Efeito do resfriamento sobre a textura post-mortem da carne do peixe matrinxã Brycon cephalus

Os mecanismos que causam o amolecimento e a perda na textura post-mortem da carne de matrinxã foram determinados por meio das mudanças na microestrutura do músculo, imediatamente após a morte e depois de 12 horas de estocagem a -3°C. As observações na microestrutura, realizadas com microscópio eletrônico de transmissão, foram semelhantes aos resultados obtidos na força de ruptura do músculo medidos com o texturômetro. Os valores da força da ruptura foram menores para a carne após o resfriamento. Observou-se que as fibras do colágeno do tecido conectivo pericelular se desintegraram e que as do colágeno do tecido conectivo do miocommata conservaram sua arquitetura e integridade. Houve pouca degradação da linha Z. Isso sugere que o amolecimento post-mortem da carne de mantrinxã, durante a estocagem a -3°C, é causado pela degradação do tecido conectivo pericelular.

Influência do formato do aquário na sobrevivência e no desenvolvimento de larvas de matrinxã Brycon cephalus (Osteichthyes, Characidae)

Neste experimento, utilizaram-se cinco aquários cilíndricos com relevo no fundo (em forma de anel) e cinco retangulares com fundo liso para estudo da influência do formato do aquário na sobrevivência e no desenvolvimento de larvas de matrinxã Brycon cephalus. Observou-se melhor eficiência dos aquários retangulares, confirmada pela maior sobrevivência e biomassa. Os valores de temperatura, pH, condutividade e oxigênio dissolvido foram similares entre os tipos de aquários, sugerindo que esses parâmetros não influenciaram os resultados. O relevo no fundo dos aquários cilíndricos afetou negativamente o cultivo de larvas de matrinxã, pela criação de zonas com pequena capacidade da água em suspender partículas, o que resultou em acúmulo de dejetos, predadores, competidores e alimento. Aquários retangulares com fundo liso são mais adequados ao cultivo de larvas de matrinxã, por promover melhor circulação da água.

Comparative cytogenetic and allozyme analysis of Mugil rubrioculus and M. curema (Teleostei : Mugilidae) from Venezuela

A comparative cytogenetic and allozyme analysis of sympatric specimens of Mugil rubrioculus and M. curema from Venezuela is reported. Specimens of M. rubrioculus exhibit a 2n=48 karyotype with exclusively acrocentric (NF=48) chromosomes, one pair of NORs interstitially located on chromosome pair number 8 and constitutive heterochromatin distributed in pericentromeric position of all chromosomes. Specimens of M. curema show cytogenetic features significantly different in comparison to M. rubrioculus in terms of chromosome number and morphology (2n=24 biarmed chromosomes, NF=48) and NORs location (telomeric region of the largest metacentric pair). Starch gel electrophoresis analysis at 20 presumptive loci reveals a reduced genetic difterentiation between the two species. In fact, though a total of ten private alleles are identified; all loci share alleles between the two species and the obtained Nei's genetic distance (D= 0.060) is lower than the values obtained between other congeneric mullet species. Thus, the cytogenetic and allozyme data sets indicate quite different degrees of genetic divergence between M. rubrioculus and M. curema. This could either reflect an underestimate of molecular divergence owing to cryptic variation or different rates of molecular/chromosomal evolution. Whatever the explanation, this study confirms the power of karyological data in discriminating species of Mugilidae.

Crystallization, preliminary X-ray analysis and molecular-replacement solution of the carboxy form of haemoglobin I from the fish Brycon cephalus

Haemoglobin, the 'honorary enzyme' [Brunori (1999), Trends Biochem. Sci. 24, 158-161], constitutes a prime prototype for allosteric models. Here, the crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of haemoglobin I from the South American fish Brycon cephalus are reported. X-ray diffraction data have been collected to 2.5 Angstrom resolution using synchrotron radiation (LNLS). Crystals were determined to belong to the space group P6(1)22 and preliminary structural analysis revealed the presence of one dimer (alpha beta) in the asymmetric unit. The structure was determined using standard molecular-replacement techniques.

Physiological responses associated with capture and crowding stress in matrinxã Brycon cephalus (Gunther, 1869)

The dynamics of plasma cortisol, blood glucose, plasma chloride and liver glycogen were investigated in matrinxã (Brycon cephalus) submitted to capture and various periods of crowding. A total of 400 fish (700 ± 22 g weight) were distributed in four ponds divided into four 50-m2 squares (25 fish/square, 350 gL-1), where they were acclimated for 30 days. On the sampling day, after 24 h without food, all fish from three squares were transferred to the fourth square. Six fish were sampled before the procedure (control group, zero time) and 1, 3, 6 and 24 h after the capture and crowding. Each sampling was performed in a different pond to prevent additional stress. Fish were anaesthetized and blood and liver collected for biochemical analysis. Water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, ammonia and nitrite levels were within acceptable levels for matrinxã rearing. Slight but not significant increases were verified in plasma cortisol and blood glucose levels, as were decreases in plasma chloride and liver glycogen levels. The results suggest that matrinxã is highly tolerant to the procedures of capture and short-term crowding.

Schooling behavior of Mugil curema (Perciformes: Mugilidae) in an estuary in southeastern Brazil

Schools of mullets, Mugilidae, are abundant in estuaries and shallow marine waters. We report on the schooling behavior of juvenile white mullet, Mugil curema, in the estuary of the Canto da Paciência stream, in Ubatuba, southeastern Brazil. Schools of small fish (15 to 35 mm TL) were composed of a larger number of individuals (up to a hundred individuals), and were found feeding mainly in shallow nearshore waters, whereas schools of larger fish (40 to 100 mm TL) were observed only in deeper waters. Three patterns of swimming were observed for the schools: stationary feeding, slow movement while searching for food, and rapid displacement. The variations observed in school structure and behavior seem to be related to the balance between predation risk and increasing food intake. Copyright © 2007 Sociedade Brasileira de Ictiologia.

Indução a espermiação e criopreservação espermática de Brycon cephalus (Gunther, 1869) (teleostei: characidae)

Pós-graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia Animal - FEIS

Estocagem tecidual e utilização de lipídeos em Matrinxã, Brycon cephalus (Günther, 1869)

Lipids have important biological functions, suchas membrane constituents, hormone precursors, and are efficient energy reserves, due to thers high caloric content. In fish, but not in mammals, lipid storage patterns are quite diverse. The aim of this study was to determine lipid distribution in somatic and reproductive tissues of matrinxã, Brycon cephalus, both male and female, highlighting somatic indices related to lipid dynamics. From Oct 98 to Jan 99, a total of 174 fish (8-12 each month) were sampled. After fish anesthesia, heparinized blood was collected for plasma triacylglycerol determination. Fish were individually weighed and measured, and liver, gonads and visceral fat were collected and weighed for HSI (hepatosomatic index), GSI (gonad somatic index) and MFI (mesenteric fat index) calculation. The highest values of total lipids were found in red muscle (about 18%), liver and gonads (about 16.5%). The white muscle had a lower concentration (2.5%). Analyses of variance of HSI and MFI showed fluctuations along the experimental period with lowest concentrations in the periods of highest temperatures. Matrinxã store lipids in several body tissues, including mesenteric fat, liver, muscles and gonads.

Taxonomic review of the species of Mugil (Teleostei: Perciformes: Mugilidae) from the Atlantic South Caribbean and South America, with integration of morphological, cytogenetic and molecular data

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Molecular identification of mullet species of the Atlantic South Caribbean and South America and the phylogeographic analysis of mugil liza

Fundacao de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Hormonal induction of Brycon cephalus (Characiformes, Characidae) to spermiation using D-ala6, pro9net-mGnRH + metoclopramide

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Avaliação da distribuição de hidrocarbonetos alquibenzeno lineares (LABS) em mugil curema (Parati), como indicativo de exposição ao esgoto doméstico em Cananéia, SP, Brasil

O despejo de esgoto doméstico é uma das principais fontes de contaminação na costa do Brasil, onde se estima que somente 20% da população estejam conectadas a um sistema de coleta e tratamento de esgoto. A detecção da poluição por esgotos no ambiente marinho é de considerável importância para a saúde pública. Os peixes têm recebido atenção especial em programas de monitoramento por serem um dos principais componentes da cadeia alimentar aquática e uma importante fonte de alimentos para os humanos. Estudos vêm sendo realizados com os compostos da classe dos hidrocarbonetos alquilbenzeno lineares (LABs), como forma de monitorar a introdução de esgoto no ambiente marinho. Os LABs estão presentes nos detergentes comerciais e industriais, podendo permanecer por vários anos no sedimento.

Salt as a stress response mitigator of matrinxa, Brycon cephalus (Gunther), during transport

The present study evaluated the physiological responses of matrinxa, Brycon cephalus (Gunther), submitted to transport stress under the influence of sodium chloride, Different salt concentrations (0.0%, 0.1%, 0.3% and 0.6%) were added to four 200-L plastic tanks. Each tank was stocked with 30 fish (mean weight 1.0 +/- 0.2 kg) and transported for 4 h. Blood was sampled prior to transport and immediately after and 24 and 96 h after transport. Plasma cortisol and glucose and serum sodium and potassium, plasma chloride and ammonia were analysed, Changes in plasma cortisol were observed immediately after transportation, except in fish transported in 0.3% and 0.6% salt. Twenty-four hours later, this hormone had returned to its initial level in all fish. Blood glucose was not changed in fish treated with 0.6% salt immediately after transport, and returned to the initial level within 96 h after the other treatments. All treatments resulted in lower levels of plasma chloride after transport, except for fish treated with 0.6% salt, with fish treated with 0.0% and 0.3% salt recovering 24 h later, Serum sodium decreased immediately after transport only in the control fish, returning to the initial level 24 h later, the results indicate that treatment with 0.6% NaCl reduces most of the physiological responses of matrinxa to the stress of transport.

Crystallization, preliminary X-ray analysis and molecular-replacement solution of haemoglobin-II from the fish matrinxa (Brycon cephalus)

Haemoglobins constitute a set of proteins with interesting structural and functional properties, especially when the two large animal groups reptiles and fishes are focused on. Here, the crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of haemoglobin-II from the South American fish matrinxa (Brycon cephalus) is reported. X-ray diffraction data have been collected to 3.0 Angstrom resolution using synchrotron radiation (LNLS). Crystals were determined to belong to space group P2(1) and preliminary structural analysis revealed the presence of two tetramers in the asymmetric unit. The structure was determined using the standard molecular-replacement technique.

Structural and ultrastructural characteristics of interrenal gland and chromaffin cell of matrinxa, Brycon cephalus Gunther 1869 (Teleostei-Characidae)

This work presents the structure and ultrastructure of the interrenal gland and chromaffin cells, as well as the morphology of the head kidney of Brycon cephalus, the head kidney is composed of fused bilateral lobes located anterior to the swim bladder and ventrolateral to the spinal column, the parenchyma revealed lympho-haematopoietic tissue, melano-macrophage centres, interrenal gland and chromaffin cells. The interrenal gland consisted of cords or strands of cells grouped around the posterior cardinal vein and their branches. Chromaffin cells are found in small groups, closely associated with the interrenal gland and/or under the endothelium of the posterior cardinal vein. So far, the ultrastructural analysis has revealed only one interrenal cell type which contained abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum and numerous mitochondria with tubulo-vesicular cristae, characteristic of steroid-producing cells. Two types of chromaffin cells were observed. The first type was characterized by the presence of vesicles with round, strongly electron-dense granules, which were eccentrically located, Such cells were interpreted as noradrenaline cells, Meanwhile, cells which contained smaller vesicles and electron-lucent granules, with a small halo separating the granule from the vesicular limiting membrane, were identified as adrenaline cells.