High ammonia tolerance in fishes of the family Batrachoididae (Toadfish and Midshipmen)

Differences in gene expression between high and low tolerance rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to acute thermal stress

Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the adaptive response of ectotherms to rising temperatures is key to mitigate the effects of climate change. We assessed the molecular and physiological processes that differentiate between rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with high and low tolerance to acute thermal stress. To achieve our goal, we used a critical thermal maximum trial in two strains of rainbow trout to elicit loss of equilibrium responses to identify high and low tolerance fish. We then compared the hepatic transcriptome profiles of high and low tolerance fish relative to untreated controls common to both strains to uncover patterns of differential gene expression and to gain a broad perspective on the interacting gene pathways and functional processes involved. We observed some of the classic responses to increased temperature (e.g., induction of heat shock proteins) but these responses were not the defining factors that differentiated high and low tolerance fish. Instead, high tolerance fish appeared to suppress growth-related functions, enhance certain autophagy components, better regulate neurodegenerative processes, and enhance stress-related protein synthesis, specifically spliceosomal complex activities, mRNA regulation, and protein processing through post-translational processes, relative to low tolerance fish. In contrast, low tolerance fish had higher transcript diversity and demonstrated elevated developmental, cytoskeletal, and morphogenic, as well as lipid and carbohydrate metabolic processes, relative to high tolerance fish. Our results suggest that high tolerance fish engaged in processes that supported the prevention of further damage by enhancing repair pathways, whereas low tolerance fish were more focused on replacing damaged cells and their structures.

Long-read de novo genome assembly of Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta)

BACKGROUND

The family Batrachoididae are a group of ecologically important teleost fishes with unique life histories, behavior, and physiology that has made them popular model organisms. Batrachoididae remain understudied in the realm of genomics, with only four reference genome assemblies available for the family, with three being highly fragmented and not up to current assembly standards. Among these is the Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta, a model organism for serotonin physiology which has recently been bred in captivity.

RESULTS

Here we present a new, de novo genome and transcriptome assemblies for the Gulf toadfish using PacBio long read technology. The genome size of the final assembly is 2.1 gigabases, which is among the largest teleost genomes. This new assembly improves significantly upon the currently available reference for Opsanus beta with a final scaffold count of 62, of which 23 are chromosome scale, an N50 of 98,402,768, and a BUSCO completeness score of 97.3%. Annotation with ab initio and transcriptome-based methods generated 41,076 gene models. The genome is highly repetitive, with ~ 70% of the genome composed of simple repeats and transposable elements. Satellite DNA analysis identified potential telomeric and centromeric regions.

CONCLUSIONS

This improved assembly represents a valuable resource for future research using this important model organism and to teleost genomics more broadly.

Fine Mapping of QTLs for Alkaline Tolerance in Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus) Using Genome-Wide SNP Markers

Crucian carp (Carassius auratus) is widely distributed in the world and has become an economically freshwater fish. The population in Lake Dali Nur can tolerate the extreme alkaline environment with alkalinity over 50 mmol/L (pH 9.6), thus providing a special model for exploring alkali-tolerant molecular markers in an extremely alkaline environment. In this study, we constructed a high-density and high-resolution linkage map with 16,224 SNP markers based on genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) consisting of 152 progenies and conducted QTL studies for alkali-tolerant traits. The total length of the linkage map was 3918.893 cM, with an average distance of 0.241 cM. Two QTLs for the ammonia-N-tolerant trait were detected on LG27 and LG45. A QTL for the urea-N-tolerant trait was detected on LG27. Interestingly, mapping the two QTLs on LG27 revealed that the mapped genes were both located in the intron of CDC42. GO functional annotation and KEGG enrichment analysis results indicated that the biological functions might be involved in the cell cycle, cellular senescence, MAPK, and Ras signaling pathways. These findings suggest that CDC42 may play an important role in the process of dealing with extremely alkaline environments.

Combined effects of ammonia-N exposure and salinity changes on hematological and serum biochemical factors and thyroid hormones in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The aim of this research was to evaluate the interaction effects of ammonia-N levels and salinity on hematological and serum biochemical parameters in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The fish were randomly divided into 12 treatments including the levels of salinity (0, 4, 8 and 12 ppt) and 0, 50% of LC50-96 h of ammonia-N and 30% of LC50-96 h of ammonia-N in a factorial design (4 salinity levels x 3 ammonia levels). Hemoglobin value in all treatments, except for salinity treatments, namely 2, 3, 4, showed a significant decrease than the control (0 ppt and no poisoning). Also, red blood cells in treatment ammonia-N levels were significantly less than the control. Serum protein concentration, in treatments 9 (50% of LC50-96 h of ammonia-N) and 5 and also with increasing salinity (treatments 2, 3 and 4) had a significant decrease compared to the control. There is a significant increase in serum glucose, cortisol, ammonia and urea levels in 50% and 30% of LC50-96 h of ammonia-N treatments compared to the control, meanwhile these parameters were significantly increased with increasing salinity. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3 and T4 levels in acute and sub-acute ammonia-N treatments were significantly lower than the control. Moreover, with increasing salinity in 50% and 30% of LC50-96 h of ammonia-N treatments, TSH showed a decreasing pattern. According to the results, fluctuations in blood biochemical factors, increase of stress and decrease of thyroid hormones show that the salinity, ammonia, and their interaction caused adverse effects on fish health during the 96 h of testing.

Responses of medaka (Oryzias latipes) ammonia production and excretion to overcome acidified environments

Anthropogenic acidification of water is an on-going environmental disaster for freshwater fishes. Fishes rely on ammonia excretion to eliminate the excess acid and mitigate the harmful effects; however, it remains largely unknown how ammoniagenesis occurs and is coordinated with ammonia excretion upon acidic stress. Medaka (Oryzias latipes) was used to examine the effects of acidic stress on ammonia production and excretion. We reveal an undiscovered ammonia-producing cell type that is rich in glutaminase (GLS) and located adjacent to the ammonia-excreting ionocytes, Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger (NHE) cells, in the gills. The gills, comparing with other ammoniagenetic organs, is the quickest to respond to the acidic stress by triggering GLS-dependent ammonia production. The unique division of labor between GLS and NHE cells in the gills allows medaka to simultaneously upregulate GLS activity and ammonia excretion shortly after exposure to acidic environments. Pharmacological experiment with a GLS inhibitor abolished the activated ammonia excretion, further suggesting the essential role of the unique feature in the responses to acidic stress. Our study shades light on a novel physiological mechanism to timely and efficiently mitigate adverse effects of acidification, providing a new way to assess the impact of on-going environmental acidification on fish.

Dietary N-carbamylglutamate supplementation improves ammonia tolerance of juvenile yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco

Introduction: Ammonia has been of concern for its high toxicity to animals. N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) can reduce blood ammonia levels in mammals, but studies on ammonia tolerance in fish are insufficient. Methods: Juvenile yellow catfish were fed two levels of NCG (0.00% and 0.05%) for 84 days under three ammonia levels (0.00, 0.08, and 0.16 mg/L NH₃). Results and Discussion: The results showed that survival rate (SUR), final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), and serum total protein (TP), triglycerides (TG), glucose (Glu), ornithine (Orn), citrulline (Cit) contents, and liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), arginase (ARG), ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) activities decreased with the increase of ammonia levels, on the contrary, feed conversion ratio (FCR), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and serum ammonia, urea, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamine (Gln), arginine (Arg) contents, and liver malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL) 1, IL 8 contents, and mRNA expressions of cu/zn sod, cat, gpx, gr, tnf ɑ, il 1, and il 8 were significantly increased. Dietary 0.05% NCG supplementation had higher SUR, FBW, WG, feed intake (FI), whole-body protein, and serum TP, total cholesterol (TC), Glu, citrulline (Cit) contents, and liver SOD, GPx, argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS), argininosuccinate lyase (ASL), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activities compared to 0.00% NCG group, but had lower serum ammonia, urea, ALT, AST, Gln, Arg contents, and liver MDA, TNF, IL 1, IL 8 contents, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity. At the end of bacterial challenge, cumulative mortality (CM) increased with ammonia levels increased, but serum antibody titer (AT), lysozyme (LYZ) activity, 50% hemolytic complement, immunoglobulin (Ig) contents, respiratory burst (RB), phagocytic indices decreased with ammonia levels increased. CM in 0.05% NCG group was lower than that in 0.00% NCG group, but serum AT, LYZ activity, Ig content, RB in 0.05% NCG group were significantly higher. The correlation analysis found that iNOS was positively correlated with ASS activity. This study indicates that dietary NCG supplementation can improve the ammonia tolerance of yellow catfish, and ASS may also be the target of NCG to activate the urea cycle.

Reproductive colonization of land by frogs: Embryos and larvae excrete urea to avoid ammonia toxicity

Vertebrate colonization of land has occurred multiple times, including over 50 origins of terrestrial eggs in frogs. Some environmental factors and phenotypic responses that facilitated these transitions are known, but responses to water constraints and risk of ammonia toxicity during early development are poorly understood. We tested if ammonia accumulation and dehydration risk induce a shift from ammonia to urea excretion during early stages of four anurans, from three origins of terrestrial development. We quantified ammonia and urea concentrations during early development on land, under well-hydrated and dry conditions. Where we found urea excretion, we tested for a plastic increase under dry conditions and with ammonia accumulation in developmental environments. We assessed the potential adaptive role of urea excretion by comparing ammonia tolerance measured in 96h-LC50 tests with ammonia levels in developmental environments. Ammonia accumulated in foam nests and perivitelline fluid, increasing over development and reaching higher concentrations under dry conditions. All four species showed high ammonia tolerance, compared to fishes and aquatic-breeding frogs. Both nest-dwelling larvae of Leptodactylus fragilis and late embryos of Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni excreted urea, showing a plastic increase under dry conditions. These two species can develop the longest on land and urea excretion appears adaptive, preventing their exposure to potentially lethal levels of ammonia. Neither late embryos of Agalychnis callidryas nor nest-dwelling larvae of Engystomops pustulosus experienced toxic ammonia levels under dry conditions, and neither excreted urea. Our results suggest that an early onset of urea excretion, its increase under dry conditions, and elevated ammonia tolerance can all help prevent ammonia toxicity during terrestrial development. High ammonia represents a general risk for development which may be exacerbated as climate change increases dehydration risk for terrestrial-breeding frogs. It may also be a cue that elicits adaptive physiological responses during early development.

Transcriptome analysis of the effect of high-temperature on nutrient metabolism in juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

To investigate the variations in gene expression in grass carp under high-temperature stress, two libraries were constructed from a high-temperature treatment group (T33) and a control group (T27) and sequenced using Illumina sequencing technology. The results showed that sequencing generated a total of 279,398,348 raw reads, approximately 40.7-51.8 M clean reads were obtained from each library, and the percentage of uniquely mapped transcripts ranged from 80.13 to 84.58%. A total of 260 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified under high-temperature stress, among which 84 genes were upregulated and 176 genes were downregulated. Ten DEGs were randomly selected for quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, and the results confirmed that the transcriptome analysis was reliable. Furthermore, the DEGs were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, and the results showed that most of the DEGs were involved in protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Moreover, plasma urea nitrogen (Urea) and triglyceride (TG) contents were significantly lower in the high-temperature treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.01). In summary, these results indicated that high-temperature stress could inhibit protein synthesis, decrease fatty acid synthesis, and weaken carbohydrate metabolism in juvenile grass carp.

Effects of acute ammonia exposure on antioxidant and detoxification metabolism in clam Cyclina sinensis

To investigate the defensive strategies of clam Cyclina sinensis in response to environmental ammonia exposure, we investigate the 96 h median lethal concentration (LC₅₀-96 h) and the 96 h safe concentration (SC) of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) for C. sinensis, and on the basis we examined glutamine synthetase (GS) activity, glutamine content, urea content and the antioxidant enzyme activities of super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in 96 h at three different levels of TAN as 0 (control), 73.94 (T1) and 227.04 mg/L (T2). Results showed that LC₅₀-96 h and SC for C. sinensis were 65.79 and 6.58 mg/L, respectively. The LC₅₀-96 h and SC of NH₃ were 1.70 and 0.17 mg/L, respectively. Ammonia exposure had significantly effects on SOD and CAT activities in the hepatopancreas tissue. Both the level of SOD activity and CAT activity increased with increasing concentration of TAN. No significant differences between T1 and T2 were found in GS activity from 3 h to 96 h after exposed to ammonia, whereas they were significantly higher than those in the control. Both the level of glutamine content in T1 and T2 increased significantly from 6 h to 24 h after exposed to ammonia and they were significantly higher than those in the control. There were no significantly differences were found in the level of urea concentration between T1 and T2 from 6 h to 96 h, while they were significantly higher those in the control. In conclusion, enhancing hepatopancreas antioxidant responses as well as converting ammonia into glutamine and urea worked in combination to allow C. sinensi to defend against acute ammonia exposure.

Skeletal Muscle and the Effects of Ammonia Toxicity in Fish, Mammalian, and Avian Species: A Comparative Review Based on Molecular Research

Typically, mammalian and avian models have been used to examine the effects of ammonia on skeletal muscle. Hyperammonemia causes sarcopenia or muscle wasting, in mammals and has been linked to sarcopenia in liver disease patients. Avian models of skeletal muscle have responded positively to hyperammonemia, differing from the mammalian response. Fish skeletal muscle has not been examined as extensively as mammalian and avian muscle. Fish skeletal muscle shares similarities with avian and mammalian muscle but has notable differences in growth, fiber distribution, and response to the environment. The wide array of body sizes and locomotion needs of fish also leads to greater diversity in muscle fiber distribution and growth between different fish species. The response of fish muscle to high levels of ammonia is important for aquaculture and quality food production but has not been extensively studied to date. Understanding the differences between fish, mammalian and avian species’ myogenic response to hyperammonemia could lead to new therapies for muscle wasting due to a greater understanding of the mechanisms behind skeletal muscle regulation and how ammonia effects these mechanisms. This paper provides an overview of fish skeletal muscle and ammonia excretion and toxicity in fish, as well as a comparison to avian and mammalian species.

Survival strategies of Wuchang bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) juveniles for chronic ammonia exposure: Antioxidant defense and the synthesis of urea and glutamine

This study aimed to explore how Wuchang bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) survive and defend against the toxicity of ambient total ammonia nitrogen (0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 mg/L TA-N) during 30-day exposure. As a result, hepatic malondialdehyde and protein carbonylation as well as histopathological alterations increased with increasing TA-N level, which suggested that chronic ammonia exposure caused oxidative stress and damage in the liver of fish. Meanwhile, the activities of hepatic total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) as well as the mRNA expression of Cu/Zn sod, cat, gpx and g6pd were elevated significantly along with significant reduction of glutathione (GSH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) (P < 0.05). These results indicated that hepatic antioxidant responses were activated to alleviate oxidative damages induced by ammonia, in which lower-concentration ammonia only initiate SOD-CAT-GR-G6PDH defense and higher ammonia activated the SOD-CAT-GPx-GSH-GR-G6PDH antioxidant response. In addition, significant increases of serum urea and hepatic ammonia, urea, glutamine, arginase as well as glutamine synthetase were detected with the increase of TA-N (P < 0.05), while serum ammonia levels kept stable (P > 0.05). The present findings further revealed that ammonia could be detoxified directly into glutamine and urea in Wuchang bream to cope with ammonia exposure. In conclusion, under chronic ammonia exposure, enhanced hepatic antioxidant responses as well as increased urea and glutamine synthesis worked in combination to allow Megalobrama amblycephala to defend against environmental ammonia toxicity.

Exposure to acute ammonia stress influences survival, immune response and antioxidant status of pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) pretreated with diverse levels of inositol

The effect of acute ammonia challenge on survival, immune response and antioxidant status of Litopenaeus vannamei pretreated with diets containing different inositol levels was investigated. Shrimp (initial mean weight 0.40 ± 0.00 g) were randomly allocated in 18 tanks (30 shrimp per tank) and triplicate tanks were fed with a control diet without myo-inositol (MI) supplementation (242.6 mg inositol kg^-1 diet) or diets containing diverse levels of inositol (368.8, 459.7, 673.1, 993.8 and 1674.4  mg kg^-1 diet) as treatment groups for 8-week. Randomly selected 10 shrimp per tank (final mean weight approximately 11.1-13.8g) were exposed to ammonia stress (total ammonia-nitrogen, 60.21  mg L^-1) for 24 h after feeding trial. The results showed that after exposed to ammonia stress, survival rates of MI-supplemented groups were enhanced by 31-77% when compared with the control group. MI supplementation increased activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in plasma, and reduced its activities in hepatopancreas. It also enhanced activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and content of reduced glutathione (GSH), and lowered malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) content in plasma or hepatopancreas. In addition, mRNA expression levels of ferritin (FT), arginine kinase (AK), thioredoxin (Trx), heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), catalase (CAT) and peroxiredoxin (Prx) were significantly differentially regulated in hepatopancreas owing to MI supplementation. Therefore, it suggested that L. vannamei pretreated with higher dietary inositol content may have better ammonia stress tolerance and antioxidant status after ammonia stress, and the optimum levels ranged from 459.7 to 993.8 mg inositol kg^-1 when total ammonia-nitrogen concentration was 60.21  mg L^-1.

Physiological insights into largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) survival during long-term exposure to high environmental ammonia

Waterborne ammonia is an environmental pollutant that is toxic to all aquatic animals. However, ammonia induced toxicity as well as compensatory mechanisms to defend against high environmental ammonia (HEA) are not well documented at present for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), a high value fish for culture and sport fisheries in the United States. To provide primary information on the sensitivity of this species to ammonia toxicity, a 96 h-LC₅₀ test was conducted. Thereafter, responses at physiological, ion-regulatory and transcript levels were determined to get insights into the underlying adaptive strategies to ammonia toxicity. For this purpose, fish were progressively exposed to HEA (8.31 mg/L representing 25% of 96 h-LC₅₀) for 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Temporal effects of HEA on oxygen consumption rate (MO₂), ammonia and urea dynamics, plasma ions (Na⁺, Cl^- and K⁺), branchial Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) and H⁺-ATPase activity, muscle water content (MWC), energy store (glycogen, lipid and protein) as well as branchial mRNA expression of Rhesus (Rh) glycoproteins were assessed. Probit analysis showed that 96 h-LC₅₀ of (total) ammonia (as NH₄HCO₃) at 25 °C and pH 7.8 was 33.24 mg/L. Results from sub-lethal end-points shows that ammonia excretion rate (J_amm) was strongly inhibited after 7 days of HEA, but was unaffected at 3, 14 and 21 days. At 28 days fish were able to increase J_amm efficiently and concurrently, plasma ammonia re-established to the basal level. Urea production was increased as evidenced by a considerable elevation of plasma urea, but urea excretion rate remained unaltered. Expression of Rhcg isoform (Rhcg2) mRNA was up-regulated in parallel with restored or increased J_amm, suggesting its ammonia excreting role in largemouth bass. Exposure to HEA also displayed pronounced augmentations in NKA activity, exemplified by a rise in plasma [Na⁺]. Furthermore, [K⁺], [Cl^-] and MWC homeostasis were disrupted followed by recovery to the control levels. H⁺-ATPase activity was elevated but NKA did not appear to function preferentially as a Na⁺/NH₄⁺-ATPase. From 14 days onwards MO₂ was depressed, potentially an attempt towards minimizing catabolism. Glycogen content in liver and muscle were temporarily depleted, whereas a remarkable increment in protein was evident at the last exposure period. Overall, these data suggest that ammonia induced toxicity can disturb several biological processes in largemouth bass, however, it can adapt to the long-term sub-lethal ammonia concentrations by activating various components of ammonia excretory, ion-regulatory and metabolic pathways.

The serotonin transporter and nonselective transporters are involved in peripheral serotonin uptake in the Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta

In mammals, circulating serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] is sequestered by platelets via the 5-HT transporter (SERT) to prevent unintended signaling by this potent signaling molecule. Teleost fish appear to lack a similar circulating storage pool, although the diverse effects of 5-HT in teleosts likely necessitate an alternative method of tight regulation, such as uptake by peripheral tissues. Here, a 5-HT radiotracer was used to explore the 5-HT uptake capacity of peripheral tissues in the Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta, and to elucidate the primary excretion routes of 5-HT and its metabolites. Pharmacological inhibition of SERT and other transporters enabled assessment of the SERT dependence of peripheral 5-HT uptake and excretion. The results indicated a rapid and substantial uptake of 5-HT by the heart atrium, heart ventricle, and gill that was at least partly SERT dependent. The results also supported the presence of a partial blood-brain barrier that prevented rapid changes in brain 5-HT content despite fluctuating plasma 5-HT concentrations. The renal pathway appeared to be the dominant excretory route for 5-HT and its metabolites over shorter time frames (up to ~30 min), but hepatic excretion was substantial over several hours. SERT inhibition ultimately reduced the excretion of 5-HT and its metabolites by urinary, biliary, and/or intestinal pathways. In addition, branchial excretion of 5-HT and its metabolites could not be ruled out. In summary, this study reveals that the toadfish heart and gill play active roles in regulating circulating 5-HT and yields important insights into the control of peripheral 5-HT in this teleost fish.

Differential expression of multiple glutamine synthetase genes in air-breathing magur catfish, Clarias magur and their induction under hyper-ammonia stress

The present study demonstrates the unique presence of three different gs genes (cmgs01, cmgs02, and cmgs03) in air-breathing ureogenic magur catfish (Clarias magur), which is otherwise reported to be encoded by a single gene in higher vertebrates. Of these three genes, two (cmgs01and cmgs03) were identified as 'liver' form, predominantly expressed in liver cells, and the third one as 'brain' form (cmgs02), expressed chiefly in brain cells. Molecular characterization studies have revealed conservation of homologous active site residues in all the three gs genes. In silico analysis, accompanied by GS enzyme assay and Western blot analysis of different GS isoforms in different subcellular fractions indicated the mitochondrial localization of cmGS01 and cmGS03 in liver and kidney cells and cytosolic localization of cmGS02 in brain cells. Further, exposure of magur catfish to high external ammonia (HEA; 25 mM NH₄Cl) led to a significant induction of multiple gs genes as evidenced by higher expression of different gs mRNAs at variable levels in different tissues. The cmgs01 and cmgs03 mRNA levels elevated significantly in liver, kidney, muscle, and gills, whereas the cmgs02 mRNA level increased considerably in the brain after 14 days of exposure to HEA. These increases in mRNA levels were associated with a significant rise in cmGS01 and cmGS03 proteins in liver, kidney, muscle, and gills, and the cmGS02 protein in the brain after 14 days of exposure to HEA. Therefore, it can be concluded that the unique differential expression of three gs genes and their induction under high ammonia level probably helps in detoxification of ammonia to glutamine and further to urea via the ornithine-urea cycle in ureogenic as well as non-ureogenic tissues of these magur catfish.

Molecular and functional characterization of the Gulf toadfish serotonin transporter (SERT; SLC6A4)

The serotonin transporter (SERT) functions in the uptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) from the extracellular milieu and is the molecular target of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a common group of antidepressants. The current study comprehensively assesses the sequence, tissue distribution, transport kinetics, and physiological function of a teleost SERT. The 2,022-bp toadfish SERT sequence encodes a protein of 673 amino acids, which shows 83% similarity to zebrafish SERT and groups with SERT of other teleosts in phylogenetic analysis. SERT mRNA is ubiquitous in tissues and is expressed at high levels in the heart and, within the brain, in the cerebellum. SERT cRNA expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes demonstrates a Km value of 2.08±0.45 µM, similar to previously reported Km values for zebrafish and human SERT. Acute systemic blockade of SERT by intraperitoneal administration of the SSRI fluoxetine (FLX) produces a dose-dependent increase in plasma 5-HT, indicating effective inhibition of 5-HT uptake from the circulation. As teleosts lack platelets, which are important 5-HT sequestration sites in mammals, the FLX-induced increase in plasma 5-HT suggests that toadfish tissues may normally be responsible for maintaining low 5-HT concentrations in the bloodstream.

Effects of chronic ammonia exposure on ammonia metabolism and excretion in marine medaka Oryzias melastigma

Ammonia is highly toxic to aquatic organisms, but whether ammonia excretion or ammonia metabolism to less toxic compounds is the major strategy for detoxification in marine fish against chronic ammonia exposure is unclear to date. In this study, we investigated the metabolism and excretion of ammonia in marine medaka Oryzias melastigma during chronic ammonia exposure. The fish were exposed to 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.1 mmol l^-1 NH₄Cl spiked seawater for 8 weeks. Exposure of 0.3-1.1 mmol l^-1 NH₄Cl had deleterious effects on the fish, including significant reductions in growth, feed intake, and total protein content. However, the fish could take strategies to detoxify ammonia. The tissue ammonia (T_Amm) in the 0.3-1.1 mmol l^-1 NH₄Cl treatments was significantly higher than those in the 0 and 0.1 mmol l^-1 NH₄Cl treatments after 2 weeks of exposure, but it recovered with prolonged exposure time, ultimately reaching the control level after 8 weeks. The amino acid catabolic rate decreased to reduce the gross ammonia production with the increasing ambient ammonia concentration. The concentrations of most metabolites remained constant in the 0-0.6 mmol l^-1 NH₄Cl treatments, whereas 5 amino acids and 3 energy metabolism-related metabolites decreased in the 1.1 mmol l^-1 NH₄Cl treatment. J_Amm steadily increased in ambient ammonia from 0 to 0.6 mmol l^-1 and slightly decreased when the ambient ammonia concentration increased to 1.1 mmol l^-1. Overall, marine medaka cope with sublethal ammonia environment by regulating the tissue T_Amm via reducing the ammonia production and increasing ammonia excretion.

A waterborne chemical cue from Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta, prompts pulsatile urea excretion in conspecifics

The Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) has a fully functional ornithine urea cycle (O-UC) that allows it to excrete nitrogenous waste in the form of urea. Interestingly, urea is excreted in a pulse across the gill that lasts 1-3h and occurs once or twice a day. Both the stress hormone, cortisol, and the neurotransmitter, serotonin (5-HT) are involved in the control of pulsatile urea excretion. This and other evidence suggests that urea pulsing may be linked to toadfish social behavior. The hypothesis of the present study was that toadfish urea pulses can be triggered by waterborne chemical cues from conspecifics. Our findings indicate that exposure to seawater that held a donor conspecific for up to 48h (pre-conditioned seawater; PC-SW) induced a urea pulse within 7h in naïve conspecifics compared to a pulse latency of 20h when exposed to seawater alone. Factors such as PC-SW intensity and donor body mass influenced the pulse latency response of naïve conspecifics. Fractionation and heat treatment of PC-SW to narrow possible signal candidates revealed that the active chemical was both water-soluble and heat-stable. Fish exposed to urea, cortisol or 5-HT in seawater did not have a pulse latency that was significantly different than seawater alone; however, ammonia, perhaps in the form of NH₄Cl, was found to be a factor in the pulse latency response of toadfish to PC-SW and could be one component of a multi-component cue used for chemical communication in toadfish. Further studies are needed to fully identify the chemical cue as well as determine its adaptive significance in this marine teleost fish.

Relationship between oxidative stress and brain swelling in goldfish (Carassius auratus) exposed to high environmental ammonia

Buildups of ammonia can cause potentially fatal brain swelling in mammals, but such swelling is reversible in the anoxia- and ammonia-tolerant goldfish (Carassius auratus). We investigated brain swelling and its possible relationship to oxidative stress in the brain and liver of goldfish acutely exposed to high external ammonia (HEA; 5 mmol/l NH₄Cl) at two different acclimation temperatures (14°C, 4°C). Exposure to HEA at 14°C for 72h resulted in increased internal ammonia and glutamine concentrations in the brain, and it caused cellular oxidative damage in the brain and liver. However, oxidative damage was most pronounced in brain, in which there was a twofold increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, a threefold increase in protein carbonylation, and a 20% increase in water volume (indicative of brain swelling). Increased activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase in the brain suggested that goldfish upregulate their antioxidant capacity to partially offset oxidative stress during hyperammonemia at 14°C. Notably, acclimation to colder (4°C) water completely attenuated the oxidative stress response to HEA in both tissues, and there was no change in brain water volume despite similar increases in internal ammonia. We suggest that ammonia-induced oxidative stress may be responsible for the swelling of goldfish brain during HEA, but further studies are needed to establish a mechanistic link between reactive oxygen species production and brain swelling. Nevertheless, a high capacity to withstand oxidative stress in response to variations in internal ammonia likely explains why goldfish are more resilient to this stressor than most other vertebrates.

The fish embryo toxicity test as a replacement for the larval growth and survival test: A comparison of test sensitivity and identification of alternative endpoints in zebrafish and fathead minnows

The fish embryo toxicity (FET) test has been proposed as an alternative to the larval growth and survival (LGS) test. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the sensitivity of the FET and LGS tests in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) and to determine if the inclusion of sublethal metrics as test endpoints could enhance test utility. In both species, LGS and FET tests were conducted using 2 simulated effluents. A comparison of median lethal concentrations determined via each test revealed significant differences between test types; however, it could not be determined which test was the least and/or most sensitive. At the conclusion of each test, developmental abnormalities and the expression of genes related to growth and toxicity were evaluated. Fathead minnows and zebrafish exposed to mock municipal wastewater-treatment plant effluent in a FET test experienced an increased incidence of pericardial edema and significant alterations in the expression of genes including insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2, heat shock protein 70, and cytochrome P4501A, suggesting that the inclusion of these endpoints could enhance test utility. The results not only show the utility of the fathead minnow FET test as a replacement for the LGS test but also provide evidence that inclusion of additional endpoints could improve the predictive power of the FET test.

Reversible brain swelling in crucian carp (Carassius carassius) and goldfish (Carassius auratus) in response to high external ammonia and anoxia

Increased internal ammonia (hyperammonemia) and ischemic/anoxic insults are known to result in a cascade of deleterious events that can culminate in potentially fatal brain swelling in mammals. It is less clear, however, if the brains of fishes respond to ammonia in a similar manner. The present study demonstrated that the crucian carp (Carassius carassius) was not only able to endure high environmental ammonia exposure (HEA; 2 to 22 mmol L(-1)) but that they experienced 30% increases in brain water content at the highest ammonia concentrations. This swelling was accompanied by 4-fold increases in plasma total ammonia (TAmm) concentration, but both plasma TAmm and brain water content were restored to pre-exposure levels following depuration in ammonia-free water. The closely related, ammonia-tolerant goldfish (Carassius auratus) responded similarly to HEA (up to 3.6 mmol L(-1)), which was accompanied by 4-fold increases in brain glutamine. Subsequent administration of the glutamine synthetase inhibitor, methionine sulfoximine (MSO), reduced brain glutamine accumulation by 80% during HEA. However, MSO failed to prevent ammonia-induced increases in brain water content suggesting that glutamine may not be directly involved in initiating ammonia-induced brain swelling in fishes. Although the mechanisms of brain swelling are likely different, exposure to anoxia for 96 h caused similar, but lesser (10%) increases in brain water content in crucian carp. We conclude that brain swelling in some fishes may be a common response to increased internal ammonia or lower oxygen but further research is needed to deduce the underlying mechanisms behind such responses.

Air-breathing fishes in aquaculture. What can we learn from physiology?

During the past decade, the culture of air-breathing fish species has increased dramatically and is now a significant global source of protein for human consumption. This development has generated a need for specific information on how to maximize growth and minimize the environmental effect of culture systems. Here, the existing data on metabolism in air-breathing fishes are reviewed, with the aim of shedding new light on the oxygen requirements of air-breathing fishes in aquaculture, reaching the conclusion that aquatic oxygenation is much more important than previously assumed. In addition, the possible effects on growth of the recurrent exposure to deep hypoxia and associated elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide, ammonia and nitrite, that occurs in the culture ponds used for air-breathing fishes, are discussed. Where data on air-breathing fishes are simply lacking, data for a few water-breathing species will be reviewed, to put the physiological effects into a growth perspective. It is argued that an understanding of air-breathing fishes' respiratory physiology, including metabolic rate, partitioning of oxygen uptake from air and water in facultative air breathers, the critical oxygen tension, can provide important input for the optimization of culture practices. Given the growing importance of air breathers in aquaculture production, there is an urgent need for further data on these issues.

Differential gene expression in the brain of the African lungfish, Protopterus annectens, after six days or six months of aestivation in air

The African lungfish, Protopterus annectens, can undergo aestivation during drought. Aestivation has three phases: induction, maintenance and arousal. The objective of this study was to examine the differential gene expression in the brain of P. annectens during the induction (6 days) and maintenance (6 months) phases of aestivation as compared with the freshwater control using suppression subtractive hybridization. During the induction phase of aestivation, the mRNA expression of prolactin (prl) and growth hormone were up-regulated in the brain of P. annectens, which indicate for the first time the possible induction role of these two hormones in aestivation. Also, the up-regulation of mRNA expression of tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein γ polypeptide and the down-regulation of phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein, suggest that there could be a reduction in biological and neuronal activities in the brain. The mRNA expression of cold inducible RNA-binding protein and glucose regulated protein 58 were also up-regulated in the brain, probably to enhance their cytoprotective effects. Furthermore, the down-regulation of prothymosin α expression suggests that there could be a suppression of transcription and cell proliferation in preparation for the maintenance phase. In general, the induction phase appeared to be characterized by reduction in glycolytic capacity and metabolic activity, suppression of protein synthesis and degradation, and an increase in defense against ammonia toxicity. In contrast, there was a down-regulation in the mRNA expression of prl in the brain of P. annectens during the maintenance phase of aestivation. In addition, there could be an increase in oxidative defense capacity, and up-regulation of transcription, translation, and glycolytic capacities in preparation for arousal. Overall, our results signify the importance of reconstruction of protein structures and regulation of energy expenditure during the induction phase, and the needs to suppress protein degradation and conserve metabolic fuel stores during the maintenance phase of aestivation.

Regulation of amino acid metabolism as a defensive strategy in the brain of three freshwater teleosts in response to high environmental ammonia exposure

Many teleosts have evolved mechanisms to cope with ammonia toxicity in the brain when confronted with high environmental ammonia (HEA). In the present study, the possible role of conversion of accumulated ammonia to glutamine and other free amino acids in the brain of three freshwater teleosts differing in their sensitivities to ammonia was investigated. The detoxification mode of ammonia in brain is suggested to be through amination of glutamate to glutamine by the coupled activities of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), transaminase (aspartate aminotransaminase 'AST' and alanine aminotransaminase 'ALT') and glutamine synthetase (GSase). We investigated the metabolic response of amino acids in the brain of highly sensitive salmonid Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout), the less sensitive cyprinid Cyprinus carpio (common carp) and the highly resistant cyprinid Carassius auratus (goldfish) when exposed to 1mM ammonia (as NH4HCO3; pH 7.9) for 0 h (control), 3 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 84 h and 180 h. Results show that HEA exposure increased ammonia accumulation significantly in the brain of all the three species from 12h onwards. Unlike in trout, ammonia accumulation in carp and goldfish was restored to control levels (48-84h); which was accompanied with a significant increase in glutamine content as well as GSase activity. In trout, glutamine levels also increased (84-180 h) but GSase was not activated. The elevated glutamine level in trout was accompanied by a significant depletion of the glutamate pool in contrast to the stable glutamate levels seen in carp and goldfish. This suggests a simultaneous increase in the rate of glutamate formation to match with the demand of glutamine formation in cyprinids. The activity of GDH was elevated significantly in carp and goldfish but remained unaltered in trout. Also, the transaminase enzymes (AST and ALT) were elevated significantly in exposed carp and goldfish while only ALT was up-regulated in trout. Consequently, in carp and goldfish both aspartate and alanine were utilized under HEA, whereas only alanine was consumed in trout. With ammonia treatment, significant changes in concentrations of other amino acids also occurred. None of the species could detoxify brain ammonia into urea. This study suggests that protective strategies to combat ammonia toxicity in brain are more pronounced in carp and goldfish than in trout.

Molecular and physiological responses to long-term sublethal ammonia exposure in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

The objective of this study was to determine the underlying physiological and molecular responses to long-term sublethal ammonia exposure in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr. Previous studies have predominately focused on mechanisms during acute, short-term exposure. For that purpose Atlantic salmon parr were exposed to four ammonia concentrations between 4 and 1800 μmol l(-1) total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), and subjected to two feeding regimes for 15 weeks. Elevated environmental ammonia and full feeding strength caused an initial increase in plasma ammonia levels ([T(amm)]) after 22 days of exposure, which thereafter declined and remained similar to the control animals towards the end of the study. On the other hand, a progressive decrease in plasma urea levels was evident throughout the entire exposure period and depended on the concentration of environmental ammonia, with the largest decrease in urea levels observed at the highest ammonia concentrations (1700 and 1800 μmol l(-1) TAN). We hypothesized that the successful adaptation to long-term elevated ammonia levels would involve an increased capacity for carrier-facilitated branchial excretion. This hypothesis was strengthened by the first evidence of an up-regulation of branchial transcription of the genes encoding the Rhesus (Rh) glycoproteins, Rhcg1 and Rhcg2, urea transporter (UT) and aquaporin 3a (Aqp3a), during long-term exposure. Of the Rhesus glycoprotein (Rh) mRNAs, Rhcg1 was up-regulated at all tested ammonia levels, while Rhcg2 showed a concentration-sensitive increase. Increased transcription levels of V-type H(+)-ATPase (H(+)-ATPase) were observed at the highest ammonia concentrations (1700 and 1800 μmol l(-1) TAN) and coincided with an up-regulation of Rhcg2 at these concentrations. Transcription of UT and Aqp3a was increased after 15 weeks of exposure to low ammonia levels (470 and 480 μmol l(-1) TAN). A significant increase in brain glutamine (Gln) concentration was observed for full fed Atlantic salmon after 22 days and in fish with restricted feeding after 105 days of exposure to 1800 and 1700 μmol l(-1) TAN, respectively, without any concomitant decrease in brain glutamate (Glu) concentrations. These results suggest that Gln synthesis is an ammonia detoxifying strategy employed in the brain of Atlantic salmon parr during long-term sublethal ammonia exposure. Full feed strength had an additive effect on plasma [T(amm)], while the restricted feeding regime postponed the majority of the observed physiological and molecular responses. In conclusion, Atlantic salmon parr adapts to the long-term sublethal ammonia concentrations with increased branchial transcription levels of ammonia and urea transporting proteins and ammonia detoxification in the brain.

Glutamine synthetase activity and the expression of three glul paralogues in zebrafish during transport

The enzyme glutamine synthetase (GS; glutamate-ammonia ligase, EC 6.3.1.2) plays an important role in the nitrogen metabolism of fish. In this study the GS activity and the corresponding genes were examined to understand how they are regulated in zebrafish in response to hyperammonemic stress during a 72 h simulated transport. Whole body ammonia levels, the activity of the enzyme GS and the mRNA expression of the splice variants of three paralogues of glul, glutamine synthetase gene (glula, glulb and glulc) were examined in brain, liver and kidney of zebrafish. Whole body ammonia reached significantly higher levels by 48 h, while brain showed higher levels as early as 24 h, compared to the values at the start of the transport. The GS activities in brain, liver and kidney were significantly higher at the end of 72 h transport than those at the start. However, only the expression of mRNA of glulb-002 and glulb-003 were significantly upregulated during the simulated transport. In silico analysis of the putative promoter regions of glul paralogues revealed glucocorticoid receptor binding sites. However, glucocorticoid response elements of glulb were not different. The up-regulation of GS enzyme activity and hitherto unreported mRNA expression of glul paralogues during zebrafish transport indicate a physiological response of fish to ammonia.

The relationship between NMDA receptor function and the high ammonia tolerance of anoxia-tolerant goldfish

Acute ammonia toxicity in vertebrates is thought to be characterized by a cascade of deleterious events resembling those associated with anoxic/ischemic injury in the central nervous system. A key event is the over-stimulation of neuronal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which leads to excitotoxic cell death. The similarity between the responses to acute ammonia toxicity and anoxia suggests that anoxia-tolerant animals such as the goldfish (Carassius auratus Linnaeus) may also be ammonia tolerant. To test this hypothesis, the responses of goldfish were compared with those of the anoxia-sensitive rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) during exposure to high external ammonia (HEA). Acute toxicity tests revealed that goldfish are ammonia tolerant, with 96 h median lethal concentration (LC(50)) values of 199 μmol l(-1) and 4132 μmol l(-1) for NH(3) and total ammonia ([T(Amm)]=[NH(3)]+[NH(4)(+)]), respectively. These values were ~5-6 times greater than corresponding NH(3) and T(Amm) LC(50) values measured in rainbow trout. Further, the goldfish readily coped with chronic exposure to NH(4)Cl (3-5 mmol l(-1)) for 5 days, despite 6-fold increases in plasma [T] to ~1300 μmol l(-1) and 3-fold increases in brain [T(Amm)] to 6700 μmol l(-1). Muscle [T(Amm)] increased by almost 8-fold from ~900 μmol kg(-1) wet mass (WM) to greater than 7000 μmol kg(-1) WM by 48 h, and stabilized. Although urea excretion rates (J(Urea)) increased by 2-3-fold during HEA, the increases were insufficient to offset the inhibition of ammonia excretion that occurred, and increases in urea were not observed in the brain or muscle. There was a marked increase in brain glutamine concentration at HEA, from ~3000 μmol kg(-1) WM to 15,000 μmol kg(-1) WM after 48 h, which is consistent with the hypothesis that glutamine production is associated with ammonia detoxification. Injection of the NMDA receptor antagonists MK801 (0.5-8 mg kg(-1)) or ethanol (1-8 mg kg(-1)) increased trout survival time by 1.5-2.0-fold during exposure to 2 mmol l(-1) ammonia, suggesting that excitotoxic cell death contributes to ammonia toxicity in this species. In contrast, similar doses of MK801 or ethanol had no effect on ammonia-challenged (8-9.5 mmol l(-1) T(Amm)) goldfish survival times, suggesting that greater resistance to excitotoxic cell death contributes to the high ammonia-tolerance of the goldfish. Whole-cell recordings measured in isolated brain slices of goldfish telencephalon during in vitro exposure to 5 mmol l(-1) or 10 mmol l(-1) T(Amm) reversibly potentiated NMDA receptor currents. This observation suggested that goldfish neurons may not be completely resistant to ammonia-induced excitotoxicity. Subsequent western blot and densitometric analyses revealed that NMDA receptor NR1 subunit abundance was 40-60% lower in goldfish exposed to 3-5 mmol l(-1) T(Amm) for 5 days, which was followed by a restoration of NR1 subunit abundance after 3 days recovery in ammonia-free water. We conclude that the goldfish brain may be protected from excitotoxicity by downregulating the abundance of functional NMDA receptors during periods when it experiences increased internal ammonia.

Revisiting the effects of crowding and feeding in the gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta: the role of Rhesus glycoproteins in nitrogen metabolism and excretion

Models of branchial transport in teleosts have been reshaped by the recent discovery of Rhesus (Rh) glycoproteins, a family of proteins that facilitate the movement of NH3 across cell membranes. This study examines the effects of crowding and feeding on ammonia excretion in gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) within the context of Rh glycoproteins and the ammonia-fixing enzyme, glutamine synthetase (GS). Four Rh isoforms (Rhag, Rhbg, Rhcg1 and Rhcg2) were isolated from toadfish. Tissue distributions showed higher levels of mRNA expression in the gills and liver, moderate levels in the intestine and lower levels in the stomach. Crowding significantly lowered branchial Rh expression and ammonia excretion rates in fasted toadfish. A comparison of Rh expression in the digestive tract revealed relatively low levels of Rhcg1 and Rhcg2 in the stomach and high mRNA abundance of Rhbg, Rhcg1 and Rhcg2 in the intestine of fasted, crowded toadfish. We speculate that these trends may reduce secretion and enhance absorption, respectively, to minimize the amount of ammonia that is lost through gastrointestinal routes. By contrast, these patterns of expression were modified in response to an exogenous ammonia load via feeding. Post-prandial ammonia excretion rates were elevated twofold, paralleled by similar increases in branchial Rhcg1 mRNA, gastric Rhcg1 mRNA and mRNA of all intestinal Rh isoforms. These changes were interpreted as an attempt to increase post-prandial ammonia excretion rates into the environment owing to a gradient created by elevated circulating ammonia concentrations and acidification of the digestive tract. Overall, we provide evidence that toadfish modulate both the expression of Rh isoforms and urea synthesis pathways to tightly control and regulate nitrogen excretion.

Interactions between cortisol and Rhesus glycoprotein expression in ureogenic toadfish, Opsanus beta

In their native environment, gulf toadfish excrete equal quantities of ammonia and urea. However, upon exposure to stressful conditions in the laboratory (i.e. crowding, confinement or air exposure), toadfish decrease branchial ammonia excretion and become ureotelic. The objective of this study was to determine the influences of cortisol and ammonia on ammonia excretion relative to expression of Rhesus (Rh) glycoproteins and the ammonia-fixing enzyme, glutamine synthetase (GS). In vivo infusions and/or injections were used to manipulate corticosteroid activity and plasma ammonia concentrations in ureotelic toadfish. Metyrapone treatment to lower circulating cortisol levels resulted in a 3.5-fold elevation of ammonia excretion rates, enhanced mRNA expression of two of the toadfish Rh isoforms (Rhcg1 and Rhcg2), and decreased branchial and hepatic GS activity. Correspondingly, cortisol infusion decreased ammonia excretion 2.5-fold, a change that was accompanied by reduced branchial expression of all toadfish Rh isoforms (Rhag, Rhbg, Rhcg1 and Rhcg2) and a twofold increase in hepatic GS activity. In contrast, maintenance of high circulating ammonia levels by ammonia infusion enhanced ammonia excretion and Rh expression (Rhag, Rhbg and Rhcg2). Toadfish treated with cortisol showed an attenuated response to ammonia infusion with no change in Rh mRNA expression or GS activity. In summary, the evidence suggests that ammonia excretion in toadfish is modulated by cortisol-induced changes in both Rh glycoprotein expression and GS activity.

Inhibition of glutamine synthetase during ammonia exposure in rainbow trout indicates a high reserve capacity to prevent brain ammonia toxicity

Glutamine synthetase (GSase), the enzyme that catalyses the conversion of glutamate and ammonia to glutamine, is present at high levels in vertebrate brain tissue and is thought to protect the brain from elevated ammonia concentrations. We tested the hypothesis that high brain GSase activity is critical in preventing accumulation of brain ammonia and glutamate during ammonia loading in the ammonia-intolerant rainbow trout. Trout pre-injected with saline or the GSase inhibitor methionine sulfoximine (MSOX, 6 mg kg(-1)), were exposed to 0, 670 or 1000 micromol l(-1) NH(4)Cl in the water for 24 and 96 h. Brain ammonia levels were 3- to 6-fold higher in ammonia-exposed fish relative to control fish and MSOX treatment did not alter this. Brain GSase activity was unaffected by ammonia exposure, while MSOX inhibited GSase activity by approximately 75%. Brain glutamate levels were lower and glutamine levels were higher in fish exposed to ammonia relative to controls. While MSOX treatment had little impact on brain glutamate, glutamine levels were significantly reduced by 96 h. With ammonia treatment, significant changes in the concentration of multiple other brain amino acids occurred and these changes were mostly reversed or eliminated with MSOX. Overall the changes in amino acid levels suggest that multiple enzymatic pathways can supply glutamate for the production of glutamine via GSase during ammonia exposure and that alternative transaminase pathways can be recruited for ammonia detoxification. Plasma cortisol levels increased 7- to 15-fold at 24 h in response to ammonia and MSOX did not exacerbate this stress response. These findings indicate that rainbow trout possess a relatively large reserve capacity for ammonia detoxification and for preventing glutamate accumulation during hyperammonaemic conditions.

Age and growth of the gulf toadfish Opsanus beta based on otolith increment analysis

In the present study, sagittal otoliths of confirmed male and female specimens of the gulf toadfish Opsanus beta that were collected monthly over the course of a year from Biscayne Bay, Florida, U.S.A. were analysed. The timing and frequency of O. beta spawning seasons are reported by examination of the gonado-somatic index. The estimated ages of males and females ranged from <1 year to 6 and 5 years, respectively. Strong sexual dimorphism in growth was apparent with von Bertalanffy parameter estimates for males of Linfinity=393.8 mm, K=0.30, t0=0.36 and females of Linfinity=201.1 mm, K=0.79, t0=0.47. Comparison with previously published growth trajectories of the more northerly distributed conspecific Opsanus tau showed that O. beta males had a higher growth rate. Female O. beta and O. tau growth trajectories appear similar, with an indication that the former becomes asymptotic at least a year before the latter. Results are discussed in the context of temperature regimes, reproductive energy allocation and waste urea excretion in the two species.

Development of guidelines for ammonia in estuarine and marine water systems

The water quality guideline trigger value for ammonia in estuarine and marine waters has been revised with the addition of 38 new results to the data set of 21 used in earlier guideline derivations. Using species sensitivity distributions, a new trigger value of 460 microg total NH(3)-N/L was derived for slightly to moderately disturbed systems (95% protection concentration, PC95), with a value of 160 microg total NH(3)-N/L applying to waters of high conservation value (PC99). For sediment pore waters, a guideline trigger value of 3.9 mg total NH(3)-N/L, derived from the 80th percentile of background data from Sydney Harbour, is recommended. This value is likely to be exceeded in degraded sediments subject to dredging; however, ocean disposal of such sediments results in rapid decreases in porewater ammonia and a guideline trigger value for dissolved ammonia during disposal of dredged sediments of 1550 microg total NH(3)-N/L is proposed.

Effect of elevated ammonia on tissue nitrogen metabolites in the ureotelic gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) and the ammoniotelic midshipman (Porichthys notatus)

We investigated possible biochemical pathways explaining extreme ammonia tolerance by the gulf toadfish and specifically tested the prediction that the gulf toadfish Opsanus beta is more tolerant than the plainfin midshipman Porichthys notatus, two confamilial species, because it reverses brain glutamine accumulation during high ammonia exposure. This prediction stems from previous studies demonstrating that gulf toadfish produce urea from glutamine, a pathway not present in the ammoniotelic midshipman. Our results show that at the same water NH(3) concentration, ammonia increases more from control levels in brains of midshipman than toadfish. After 48 h of exposure to 50% of their respective LC(50) (96 h) value for ammonia, toadfish are able to return the ammonia-induced increase in brain glutamine back to control values, reducing brain glutamine by 2,500 micromol kg(-1). However, in midshipman, brain glutamine remains significantly elevated from control throughout the experiment. Toadfish exposed to 33% of their LC(50) (96 h) showed an initial increase in whole body urea, which is then reduced at a rate of 104 micromol kg fish(-1) h(-1) and could be directly excreted into the water. We discuss how the special handling of glutamine in toadfish may explain in part their great tolerance to ammonia.

Effects of crowding on ornithine–urea cycle enzyme mRNA expression and activity in gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta)

The gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) is a facultatively ureotelic fish that excretes primarily urea under conditions of crowding or confinement. To examine the relationship between ammonia production, urea production and the ornithine–urea cycle (O–UC) enzyme activity and mRNA expression,we subjected toadfish to two-day and seven-day crowding regimes. Plasma cortisol levels were measured and liver tissue was assayed for ammonia and urea concentrations. Liver glutamine synthetase (GS), carbamoyl phosphate synthetase III (CPS), ornithine carbamoyl transferase (OCT) and arginase (ARG)activities were also measured. Quantitative PCR was utilized to determine liver GS, CPS, OCT, ARG, argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) and argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) mRNA expression. Hepatic ammonia concentrations decreased with increased duration of crowding whereas liver urea and circulating cortisol levels increased. An elevation in enzyme activity with increased duration of crowding was observed for all four O-UC enzymes examined. By contrast, mRNA expression was variable for the O–UC enzymes and only CPS and ASS had mRNA expression levels that were elevated in crowded fish. These results suggest that the activities of O–UC enzymes are better predictors for urea production than O–UC enzyme mRNA expression levels.

Ammonia and urea transporters in gills of fish and aquatic crustaceans

The diversity of mechanisms of ammonia and urea excretion by the gills and other epithelia of aquatic organisms, especially fish and crustaceans, has been studied for decades. Although the decades-old dogma of ;aquatic species excrete ammonia' still explains nitrogenous waste excretion for many species, it is clear that there are many mechanistic variations on this theme. Even within species that are ammonoteles, the process is not purely ;passive', often relying on the energizing effects of proton and sodium-potassium ATPases. Within the ammonoteles, Rh (Rhesus) proteins are beginning to emerge as vital ammonia conduits. Many fishes are also known to be capable of substantial synthesis and excretion of urea as a nitrogenous waste. In such species, members of the UT family of urea transporters have been identified as important players in urea transport across the gills. This review attempts to draw together recent information to update the mechanisms of ammonia and urea transport by the gills of aquatic species. Furthermore, we point out several potentially fruitful avenues for further research.

Kinetic characterization of adenosine deaminase activity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain

Adenosine deaminase (ADA; EC 3.5.4.4) activity is responsible for cleaving adenosine to inosine. In this study we described the biochemical properties of adenosine deamination in soluble and membrane fractions of zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain. The optimum pH for ADA activity was in the range of 6.0-7.0 in soluble fraction and reached 5.0 in brain membranes. A decrease of 31.3% on adenosine deamination in membranes was observed in the presence of 5 mM Zn(2+), which was prevented by 5 mM EDTA. The apparent K(m) values for adenosine deamination were 0.22+/-0.03 and 0.19+/-0.04 mM for soluble and membrane fractions, respectively. The apparent V(max) value for soluble ADA activity was 12.3+/-0.73 nmol NH(3) min(-1) mg(-1) of protein whereas V(max) value in brain membranes was 17.5+/-0.51 nmol NH(3) min(-1) mg(-1) of protein. Adenosine and 2'-deoxyadenosine were deaminated in higher rates when compared to guanine nucleosides in both fractions. Furthermore, a significant inhibition on adenosine deamination in both soluble and membrane fractions was observed in the presence of 0.1 mM of erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (EHNA). The presence of ADA activity in zebrafish brain may be important to regulate the adenosine/inosine levels in the CNS of this species.

Induction of four glutamine synthetase genes in brain of rainbow trout in response to elevated environmental ammonia

The key strategy for coping with elevated brain ammonia levels in vertebrates is the synthesis of glutamine from ammonia and glutamate, catalyzed by glutamine synthetase (GSase). We hypothesized that all four GSase isoforms (Onmy-GS01-GS04) are expressed in the brain of the ammonia-intolerant rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and that cerebral GSase is induced during ammonia stress. We measured GSase activity and the mRNA expression of Onmy-GS01-GS04 in fore-, mid- and hindbrain and liver, as well as ammonia concentrations in plasma, liver and brain of fish exposed to 9 or 48 h of 0 (control) or 670 micromol l(-1) NH(4)Cl (75% of the 96 h-LC(50) value). The mRNA of all four GSase isoforms were detected in brain (not liver). After 9 h of NH(4)Cl exposure, brain, liver and plasma ammonia content were elevated by two- to fourfold over control values. Midbrain, hindbrain and liver GSase activities were 1.3- to 1.5-fold higher in ammonia-exposed fish relative to control fish. Onmy-GS01-GS04 mRNA levels in brain (not liver) of ammonia-exposed fish (9 h) were significantly elevated by two- to fourfold over control values. After 48 h of the NH(4)Cl treatment, ammonia content and GSase activity, but not mRNA levels, in all tissues examined remained elevated compared to control fish. Taken together, these findings indicate that all four GSase isoforms are constitutively expressed in trout brain and are inducible under high external ammonia conditions. Moreover, elevation of GSase activities in fore-, mid- and hindbrain in response to environmental ammonia underlines the importance of brain GSase in the ammonia-stress response.

Rhesus glycoprotein gene expression in the mangrove killifish Kryptolebias marmoratus exposed to elevated environmental ammonia levels and air

The mechanism(s) of ammonia excretion in the presence of elevated external ammonia are not well understood in fish. Recent studies in other organisms have revealed a new class of ammonia transporters, Rhesus glycoprotein genes(Rh genes), which may also play a role in ammonia excretion in fish. The first objective of this study was to clone and characterize Rhgenes in a fish species with a relatively high tolerance to environmental ammonia, the mangrove killifish Kryptolebias marmoratus (formerly Rivulus marmoratus). We obtained full-length cDNAs of three Rh genes in K. marmoratus: RhBG (1736 bp), RhCG1 (1920 bp) and RhCG2 (2021 bp), which are highly homologous with other known Rh gene sequences. Hydropathy analysis revealed that all three Rh genes encode membrane proteins with 10–12 predicted transmembrane domains. RhBG, RhCG1 and RhCG2 are highly expressed in gill tissue, with RhBG also present in skin of K. marmoratus. Exposure to elevated environmental ammonia (2 mmol l–1 NH4HCO3) for 5 days resulted in a modest (+37%) increase in whole-body ammonia levels, whereas gill RhCG2 and skin RhCG1 mRNA levels were upregulated by 5.8- and 7.7-fold, respectively. RhBG mRNA levels were also increased in various tissues, with 3- to 7-fold increases in the liver and skeletal muscle. In a separate group of killifish exposed to air for 24 h, RhCG1 and RhCG2 mRNA levels were elevated by 4- to 6-fold in the skin. Thus, the multifold induction of Rh mRNA levels in excretory tissues (gills and skin) and internal tissues in response to conditions that perturb normal ammonia excretion suggests that RhBG, RhCG1 and RhCG2 may be involved in facilitating ammonia transport in this species. Furthermore, the findings support earlier studies demonstrating that the skin is an important site of ammonia excretion in K. marmoratus.

Is urea pulsing in toadfish related to environmental O2 or CO2 levels?

The neurochemical, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) is involved in the regulation of toadfish pulsatile urea excretion as well as the teleost hypoxia response. Thus, the goal of this study was to determine whether environmental conditions that activate branchial chemoreceptors also trigger pulsatile urea excretion in toadfish, since environmental dissolved oxygen levels in a typical toadfish habitat show significant diel fluctuations, often reaching hypoxic conditions at dawn. Toadfish were fitted with arterial, venous and/or buccal catheters and were exposed to various environmental conditions, and/or injected with the O(2) chemoreceptor agonist NaCN or the 5-HT(2) receptor agonist alpha-methyl-5HT. Arterial PO(2), as well as ammonia and urea excretion were monitored. Natural fluctuations in arterial PO(2) levels in toadfish did not correlate with the occurrence of a urea pulse. Chronic exposure (24 h) of toadfish to hyperoxia was without effect on nitrogen excretion, however, exposure to hypoxia caused a significant reduction in the frequency of urea pulses, and exposure to hypercapnia resulted in a reduction in the percentage of nitrogen waste excreted as urea. Of toadfish exposed acutely to hypoxia, 20% pulsed within 1 h, whereas none pulsed after normoxic or hypercapnic treatments. Furthermore, 20% of fish injected intravenously with NaCN pulsed within 1 h of injection, but no fish pulsed after injection of NaCN into the buccal cavity. To test whether environmental conditions affected 5-HT(2) receptors, toadfish were injected with alpha-methyl-5HT, which elicits urea pulses in toadfish. No significant differences in pulse size occurred among the various environmental treatments. Our findings suggest that neither the environmental conditions of hypoxia, hyperoxia or hypercapnia, nor direct branchial chemoreceptor activation by NaCN play a major role in the regulation of pulsatile urea excretion in toadfish.

Piscine insights into comparisons of anoxia tolerance, ammonia toxicity, stroke and hepatic encephalopathy

Although the number of fish species that have been studied for both hypoxia/anoxia tolerance and ammonia tolerance are few, there appears to be a correlation between the ability to survive these two insults. After establishing this correlation with examples from the literature, and after examining the role Peter Lutz played in catalyzing this convergent interest in two variables, this article explores potential mechanisms underpinning this correlation. We draw especially on the larger body of information for two human diseases with the same effected organ (brain), namely stroke and hepatic encephalopathy. While several dissimilarities exist between the responses of vertebrates to anoxia and hyperammonemia, one consistent observation in both conditions is an overactivation of NMDA receptors or glutamate neurotoxicity. We propose a glutamate excitotoxicity hypothesis to explain the correlation between ammonia and hypoxia resistance in fish. Furthermore, we suggest several experimental paths to test this hypothesis.

The effects of acute and chronic ammonia exposure during early life stages of the gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta

The gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) is unusual among teleosts in that it is facultatively ureotelic and adults and juveniles have a particularly high tolerance to environmental ammonia. Male toadfish brood their offspring in confined nests. It has been hypothesized that the potential accumulation of ammonia in nests from the male and the offspring, coupled with suspected low ammonia tolerance in offspring would provide the selective pressure necessary for excretion of the less toxic urea by adult toadfish. This study examines this so-called 'nest-fouling' hypothesis through acute and chronic ammonia toxicity testing on early life stages of O. beta. In addition, nitrogen elimination was examined among embryos, yolk-sac larvae and juveniles where we found an ontogenic shift from ammonotely to ureotely with advancing life history stages. The acute ammonia 96 h LC50 values for embryos and larvae were 63.6 and 5.45 mmol-Nl(-1) total ammonia (TAmm), respectively. Thus, these early life stages are more tolerant to ammonia than either juveniles or adults and LC50 values are at least 2 orders of magnitude greater than concentrations naturally occurring at nest sites. Furthermore, 40 days exposures at mean and maximum NH3 concentrations normally found within nests revealed no observable detrimental effects. In fact, growth in terms of wet or dry weight was greatest at the maximum NH3 concentration. We therefore conclude that the nest-fouling hypothesis is not a viable explanation for ureotely in the gulf toadfish.

Expression of ornithine-urea cycle enzymes in early life stages of air-breathing walking catfish Clarias batrachus and induction of ureogenesis under hyper-ammonia stress

The air-breathing walking catfish Clarias batrachus is a potential ureogenic teleost with having a full complement of ornithine-urea cycle (OUC) enzymes expressed in various tissues. The present study was aimed at determining the pattern of nitrogenous waste excretion in the form of ammonia-N and urea-N along with the changes of tissue ammonia and urea levels, and the expression of OUC enzymes and glutamine synthetase (GSase) in early life stages of this teleost, and further, to study the possible induction of ureogenesis in 15-day old fry under hyper-ammonia stress. The ammonia and urea excretion was visible within 12 h post-fertilization (hpf), which increased several-fold until the yolk was completely absorbed by the embryo. Although all the early developing stages were primarily ammoniotelic, they also excreted significant amount of nitrogen (N) in the form of urea-N (about 35-40% of total N). Tissue levels of ammonia and urea also increased along with subsequent developmental stages at least until the yolk absorption stage. All the OUC enzymes and GSase were expressed within 4-12 hpf showing an increasing trend of activity for all the enzymes until 350 hpf. There was a significant increase of activity of GSase, carbamyl phosphate synthetase III (CPSase III) and argininosuccinate lyase enzymes (ASL), accompanied with significant increase of enzyme protein concentration of at least two enzymes (GSase and CPSase III) in the 15-day old fry following exposure to 10 mM NH4Cl as compared to respective controls kept in water over a period of 72 h. Thus, it appears that the OUC enzymes are expressed in early life stages of walking catfish like other teleosts, but at relatively high levels and remain expressed all through the life stages with a potential of stimulation of ureogenesis throughout the life cycle as a sort of physiological adaptation to survive and breed successfully under hyper-ammonia and various other environmental-related stresses.

Ammonia affects brain nitrogen metabolism but not hydration status in the Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta)

Laboratory rodents made hyperammonemic by infusing ammonia into the blood show symptoms of brain cell swelling and increased intracranial pressure. These symptoms could be caused in part by an increase in brain glutamine formed when brain glutamine synthetase (GS) naturally detoxifies ammonia to glutamine. Previous studies on the Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) demonstrated that it is resistant to high ammonia exposure (HAE) (96 h LC(50)=10mM) despite an increase in brain glutamine. This study attempts to resolve whether the resistance of O. beta is mediated by special handling of brain water in the face of changing glutamine concentrations. Methionine sulfoximine (MSO), an inhibitor of GS, was used to pharmacologically manipulate glutamine concentrations, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess the status of brain water. Ammonia or MSO treatment did not substantially affect blood acid-base parameters. Exposure to 3.5mM ammonium chloride in seawater for 16 or 40 h resulted in a parallel increase in brain ammonia (3-fold) and glutamine (2-fold) and a decrease in brain glutamate (1.3-fold). Pre-treatment with MSO prevented ammonia-induced changes in glutamine and glutamate concentrations. HAE also induced an increase in plasma osmolality (by 7%) which was probably due to a disturbance of osmoregulatory processes but which did not result in broader whole body dehydration as indicated by muscle water analysis. The increase in brain glutamine was not associated with any changes in brain water in toadfish exposed to 3.5 mM ammonia for up to 40 h or even at 10, 20 and 30 mM ammonia consecutively and for one hour in each concentration. The lack of brain water accumulation implies that ammonia toxicity in toadfish appears to be via pathways other than cerebral swelling. Furthermore, toadfish pre-treated with MSO did not survive a normally sub-lethal exposure to 3.5 mM ammonia for 40 h. The enhancement of ammonia toxicity by MSO suggests that GS function is critical to ammonia tolerance in this species.

The African Sharptooth CatfishClarias gariepinusCan Tolerate High Levels of Ammonia in Its Tissues and Organs during Four Days of Aerial Exposure

The African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus lives in freshwater, is an obligatory air breather, and can survive on land during drought. The objective of this study was to elucidate how C. gariepinus defends against ammonia toxicity when exposed to terrestrial conditions. During 4 d of aerial exposure, there was no accumulation of urea in its tissues, and the rate of urea excretion remained low. Thus, exposure to terrestrial conditions for 4 d did not induce ureogenesis or ureotely in C. gariepinus. Volatilization of NH(3) was not involved in excreting ammonia during aerial exposure. In addition, there were no changes in levels of alanine in the muscle, liver, and plasma of C. gariepinus; nor were there any changes in the glutamine levels in these tissues. However, there were extraordinarily high levels of ammonia in the muscle (14 micromol g(-1)), liver (18 micromol g(-1)), and brain (11 micromol g(-1)) of fish exposed to terrestrial conditions for 4 d. This is the first report on a fish adopting high tolerance of ammonia in cells and tissues as the single major strategy to defend against ammonia toxicity during aerial exposure. At present, it is uncertain how C. gariepinus tolerates such high levels of ammonia, especially in its brain, but it can be concluded that, contrary to previous reports on two air-breathing catfishes (Clarias batrachus and Heteropneustes fossilis) from India, C. gariepinus does not detoxify ammonia to urea or free amino acids on land.