牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)抗缪勒氏管激素Ⅱ型受体基因(amhr2)表达特征分析及功能初探

抗缪勒氏管激素Ⅱ型受体(anti-Müllerian hormone receptorⅡ,Amhr2)是抗缪勒氏管激素(anti-Müllerian hormone,Amh)的特异受体。amhr2基因在鱼类性腺分化和发育中发挥重要作用,更决定了有的鱼种的性别,然而,相关功能研究较为有限。本研究旨在明晰amhr2在我国重要海水养殖鱼类—牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)性腺分化和发育过程中的表达特征,并初步探究其功能。首先,克隆了牙鲆amhr2-CDS序列,共1536bp,编码511个氨基酸。系统发育分析显示牙鲆Amhr2近C端较为保守,与其他硬骨鱼类聚为一枝,并与上游sp1以及下游的prr13和PCBP2在基因组中共定位。蛋白结构分析显示,牙鲆Amhr2包含信号肽、跨膜结构域和保守的酪氨酸蛋白激酶结构域。进而,利用实时荧光定量PCR(q PCR)分析表明,牙鲆amhr2主要表达于性腺,且在精巢中的表达极显著高于卵巢(P<0.01),其在I-V期精巢中持续高表达,而在卵巢中仅在I期高表达,后显著下降(P<0.05)。性腺分化期基因的表达,是对雌核发育组(对照组,20±0.5℃,100%雌性)与雌核发育高温诱导组(HT组,28±0.5℃,100%雄性)鱼苗进行检测的,amhr2在对照组全长(totallength,TL)2cm的实验鱼性腺中表达最高,后逐渐下降;而HT组实验鱼性腺中的表达呈现先上升后下降的趋势,并在精巢开始分化的6cm TL时表达最高。利用Hela细胞进行亚细胞定位分析发现,Amhr2与其配体Amh均定位于细胞质。同时,通过原核表达重组牙鲆Amh,并用其孵育离体性腺组织,q PCR分析显示精巢中amhr2的表达没有显著变化,但卵巢中表达显著上升(P<0.05)。进一步通过双荧光素酶报告分析表明,Amh和Amhr2共转染能够显著抑制雌激素合成的关键芳香化酶基因cyp19a的表达(P<0.01)。综上所述,牙鲆amhr2主要表达于精巢,但在不同性腺发育时期表达不同,且其可能与Amh共同影响cyp19a的转录,对雄性表型形成的启动和性腺发育起作用。

Characterization,Expression Pattern Analysis,and Cellular Localization of Two Homologous MUC2 Genes in Japanese Flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus)

As a member of mucins family,MUC2 is an important component of mucus,which is characterized by tandem and irregular repeat sequences rich in threonine and serine.It is strongly expressed by goblet cells that are involved in innate immunity.Japanese flounder is an economically important marine flatfish.In this study,two homologous genes of MUC2 were identified,named MUC2-1 and MUC2-2.Depending on phylogenetic and structural analysis,MUC2-1 and MUC2-2 were clustered in two clades,respectively.Paralichthys olivaceus MUC2-1 showed a closer relationship with MUC2 in the higher vertebrates.Various healthy tissues were analyzed to determine the expression patterns,and both MUC2 genes showed high expression levels in the gills and intestines.Following Edwardsiella tarda challenge,P.olivaceus MUC2-1 and MUC2-2 both showed significant up-regulated expression in intestine and kidney.Moreover,MUC2-1 was significantly up-regulated in gill cell lines following PGN and polyI:C stimulation,and MUC2-2 was significantly up-regulated in gill cell lines following LPS stimulation.In addition,ISH results revealed that MUC2-1 and MUC2-2 showed the same tissue localization in intestine tissues,but displayed different localization in gill.The siRNA-mediated knockdown of MUC2-1 and MUC2-2 genes in the gill cell lines of Japanese flounder affected the expressions of galnt family genes and smad pathway members that are related to mucosal immunity.The results provided a valuable insight into understanding the functions of MUC2 on mucosal immune system in response to the invasion of bacterial pathogen.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Regulation Role of miR-144-5p in Intestinal Immunity of Japanese Flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus)

MicroRNAs(miRNAs),22-nucleotide-long micromanagers that guide the post-transcriptional regulation of a wide range of target genes,can theoretically be used as a diagnostic or therapeutic target for inflammatory reaction.In fish,miR-144-5p expression varies dramatically in response to the different bacterial infections and can regulate immunity-related genes to reduce the occurrence of inflammation.In this research,the regulation function of miR-144-5p to the intestinal innate immunity was udied in flounder Paralichthys olivaceus.The flounders were interfered by 2μg g^(-1) miR-144-5p antagomir and their tissues(intestine,liver and spleen)were harvested from the fish at 12 h post-injection.More than 60 million high-quality reads were collected.At 24 hours after miR-144-5p or miR-NC interference,a total of 2704 and 1823 different-expresion genes(DEGs)were identified in comparison with control group,respectively.The DEGs were enriched in a variety of immunity-related signaling pathways,including NOD-like receptor,Wnt and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways,according to GO and KEGG analyses.A total of 503 highly interacting DEGs engaged in 33 immunity-related signaling pathways were discovered using KEGG analyses.Additionally,5 hub genes were found by protein-protein interaction networks,which formed an intricate immune regulation network.Meanwhile,these hub genes were mostly involved in focal adhesion,Wnt signaling pathway,as well as the Intestinal Immune Network for IgT(IgA)Production Pathway.In conclusion,the loss of miR-144-5p can affect immunity-related genes and downstream signaling pathways.Our findings suggest that miR-144-5p is a modulator of gene networks and signaling pathways associated with intestinal innate immunity.

Isolation of CA/GT Microsatellites from the Paralichthys olivaceus Genome

A library rich in CA/GT microsatellites was constructed from the Paralichthys olivaceus genome by combining biotin capture method and radioactive labeling hybridization. Five hundred and twenty six positive clones were obtained through twice screens. Sequencing confirmed 133 microsatellite loci （number of repeats t〉 5） in 119 positive clones. Of these microsatellites, two （1.5%） had compound repeat motifs, 63 （47.37%） had perfect motifs and 68 （51.13%） had imperfect motifs. Primer pairs were designed in the flanking regions of 22 microsatelites and subjected to PCR amplification. In 8 artificial gynogenesis families, four pairs failed to amplification, one pair was monomorphic, and the rest were polymorphic with an average of 5.2 alleles per locus. Heterozygosities ranged between 0. 375 and 0. 846, PIC ranged between 0. 305 and 0. 823. The results suggested that most of the microsatellites we isolated were qualified to be applied to the population genetic studies of P. olivaceus.

Estimates of genetic and phenotypic parameters for weight and length in Paralichthys olivaceus(Temminck et Schlegel)

The complete diallel cross design was employed to estimate the genetic parameters of the growth of Japanese flounder （Paralichthys olivaceus）. A total of 60 full-sib families were cultivated and two growth-related traits, body weight （BW） and body length （BL）, were examined at average 2, 3 and 8 months of age respectively, with 1 800 individuals measured in each age group （30 per family）. Based on the additive-dominance-maternal-effect genetic analysis model, the restricted maximum likelihood approach was used to estimate various （co）variance components. The results showed that narrow-sense heritability estimates of BW and BL were respectively： 0.29 ± 0.01 and 0.22 ± 0.02 at 2 months of age, 0.32 ± 0.02 and 0.30 ± 0.04 at 3 months of age, 0.48 ± 0.04 and 0.40 ± 0.05 at 8 months of age; broad-sense heritability estimates were respectively： 0.44 ± 0.02 and 0.54 ± 0.04 at 2 months of age, 0.35 ± 0.01 and 0.36 ± 0.03 at 3 months of age, 0.49 ± 0.03 and 0.45 ± 0.04. All heritabilities were statistically significant （P 0.05）. Additive genetic correlations between BW and BL at 2, 3 and 8 months of age were consistently positive and highly significant （P 0.01）： 0.93 ± 0.02, 0.95 ± 0.03 and 0.92 ± 0.03 respectively. Maternal effect was significant （P 0.05） only at 2 months of age, and was not detected at 3 and 8 months of age. According to the heritability estimates, the mass selection strategy should be efficient for the breeding of Japanese flounder.

A VIBRIO ANGUILLARUM STRAIN ASSOCIATED WITH SKIN ULCER ON CULTURED FLOUNDER, PARALICHTHYS OLIVACEUS

The characteristics of a bacterium strain M3, isolated from cultured flounder Paralichthys olivaceus with remarkable external sign of skin ulcer during an epizootic outbreak, indicated that the bacterium belonged to the species Vibrio anguillarum . Challenge by I.M. (intramuscular injection), bath, and oral administration with M3 showed that it was highly pathogenic for Paralichthys olivacues . The LD 50 dose was 5.144×10 3 CFU/ per fish infection by I.M. injection. Recovered inoculated bacteria from the surviving fish revealed that the asymptomatic carriers could be a latent contagious source. Study of the effect of bacterial culture CFS (cell free supernatant) showed that the exotoxins produced by M3 play an important role in its pathogenicity for flounder. The resistance of M3 to 36 out of 41 antibiotics indicated that the bacterial disease outbreak was mainly attributable to the frequent and excessive use of antimicrobial agents; and that vaccination would be an effective precaution against bacterial disease.

Carbon Budget of Bastard Halibut Paralichthys Olivaceus in Relation to Body Weight and Temperature

The effects of body weight and temperature on the carbon budget of the juvenile bastard halibut,Paralichthys olivaceus, were studied at temperature 13.5, 18, 21.5 and 24 ℃, respectively. The carbon intake, faecal and growth carbon were measured, and the carbon respiration was calculated using the carbon budget equation (C C=G C+F C+R C). The combined relationship between different components of the carbon budget, body weight and temperature could be described by regression equations:C C=1.0206W 0.8126e 0.1483T; G C=0.0042W 1.4096 (-5.11T3+285.90T2-5173.72T+30314.03);F C=0.0485W 0.7711e 0.1624T U C = 1.4333W 0.6715e 0.1487T. Body weight had no significant effect on the carbon absorption efficiency and the conversion efficiency.

A Study on the Meat and Bone Meal or Poultry By-product Meal as Protein Substitutes of Fishmeal in Concentrated Diets for Paralichthys olivaceus

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of meat and bone meal （MBM） and poultry by-product meal （PBM） as the replacement of fishmeal in the diets on the growth performance, survival and apparent digestibility coefficient （ADC） of Japanese flounder （Paralichthys olivaceus）. The experimental diets included 0%, 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% MBM or PBM replacement of total fishmeal respectively. All diets were iso-nitrogenous and isocaloric. The results showed that there are no significant differences （P 〉0.05） in growth performance among the treatments fed with 0% -60% MBM replacement of fishmeal, while the percent weight gain （WG, % ）, body length gain （BLG, % ） and ADC significantly decrease when fishmeal is replaced by 80% MBM. The result showed also that there are no significant differences （P 〉0.05） in growth performance and ADC among all treatments fed with the diets with 0% -80% replacements of fishmeal with PBM.

Identification of candidate piRNAs in the gonads of Paralichthys olivaceus (Japanese flounder)

Piwi-interacting RNA （piRNA） plays an important role in the gonadal development and maintenance of Teleostei. In this study, piRNA libraries derived from the adult gonads of Japanese flounder （Paralichthys ofivaceus） were generated using next-generation sequencing technology. Using zebrafish piRNAs as a reference, 5 865 unique candidate piRNAs were identified; 289 candidate piRNA clusters （PRCs） were generated from the above piRNAs. Among the isolated candidate PRCs, a total of 38 ovary-specific, 45 ovary-bias, 24 testis-specific, and 131 testis-bias PRCs were found. The relative expression levels of seven PRCs were validated through quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The results of this study will help facilitate exploration of the development and maintenance of the phenotypic sex mechanism in P. olivaceus.

Establishment and characterization of a testicular Sertoli cell line from olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

The culture of Sertoli cells has become an indispensable resource in studying spermatogenesis.A new Sertoli cell line(POSC) that consisted predominantly of fibroblast-like cells was derived from the testis of the olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and sub-cultured for 48 passages.Analysis of the mtDNA COI gene partial sequence confirmed that the cell line was from P.olivaceus.Cells were optimally maintained at 25℃ in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum,basic fibroblast growth factor,and epidermal growth factor.The growth curve of POSC showed a typical "S" shape.Chromosome analysis revealed that the cell line possessed the normal P.olivaceus diploid karyotype of 2n=48t.POSC expressed dmrt1 but not vasa,which was detected using RT-PCR and sequencing.Immunocytochemistry revealed that the cells exhibited the testicular Sertoli cell marker FasL.Therefore,POSC appeared to consist of testicular Sertoli cells.Bright fluorescent signals were observed after the cells were transfected with pEGFP-N3 plasmid,with the transfection efficiency reaching 10%.This research not only offers an ideal model for further gene expression and regulation studies on P.olivaceus,but also serves as valuable material in studying fish spermatogenesis,Sertoli cell-germ cell interactions,and the mechanism of growth and development of testis.

Genetic analysis of meio-and mito-gynogenetic stocks of Paralichthys olivaceus with microsatellite markers

Twenty microsatellite markers （ Pol, Po13, Po33, Po35, Po42, Po48, Po56, Po89, Po91, kop6, kop7, kop8, kop12, kop15, kop18, kop21, kop22, kop23, kop26, Po-str1 ） were used to assess the meiogynogenetic and mitogynogenetic stocks of the lefteyed flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, which were derived from single pair crossing. Twelve of the 20 loci utilized showed heterozygosity in the female and were mapped in relation to their centromeres in the meiogynogenetic diploid flounder. Microsatellitecentromere map distance, calculated under the assumption of complete interference, ranged from 15. 8 cM for kop22 to 50 cM for Po13, Po56 and Po89. Excluding the kop22, the heterozygosities of the rest of the loci were close to 100% , suggesting the occurrence of near complete interference on the chromosome arms that carried these loci. In the mitogynogenetic diploid flounder, each individual showed exact homozygousity and the segregation profiles did not deviate from the Mendelian 1：1 pattern. The results indicated that there was no lethal gene linked with the loci analyzed. Such high interference accounted for the high recombination rates and large map distances. The Po13 and Po56 loci, Po91 and kopl8 loci, kopl5 and kop21 loci are tightly linked on the same chromosome arm in pairs.

Studies on the edwardsiellosis and characterization of pathogenic bacteria from diseased flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus L.) and turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.)

Edwardsiellosis of flounder and turbot occurring in different mariculture farms during 2001～ 2004 was examined, including the conditions of disease occurrence, clinical signs and pathological changes. The results showed that all diseased fishes expressed bacterial septicaemia. A total of 148 strains were identified using a combination of traditional physiological and biochemical tests and partial 16S rRNA gene analysis. In addition, the mole fraction G ＋ C ratio of the DNA of representative strain of isolates and serum homology were detected, and pathogenicity tests of isolates were conducted by experimental infection. The results revealed that 148 strains were identified as E. tarda of genus Edwardsiella, all the isolates are of serologic similarity, and have strong pathogenicity to flounder and turbot.

Screening of eye-position related genes with DD-RT-PCR and RDA in the hybrids between Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and stone flounder Kareius bicoloratus

Flatfish or flounder moves one eye to change body proportion into vertebral asymmetry during metamorphosis, during which some become sinistral while others dextral. However, the mechanism behinds the eye-position has not been well understood. In this research, hybrids between Japanese flounder(♀) and stone flounder (♂) show mixed eye-location in both dextral type and sinistral type, and thus become good samples for studying the eye-migration. mRNAs from pro-metamorphosis sinistral and dextral hybrids larvae were screened with classical differential display RT-PCR (DD-RT-PCR) and representational difference analysis of cDNA (cDNA-RDA); 30 and 47 putative fragments were isolated, respectively. The cDNA fragments of creatine kinase and trypsinogen 2 precursor genes isolated by cDNA-RDA exhibited eye-position expression patterns during metamorphosis. However, none of the fragments was proved to be related to flatfishes’ eye-position specifically. Therefore, further studies and more sensitive gene isolated methods are needed to solve the problems.

Genetic variation of natural and cultured stocks of Paralichthys olivaceus by allozyme and RAPD

Population genetics of the left-eyed flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, including natural and cultured stocks distributed in the coastal waters near Qingdao of eastern maritime China, was analyzed in allozyme and RAPD. The results showed that among total 29 gene loci of 15 isozymes, 9 and 7 were po- lymorphic in natural and cultured stocks, respectively. The status of genetic diversity in P. olivaceus is low in terms of polymorphic loci in chi-square test and genetic departure index of Hardy-Weinberg equi- librium. More alleles in IDHP, CAT, GDH and Ldh-C allozymes were found in the fish, which could be used as markers in assortive breeding and distinguishing stock, population or species evolution. Total 88 and 86 RAPD bands ranging from 200 to 2 500 bp were recognized individually in average of 7.8–8.0 bands per primer. The genetic diversity in cultured stock is lower than that in natural ones showing an ob- viously decreasing genetic divergence. Therefore, effective countermeasures must be taken to protect ge- netic resources of marine cultured fishes. The 2 markers have their own pros and cons. Combining the 2 markers to investigate the genetic variation of populations is suggested. The results provide basic data of this flounder and they are useful for studying genetic improvement and genetic resources of the fish.

Optimization of the Purification Methods for Recovery of Recombinant Growth Hormone from Paralichthys olivaceus

This study aimed to optimize the purification of recombinant growth hormone from Paralichthys olivaceus. Recombinant flounder growth hormone （r-fGH） was expressed by Escherichia coli in form of inclusion body or as soluble protein under different inducing conditions. The inclusion body was renatured using two recovery methods, i.e., dilution and dialysis. Thereafter, the refolded protein was purified by Glutathione Sepharase 4B affinity chromatography and r-fGH was obtained by cleavage of thrombin. For soluble products, r-fGH was directly purified from the lysates by Glutathione Sepharase 4B affinity chromatography. ELISA-receptor assay demonstrated that despite its low receptor binding activity, the r-fGH purified from refolded inclusion body had a higher yield （2.605 mg L^-1） than that from soluble protein （1.964 mg L^-l）. Of the tested recovery methods, addition of renaturing buffer （pH 8.5） into denatured inclusion body yielded the best recovery rate （17.9%）. This work provided an optimized purification method for high recovery of r-fGH, thus contributing to the application of r-fGH to aquaculture.

Expressions of Toll Like Receptor(TLR)Genes in Paralichthys olivaceus After Induced by Different Extracts of Edwardsiella tarda

Toll like receptors(TLRs)are the main innate immune‘pattern recognition receptors’of animals,which play a central role in host cell recognition and responses to invasive pathogens,particularly common structures of microbial pathogens.In this study,the gene expression profiles of TLRs in the spleen,head kidney,gill,small intestine,liver,muscle,and heart of healthy Paralichthys olivaceus were detected by real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR).The TLR family members were widely expressed in different tissues with different basic expression profiles.The highest expressions of TLR1,5m,7,8,9,14,and 21 were found in the spleen;the highest expressions of TLR3 and TLR21 were found in the gill;the highest expressions of TLR2 and 5s were found in the small intestine.The second highest expressions of TLR3,7,and 8 were found in small intestine.The gene expression profiles of TLRs stimulated with Edwardsiella tarda DNA,RNA,and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)were also detected in spleen,head kidney and gill.TLR9 and TLR21 were sensitive to E.tarda DNA;TLR 8 and TLR21 were sensitive to E.tarda RNA;and TLR1 and TLR14 were sensitive to E.tarda LPS.The expressions of the other TLR genes showed no significant changes.The results imply that the expressions of these TLR genes in P.olivaceus are differently regulated in the whole body and play important roles in the immune response against E.tarda infection.

Effects of florfenicol exposure on growth,development and antioxidant capacity of flounder Paralichthys olivaceus larvae at different developmental stages

Antibiotics are widespread in various environmental media,and may pose a potential threat to aquatic ecosystems and non-target aquatic organisms.Florfenicol(FLO)is one of the most commonly used antibiotics in aquaculture,and extensively used to substitute chloramphenicol with its strong sterilization and low adverse ef fect.In this study,flounder Paralichthys olivaceus,an important economic fish species in seawater was used as an experimental subject.Five exposure concentrations of FLO(including environmentrelated concentrations)were set at 0,0.01,0.1,1,and 10 mg/L.Ef fects of FLO exposure for 168 h on growth and development,motor behavior,antioxidant enzyme activity,malondialdehyde(MDA)content,and thyroid hormone level of P.olivaceus larvae were studied in pre-larvae(1 dpf)and post-larvae(20 dpf).The results show that the short-term FLO exposure could promote the larvae growth to some degrees,but inhibit them as the exposure time prolonged.For pre-larvae,FLO at 0.01 mg/L could stimulate the motor nerve system and increase the swimming ability,but inhibited it at 1 mg/L.With the increasing dosage of FLO,the superoxide dismutase(SOD)and MDA contents were elevated,reaching the maximum in the 1 mg/L FLO group.The pre-larvae were more sensitive than the post-larvae to FLO in the environment,and the growth and immune resistance could be damaged with long exposure.Post-larvae were more tolerant to external pollutants,FLO at 1 mg/L could promote the motor behavior and reduce SOD and MDA contents.Therefore,FLO can be used as an antibiotic at a proper concentration but as a drug to prevent disease in a long-term way.

Distribution and expression in vitro and in vivo of DNA vaccine against lymphocystis disease virus in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Lymphocystis disease,caused by the lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV),is a significant worldwide problem in fish industry causing substantial economic losses.In this study,we aimed to develop the DNA vaccine against LCDV,using DNA vaccination technology.We evaluated plasmid pEGFP-N2-LCDV1.3 kb as a DNA vaccine candidate.The plasmid DNA was transiently expressed after liposome transfection into the eukaryotic COS 7 cell line.The distribution and expression of the DNA vaccine (pEGFP-N2-LCDV1.3kb) were also analyzed in tissues of the vaccinated Japanese flounder by PCR,RT-PCR and fluorescent microscopy.Results from PCR analysis indicated that the vaccine-containing plasmids were distributed in injected muscle,the muscle opposite the injection site,the hind intestine,gill,spleen,head,kidney and liver,6 and 25 days after vaccination.The vaccine plasmids disappeared 100 d post-vaccination.Fluorescent microscopy revealed green fluorescence in the injected muscle,the muscle opposite the injection site,the hind intestine,gill,spleen,head,kidney and liver of fish 48 h post-vaccination,green fluorescence did not appear in the control treated tissue.Green fluorescence became weak at 60 days post-vaccination.RT-PCR analysis indicated that the mcp gene was expressed in all tested tissues of vaccinated fish 6-50 days post-vaccination.These results demonstrate that the antigen encoded by the DNA vaccine is distributed and expressed in all of the tissues analyzed in the vaccinated fish.The antigen would therefore potentially initiate a specific immune response.The plasmid DNA was injected into Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) intramuscularly and antibodies against LCDV were evaluated.The results indicate that the plasmid encoded DNA vaccine could induce an immune response to LCDV and would therefore offer immune protection against LCD.Further studies are required for the development and application of this promising DNA vaccine.

Hybrids between olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and stone flounder Kareius bicoloratus: karyotype,allozyme and RAPD analyses

The hybrid between olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and stone flounder Kareius bicoloratus was produced by artificial insemination of olive flounder eggs with stone flounder sperm. Sinistral and dextral are two types of hybrid progeny after metamorphosis. Karyotypes of both hybrid flounders are the same as those of the two parental species. Of the 22 loci examined from 12 allozymes, 12 confirmed hybridization of the paternal and maternal loci in hybrids and no difference was found in allozyme patterns of sinistral and dextral hybrid fishes. RAPD patterns of these specimens were also studied with 38 primers selected from 104 tested. Among them, the PCR products of 30 primers showed hybridization of the paternal and maternal bands. Genetic variation between hybrids and their parental stocks was analyzed by RAPD using 10 of the above 38 primers. The average heterozygosity and genetic distance were calculated. The results suggested that the filial generation could inherit a little more genetic materials from paternal fish than that from maternal fish.

Histological change and heat shock protein 70 expression in different tissues of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus in response to elevated temperature

High temperature influences the homeostasis of fish. We investigated the effects of elevated temperature on tissues of Japanese flounder （Paralichthys olivaceus） by analyzing the histology and heat shock protein 70 （hsp70） expression of fish reared in warm conditions. In this study, temperature was increased at 1±0.5℃/day starting at 24±0.5℃, and was kept at that temperature for 5 days before the next rise. After raising temperature at the rate up to 32±0.5℃, tissue samples from midgut, spleen, stomach, liver, muscle, gill, heart, trunk kidney and brain were collected for histological analysis and mRNA assay. Almost all the tissues showed changes in morphological structure and hsp70 level at 32±0.5℃. Histological assessment of the tissues indicated that the gill had the most serious damage, including highly severe epithelial lifting and edema, curved tips and hyperemia at the ending of the lamellars, desquamation and necrosis. The next most severe damage was found in liver and kidney. The hsp70 levels in all the tissues first increased and then decreased. The gut, stomach, muscle, heart, and brain had the highest expressions in 6 h, whereas the spleen, liver, gill and kidney had the highest expressions in 2 h. Therefore, tissues with the most significant lesions （especially gill and liver） responded much earlier （2 h） in hsp70 expression than other tissues, and these tissues demonstrated the most marked histological disruption and elevated mRNA levels, making them ideal candidates for further studies on the thermal physiology of this species.