, we were able to identify females with advanced oocyte development and elevated sex hormone and GSI levels earlier than previously observed. Histological studies confirmed these observations showing oocyte yolk accumulation 10 months before ovulation and 8 months before significant increase in sex hormones. Levels of the sex hormone 11‐keto testosterone (11‐KT) indicated a new role of this hormone at final maturation in salmon females. We propose the use of ultrasound as an alternative method to traditionally used invasive methods during sexual maturation monitoring in wild and farmed Atlantic salmon broodstock populations. Eliminating sacrifice of valuable broodfish, and reducing handling stress, would improve animal welfare in present‐day broodstock management.
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13
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Ayllon F, Solberg MF, Glover KA, Mohammadi F, Kjærner-Semb E, Fjelldal PG, Andersson E, Hansen T, Edvardsen RB, Wargelius A. The influence of vgll3 genotypes on sea age at maturity is altered in farmed mowi strain Atlantic salmon. BMC Genet 2019; 20:44. [PMID: 31060499 PMCID: PMC6501413 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-019-0745-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Atlantic salmon in the wild, age at maturity is strongly influenced by the vgll3 locus. Under farming conditions, light, temperature and feeding regimes are known significantly advance or delay age at maturity. However, the potential influence of the vgll3 locus on the maturation of salmon reared under farming conditions has been rarely investigated, especially in females. RESULTS Here, we reared domesticated salmon (mowi strain) with different vgll3 genotypes under standard farming conditions until they matured at either one, two or more than two sea winters. Interestingly, and in contrast to previous findings in the wild, we were not able to identify a link between vgll3 and age at maturity in females when reared under farming conditions. For males however, we found that the probability of delaying maturation from one to two sea winters was significantly lower in fish homozygous for the early allele compared to homozygous fish for the late allele, while the probability for heterozygous fish was intermediate. These data also contrast to previous findings in the wild where the early allele has been reported as dominant. However, we found that the probability of males delaying maturation from two to three sea winters was regulated in the same manner as the wild. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data suggest that increased growth rates in mowi salmon, caused by high feed intake and artificial light and temperature regimes together with other possible genetic/epigenetic components, may significantly influence the impact that the vgll3 locus has on age at maturity, especially in females. In turn, our results show that the vgll3 locus can only to a large extent be used in selective breeding to control age at maturation in mowi males. In summary, we here show that in contrast to the situation in wild salmon, under farming conditions vgll3 does not seem to influence age at maturity in mowi females whereas in mowi males, maturing as one or two sea winters it alters the early allele effect from dominant to intermediate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Ayllon
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Monica F Solberg
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kevin A Glover
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway.,Institute of Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Faezeh Mohammadi
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Erik Kjærner-Semb
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Per Gunnar Fjelldal
- Institute of Marine research (IMR), Matre Aquaculture Research Station, 5984, Matredal, Norway
| | - Eva Andersson
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tom Hansen
- Institute of Marine research (IMR), Matre Aquaculture Research Station, 5984, Matredal, Norway
| | - Rolf B Edvardsen
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anna Wargelius
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway.
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14
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Firkus T, Rahel FJ, Bergman HL, Cherrington BD. Warmed Winter Water Temperatures Alter Reproduction in Two Fish Species. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 61:291-303. [PMID: 29124337 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-017-0954-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We examined the spawning success of Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas) and Johnny Darters (Etheostoma nigrum) exposed to elevated winter water temperatures typical of streams characterized by anthropogenic thermal inputs. When Fathead Minnows were exposed to temperature treatments of 12, 16, or 20 °C during the winter, spawning occurred at 16 and 20 °C but not 12 °C. Eggs were deposited over 9 weeks before winter spawning ceased. Fathead Minnows from the three winter temperature treatments were then exposed to a simulated spring transition. Spawning occurred at all three temperature treatments during the spring, but fish from the 16° and 20 °C treatment had delayed egg production indicating a latent effect of warm winter temperatures on spring spawning. mRNA analysis of the egg yolk protein vitellogenin showed elevated expression in female Fathead Minnows at 16 and 20 °C during winter spawning that decreased after winter spawning ceased, whereas Fathead Minnows at 12 °C maintained comparatively low expression during winter. Johnny Darters were exposed to 4 °C to represent winter temperatures in the absence of thermal inputs, and 12, 16, and 20 °C to represent varying degrees of winter thermal pollution. Johnny Darters spawned during winter at 12, 16, and 20 °C but not at 4 °C. Johnny Darters at 4 °C subsequently spawned following a simulated spring period while those at 12, 16, and 20 °C did not. Our results indicate elevated winter water temperatures common in effluent-dominated streams can promote out-of-season spawning and that vitellogenin expression is a useful indicator of spawning readiness for fish exposed to elevated winter temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Firkus
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA.
| | - Frank J Rahel
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA
| | - Harold L Bergman
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA
| | - Brian D Cherrington
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA
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