PRODUÇÃO DE LARVAS DE CURIMBATÁ (Prochilodus scrofa) SUBMETIDAS A DIFERENTES DENSIDADES DE ESTOCAGEM E NÍVEIS DE PROTEÍNA BRUTA NAS DIETAS

O gênero Prochilodus é amplamente distribuído pela América do Sul, incluindo várias espécies que apresenta certo grau de endemismo nas diferentes bacias. Essas espécies alimentam-se basicamente de detritos orgânicos, organismos do benton, e alimentações artificiais. O objetivo deste estudo foi testar três densidades de estocagem (0,5, 0,75, e 1 larva/litro) e dietas contendo dois níveis diferentes de proteína bruta (35 e 40% PB) nos parâmetros do crescimento e na taxa da sobrevivência do curimbatá, Prochilodus scrofa. As larvas foram estocadas em aquários experimentais de 100 litros, mantidos com volume de 60 litros, com o fluxo de água contínuo, proveniente de poço semi-artesiano. A maior média foi proporcionada pela ração com 40% de PB (1,66g ± 0,21). As diferenças foram significativas para os efeitos dos teores de PB sobre o ganho de peso e densidades de estocagem, na sobrevivência das larvas. Para o ganho de peso, as melhores médias foram obtidas com nível de 40% de PB (2,50g ± 0,40) e para a sobrevivência, as melhores taxas foram 94,45% ± 19,32 e 78,87% ± 19,32 nas densidades de 0,5 e 0,75 larvas/litro, respectivamente.

Effects of acute heat exposure on respiratory metabolism and blood glucose in freshwater fishes, Prochilodus scrofa (curimbatá) and Cyprinus carpio (carp) acclimatized to tropical winter

1. 1. Routine oxygen consumption and blood glucose were determined from freshwater fishes, Prochilodus scrofa and Cyprinus carpio, exposed at high temperatures for 1 hr. 2. 2. Prochilodus scrofa had a significantly higher rate of oxygen consumption at 30°C than at 25°C, and carp higher at 25°C than at 30°C. 3. 3. Blood glucose was significantly higher for Cyprinus carpio than for Prochilodus scrofa at 25 and 30°C; however, after exposure to these temperatures for 1 hr blood glucose did not change significantly for both species. 4. 4. The results suggest that these interspecific variations may be linked to the differences between native and foreign fishes and their way of life. © 1985.

Testicular ultrastructure and morphology of the seminal pathway in Prochilodus scrofa

The seminiferous tubules of Prochilodus scrofa present a coiled morphological arrangement with intertubular anastomoses and unrestricted spermatogonial distribution. The structural pattern of the seminiferous tubules is cystic, with cysts formed by cytoplasmic prolongations of Sertoli cells. Inside the cysts are observed different types of germ cells. The seminiferous tubules open individually on the ventral surface of the main testicular duct present in each testis. Each main testicular duct prolongs as a spermatic duct, fusing with the spermatic duct of the opposite side to form the common spermatic duct which opens into the urogenital papilla. The mature sperm cysts break and extravasate their content into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules from which the seminal fluid and the spermatozoa penetrate the main testicular duct, the spermatic duct and the common spermatic duct for semen ejaculation.

Oxidative stress biomarkers of exposure in the blood of cichlid species from a metal-contaminated river

The oxidative stress biomarkers of exposure, such as reduced glutathione (GSH), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), were measured in the blood of three cichlid fish (Oreochromis niloticus, Tilapia rendalli, and Geophagus brasiliensis) taken during two seasons from two sites, unpolluted and polluted by industrial effluents, to evaluate the effectiveness of these biomarkers in assessing the impact of water contamination. The LPO levels in the blood were higher in fish from the metal-contaminated site and the chronic exposure led to significant changes in GPx, CAT, and SOD activities in all three cichlid species. The considerable variation of responses in these cichlids to water contamination evidenced differences in sensitivity to the metal contamination and/or in the potential to respond to it highlighting the importance of using a set of related biomarkers to assess the impact of water contamination. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The combined effect of copper and low pH on antioxidant defenses and biochemical parameters in neotropical fish pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887)

Copper sulfate is widely used in aquaculture. Exposure to this compound can be harmful to fish, resulting in oxidative metabolism alterations and gill tissue damage. Pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, (wt = 43.4 +/- A 3.35 g) were distributed in experimental tanks (n = 10; 180 l) and exposed for 48 h to control (without copper addition), 0.4Cu (0.4 mg l(-1)), 0CupH (without copper addition, pH = 5.0) and 0.4CupH (0.4 mg l(-1), pH = 5.0). In liver and red muscle, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) was responsive to the increases in the aquatic copper. The plasmatic intermediary metabolites and hematological variables in the fish of group 0.4Cu were similar to those of the control group. Conversely, the exposure to 0.4CupH caused an increase in the plasmatic lactate, number of red blood cells (RBC) and hemoglobin (Hb). Plasmatic copper concentration [Cu(p)] increased in group 0.4Cu and 0.4CupH, which is higher in group 0.4CupH, suggests an effect of water pH on the absorbed copper. Exposure to 0.4Cu and 0.4CupH resulted in a reduction in the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity and an increase in metallothionein (MT) in the gills. Exposure to 0CupH caused a decrease in glucose and pyruvate concentrations and an increase in RBC, Hb, and the branchial Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity. These responses suggest that the fish triggered mechanisms to revert the blood acidosis, save energy and increase the oxygen uptake. MT was an effective biomarker, responding to copper in different pHs and dissolved oxygen. Combined-factors caused more significant disturbance in the biomarkers than single-factors.

Biomarker responses as indication of contaminant effects in Oreochromis niloticus

The current study investigated oxidative stress parameters (enzymes activities, metallothionein content and lipid peroxidation) in freshwater fish, Oreochromis niloticus, tilapia exposure to Monjolinho River (in 4 months of year: January, April, July and November). One critical site in Monjolinho River (site B) was assessed in comparison to a reference site (site A). Water pH and oxygen concentration was lower than that recommended by CONAMA (Brazilian National Environmental Committee), resolution 357/2005 for protection of aquatic communities, and ammonium and the metals Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe (on all months) concentrations were higher than the maximum concentration recommended. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly decreased in liver and muscle in tila. pia from Monjolinho River, throughout the year, in relation to reference except in gills that SOD activity increased. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was significantly increased in liver of the tilapia from Monjolinho River in all sites, in relation to reference except in gills that GST activity increased in July and decreased in November, suggesting that GST activity could be induced to neutralize the pollutants toxicity. On the other hand, GST activity was significantly decreased in white muscle indicating a toxic effect of pollutants, resulting in a decreased ability of tilapia to perform defense reactions associated to GSTs. The decrease of catalase (CAT) activity in gills of the O. niloticus together with the increase of SOD activity, could explain the increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) level in this organ. Metallothionein levels in liver and gills were significantly high in all sites. Results indicate that the exposure to metals caused severe damage to tissues; despite the consensually assumed antioxidant induction as a sign of exposure to contaminants the effects seem in part to be mediated by suppression of antioxidant system with SOD, CAT and GPx as potential candidates for tissues toxicity biomarkers of pollutants. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antioxidant defenses and biochemical changes in the neotropical fish pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus: Responses to single and combined copper and hypercarbia exposure

This study investigated the potentially detrimental effects of copper and elevated aquatic CO2 (hypercarbia), alone or in combination, on pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus. Fish were exposed for 48 h to control (no copper addition in normocarbia), to 400 mu g Cu2+L-1, to hypercarbic (1% CO2; PCO2=6.9 mm Hg) water and to 400 mu g Cu2+L-1+ hypercarbia. In liver the single factors caused an increase in lipid hydroperoxide concentration that was not observed when the factors were combined. Copper exposure elicited increased hepatic superoxide dismutase activity, irrespective of aquatic CO2 level. On the other hand, the effects of copper on hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity were dependent on water CO2 levels. The two stressors combined did not affect hepatic catalase activity. Hypercarbic water caused a decline in plasma glucose concentration, but this was not observed when hypercarbia was combined with copper exposure. Copper caused a decrease in branchial Na+/K+-ATPase activity that was independent of water CO2 level. Copper caused an increase in branchial metallothionein concentration that was independent of water CO2 level. Thus, branchial metallothionein and Na+/K+-ATPase were effective biomarkers of copper exposure that were not affected by water CO2 level. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Apedunculata discoidea gen. n., sp. n. (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) parasitic on Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1837) (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae) from southeastern Brazil

A new species of dactylogyrid monogenean, Apedunculata discoidea gen. n., sp. n. is described and illustrated from the gills of the freshwater fish Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1837) in pisciculture ponds from Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil. Diagnostic characters of the new genus and species are: 1) vagina dextrolateral slightly sclerotised, opening anteriorly at level of copulatory complex; 2) copulatory organ coiled with two counterclockwise rings; 3) Accessory piece distal and not articulated; 4) body disk-shaped, lacking a peduncle.

Ergasilus urupaensis sp. n. (COPEPODA: ERGASILIDAE) das brânquias de Prochilodus nigricans AGASSIZ, 1829 (CHARACIFORMES: PROCHILODONTIDAE) da Amazônia Brasileira

Ergasilus urupaensissp. n. (Copepoda, Poecilostomatoida, Ergasilidae) é proposta. Os espécimens foram coletados dos filamentos branquiais de Prochilodus nigricansAgassiz, 1829 do Rio Urupá (afluente do rio Jiparaná), Estado de Rondônia, Brasil. A nova espécie tem uma seta forte, curva, pectinada e falciforme no primeiro exopodito, indicando relações com outras cinco espécies amazônicas. Esta espécie difere das outras no formato do cefalossomo, nas ornamentações das pernas, das antenas e por apresentar um tamanho maior.

Influência do rio Negro sobre o status nutricional de juvenis de curimatã Prochilodus nigricans (Characiformes; Prochilodontidae) no médio rio Solimões-Amazonas, Brasil

As diferenças limnológicas entre as águas pretas do rio Negro e as águas brancas do rio Solimões-Amazonas podem ter influência sobre o status nutricional de peixes detritívoros pela diferença nas fontes dos recursos alimentares entre estes sistemas. Para verificar a influência do rio Negro sobre o status nutricional de juvenis de curimatã Prochilodus nigricans foi medida a condutividade em pontos de amostragem e estimado o fator de condição (K, a partir da relação peso/comprimento) dos juvenis em três áreas de inundação do médio rio Solimões-Amazonas: (1) com influência do rio Negro, próxima a Manaus; (2) sem influência do rio Negro, próxima a Manaus e (3) sem influência do rio Negro, em um trecho do Solimões-Amazonas 500 km a montante de Manaus. A condutividade nos pontos de amostragem com influência do rio Negro foi significativamente menor do que as outras áreas e o K dos juvenis de águas com influência do rio Negro foi significativamente maior. A alta seletividade do curimatã pode dificultar a assimilação de itens alimentares quando estes estão em alta abundância. Em adição, as águas pretas possuem detritos com alto potencial de assimilação devido à sua qualidade protéica, o que demonstra a grande importância das florestas inundadas por água pretas para os detritívoros amazônicos.

Anàlisi i diagnosi ambiental de la dinàmica del porc senglar (Sus scrofa) al Parc del Garraf

El Parc del Garraf (PG) és una zona on la dinàmica del porc senglar amb el medi té una alta importància, tot i que la densitat de població al PG d’aquest ungulat és de les menors de Catalunya. Els aspectes més rellevants de la relació porc senglar-medi són: la correlació que hi ha entre l’abandonament d’àrees de conreu i activitats forestals amb l’augment de la població de porc senglar, i l’afectació que per tant, provoca a les àrees de conreu que hi ha actualment, que es pot veure minvada aplicant bones mesures correctores. També la relació que té amb el margalló (Chamaerops humilis), que és positiva ajudant a la recuperació, conservació i a la dinàmica ecològica de l’espècie, així com amb el medi del PG en general, i, per últim, els impactes viaris a la xarxa viària del PG, tot i que no existeix cap TCCU (Tram de Concentració de Col·lisions amb Ungulats) dins els límits del PG. Referent a la caça, actualment és la única mesura viable de control de la població de porc senglar, tot i que no hi ha relleu generacional per a aquesta activitat.

A New Species of Kritskyia (Dactylogyridae, Ancyrocephalinae) Parasite of Urinary Bladder of Prochilodus lineatus (Prochilodontidae, Characiformes) from the Floodplain of the High Paraná River, Brazil

A new species of Kritskyia inhabits the urinary bladder of the "curimba", Prochilodus lineatus in the floodplain of the high Paraná river. The new species resembles others members of Kritskyia in the following features: haptor lacking anchors and with 14 hooks marginal, posterior male copulatory organ non articulated with the accessory piece and vagina a sclerotized tube. However, it differs from the known species mainly by the shape of the copulatory complex. This is the third endoparasitic monogenean species reported from freshwater Neotropical fish.

First record of human trichinosis in Chile associated with consumption of wild boar (Sus scrofa)

The first South American case of human trichinosis, resulting from the consumption of roast wild boar (Sus scrofa) is reported in Chile. The patient presented fever, diarrhea, myalgias, facial edema, sub-conjunctival reddening, photophobia, eosinophilia, and elevated glutamic oxalacetic transaminase. The diagnosis was confirmed by two immunoenzymatic tests (ELISA) using somatic and excretion-secretion antigens.