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.

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.

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.

First isolation and characterization of a new species of Vibrio from diseased flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus Temminck et Schlegel)

Appropriate pathogenic bacteria were isolated from diseased (or dead) flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus L) occurring in a mariculture farms of Qinhuangdao, which all diseased fishes expressed bacterial septicaemia. The phenotypic information of the 12 pure cultures was studied extensively, including morphological characteristics, colony characteristics in different media, physiological and biochemi- cal characteristics, and the mole fraction G+C ratio of the DNA for representative strain. The results show that the isolates belong to a new species of Vibrio, and are designated as Vibrio qinhuangdaora sp.nov. by the area from which the diseased flounders are collected (Qinhuangdao) based on its biological properties following Rules of International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria. At the same time, studies on the serum homology of isolates, and pathogenicity of isolates were conducted by experimental infection. The results show that all the isolates are of serologic similarity, and the isolates have strong pathogenicity to flounder. The studies can extensively reflect the main biological properties of this new species of Vibrio.