Relationship between COVID-related stressors and internalizing symptoms: Gendered neuroendocrine risk profiles.

The COVID-19 pandemic generated significant life stress and increases in internalizing disorders. Moreover, COVID-related stressors disproportionately impacted women, consistent with outcomes showing a gender gap in stress-related disorders. Gender-related stress vulnerability emerges in adolescence alongside gender-specific changes in neuroendocrine signaling. Most research on the neuroendocrinology of stress-related disorders has focused on differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis effector hormone cortisol. More recent studies, however, emphasize dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a neuroprotective and neuroactive hormone released concurrently with cortisol that balances its biobehavioral actions during stress. Notably, women show lower cortisol responses and higher DHEA responses to stress. However, lower cortisol and higher DHEA are associated with internalizing disorders in women, while those associations are opposite in men. Thus, gender-specific factors perhaps result in a neuroendocrine profile that places women at greater risk for stress-related disorders. The current study prospectively examined socially evaluated cold-pressor task (SECPT) induced neuroendocrine responses at age 15 and internalizing symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic at age 21 in a cohort of 175 primarily Black low-socioeconomic status participants, while controlling for internalizing symptoms at age 15. The association between COVID-related stress and internalizing symptoms was not stronger in women. Lower DHEA-cortisol ratios were associated with a weaker relationship between COVID-related stress and internalizing symptoms in women, while higher ratios were associated with a weaker relationship in men. These findings suggest gender differences in the relationship between DHEA and cortisol and internalizing outcomes during a stressful period, and support differential neuroendocrine protective and risk pathways for young men and women.

Fusariosis in Mexico: A 10-year retrospective series.

Fusarium species represent an opportunistic fungal pathogen. The data in Mexico about Fusarium infections in humans are scarce. Here, we present a retrospective series of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of fusariosis in eight different hospitals in Mexico from January 2010 to December 2019. The diagnosis of proven fusariosis was made according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium (EORT/MSG) criteria. A total of 49 cases were identified in our series. Most patients had burn injuries (49%), and 37% had hematological malignancies. Most patients had fire injuries (40%), followed by electric injuries (8%), febrile neutropenia (10%), and pancytopenia (6%). Patients had skin and soft tissue involvement in 49%, followed by blood culture isolation and biopsies from different sites of the body (lung, sinuses, bone tissue, and eyes). Febrile neutropenia (10%) and fungemia (8%) were the most common clinical syndromes in immunosuppressed patients. Most patients received monotherapy (67%), where voriconazole was used in 30% of the cases, followed by conventional amphotericin B (16%), and lipidic formulations of amphotericin B in 10% (either liposomal amphotericin B or amphotericin B lipid complex). Combination therapy was used in 20% of the cases, and the most common combination therapy was triazole plus any lipidic formulation of amphotericin B (10%). Mortality related to Fusarium infection occurred in 22% of patients. Fusariosis is a serious threat. Burn injuries and hematologic malignancies represent the most common causes of infection in this small series from Mexico.

This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of patients with fusariosis from a multicenter cohort in Mexico. These findings provide information from this invasive fungal disease that threatens different countries in Latin America.

Larval Geoduck (Panopea generosa) Proteomic Response to Ciliates.

The innate immune response is active in invertebrate larvae from early development. Induction of immune response pathways may occur as part of the natural progression of larval development, but an up-regulation of pathways can also occur in response to a pathogen. Here, we took advantage of a protozoan ciliate infestation of a larval geoduck clam culture in a commercial hatchery to investigate the molecular underpinnings of the innate immune response of the larvae to the pathogen. Larval proteomes were analyzed on days 4-10 post-fertilization; ciliates were present on days 8 and 10 post-fertilization. Through comparisons with larval cultures that did not encounter ciliates, proteins implicated in the response to ciliate presence were identified using mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Ciliate response proteins included many associated with ribosomal synthesis and protein translation, suggesting the importance of protein synthesis during the larval immune response. There was also an increased abundance of proteins typically associated with the stress and immune responses during ciliate exposure, such as heat shock proteins, glutathione metabolism, and the reactive oxygen species response. These findings provide a basic understanding of the bivalve molecular response to a mortality-inducing ciliate and improved characterization of the ontogenetic development of the innate immune response.

Dynamic response in the larval geoduck (Panopea generosa) proteome to elevated pCO2.

Pacific geoducks (Panopea generosa) are clams found along the northeast Pacific coast where they are important components of coastal and estuarine ecosystems and a major aquaculture product. The Pacific coastline, however, is also experiencing rapidly changing ocean habitat, including significant reductions in pH. To better understand the physiological impact of ocean acidification on geoduck clams, we characterized for the first time the proteomic profile of this bivalve during larval development and compared it to that of larvae exposed to low pH conditions. Geoduck larvae were reared at pH 7.5 (ambient) or pH 7.1 in a commercial shellfish hatchery from day 6 to day 19 postfertilization and sampled at six time points for an in-depth proteomics analysis using high-resolution data-dependent analysis. Larvae reared at low pH were smaller than those reared at ambient pH, especially in the prodissoconch II phase of development, and displayed a delay in their competency for settlement. Proteomic profiles revealed that metabolic, cell cycle, and protein turnover pathways differed between the two pH and suggested that differing phenotypic outcomes between pH 7.5 and 7.1 are likely due to environmental disruptions to the timing of physiological events. In summary, ocean acidification results in elevated energetic demand on geoduck larvae, resulting in delayed development and disruptions to normal molecular developmental pathways, such as carbohydrate metabolism, cell growth, and protein synthesis.

Focal/multifocal and geographic retinal dysplasia in the dog-In vivo retinal microanatomy analyses.

PURPOSE: To examine the in vivo microanatomy of retinal folds and geographic lesions in dogs with acquired or inherited retinal dysplasia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirteen dogs had retinal microanatomy evaluation under general anesthesia using cSLO/sdOCT; two eyes had noninherited multifocal retinal folds, five had inherited multifocal retinal folds (drd1 or drd2), and 10 geographic retinal dysplasia. Retinas from two drd2 carrier dogs were examined by histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) after in vivo imaging. RESULTS: Retinal folds are the common feature of acquired focal/multifocal or geographic retinal dysplasia, are indistinguishable structurally from those associated with syndromic oculoskeletal dysplasia, and represent outer nuclear layer invaginations and rosettes visible by sdOCT. In dogs heterozygous for oculoskeletal dysplasia, the folds form clusters in a perivascular distribution along superior central vessels. IHC confirmed photoreceptor identity in the retinal folds. The geographic dysplasia plaques are not focally detached, but have inner retinal disorganization and intense autofluorescence in cSLO autofluorescence mode that is mainly limited to the geographic lesion, but is not uniform and in some extends beyond the plaques. CONCLUSION: We propose that the autofluorescent characteristic of the geographic lesions is associated with an inner retinal disruption associated with perivascular or infiltrating macrophages and phagocytosis of cellular debris. As well, we suggest restructuring the examination forms to distinguish the folds that are sporadically distributed from those that have a perivascular distribution as the latter likely represent carriers for drd. In this latter group, DNA testing would be a helpful tool to provide specific breeding advice.

A snapshot of antimicrobial resistance in Mexico. Results from 47 centers from 20 states during a six-month period.

AIM: We aimed to assess the resistance rates of antimicrobial-resistant, in bacterial pathogens of epidemiological importance in 47 Mexican centers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included a stratified sample of 47 centers, covering 20 Mexican states. Selected isolates considered as potential causatives of disease collected over a 6-month period were included. Laboratories employed their usual methods to perform microbiological studies. The results were deposited into a database and analyzed with the WHONET 5.6 software. RESULTS: In this 6-month study, a total of 22,943 strains were included. Regarding Gram-negatives, carbapenem resistance was detected in ≤ 3% in Escherichia coli, 12.5% in Klebsiella sp. and Enterobacter sp., and up to 40% in Pseudomonas aeruginosa; in the latter, the resistance rate for piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP) was as high as 19.1%. In Acinetobacter sp., resistance rates for cefepime, ciprofloxacin, meropenem, and TZP were higher than 50%. Regarding Gram-positives, methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was as high as 21.4%, and vancomycin (VAN) resistance reached up to 21% in Enterococcus faecium. Acinetobacter sp. presented the highest multidrug resistance (53%) followed by Klebsiella sp. (22.6%) and E. coli (19.4%). CONCLUSION: The multidrug resistance of Acinetobacter sp., Klebsiella sp. and E. coli and the carbapenem resistance in specific groups of enterobacteria deserve special attention in Mexico. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and MRSA are common in our hospitals. Our results present valuable information for the implementation of measures to control drug resistance.

Seasonal variation of pituitary gonadotropin subunit, brain-type aromatase and sex steroid receptor mRNAs, and plasma steroids during gametogenesis in wild sablefish.

Pituitary-hormone signaling plays critical roles in the onset and progression of gametogenesis in vertebrates. This study characterized expression patterns of pituitary gonadotropin beta-subunits (fshb and lhb), brain-type aromatase (cyp19a1b), androgen (ar1, ar2) and estrogen receptors (esr1, esr2a, esr2b), and changes in plasma steroid levels by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in wild sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria, order Scorpaeniformes) during a complete reproductive cycle. Transcripts for fshb increased during early gametogenesis and peaked in late vitellogenic females and late recrudescent males, while expression of lhb reached maximum levels in periovulatory and spermiating fish. Pituitary levels of cyp19a1b and ar1 were strongly correlated with those of lhb in females and males, increasing during gametogenesis and reaching maximum levels prior to spawning. By contrast, expression of ar2, and the three estrogen receptors differed between female and male sablefish. 17ß-estradiol (E2) was the dominant steroid in females during vitellogenesis, while a range of at least 6 steroids (11ß-hydroxyandrostenedione, testosterone [T], E2, 11-ketotestosterone [11KT], 11-deoxycortisol, and 17α,20ß,21-trihydroxyprogesterone) were detected at similar levels in males during testicular development. Prior to spawning, a marked increase in 4-androstenedione, T, 11KT and E2 was found in both periovulatory females and spermiating males. In conclusion, the concomitant changes in plasma androgen levels and pituitary ar1 expression during gametogenesis suggest a specific role for androgens in pituitary hormone regulation of reproduction in sablefish. Further, our data highlight the importance of E2 during final stages of maturation in this species, which may regulate the transcription of pituitary lhb in a paracrine fashion.

Reproductive life history of sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) from the U.S. Washington coast.

Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) is a marine groundfish that supports valuable fisheries in the North Pacific Ocean and holds promise for marine aquaculture. Limited information is available, however, about its reproductive biology. This study aimed to characterize the complete reproductive cycle, including seasonal changes in gonadal development (macroscopic and histological), plasma sex steroid levels (17ß-estradiol -E2-, and 11-ketotestosterone -11KT-), gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices (GSI, and HSI), and condition factor (K) of female and male sablefish captured off the Washington coast. Adult fish (209 females, 159 males) were caught by longline monthly from August 2012 to August 2013. Early signs of recruitment of ovarian follicles into secondary growth, indicated by oocytes containing small yolk granules and cortical alveoli, were first observed in March. Oogenesis progressed during spring and summer, and fully vitellogenic follicles were first observed in July. Vitellogenic growth was correlated with increases in plasma E2, GSI, HSI and K. Periovulatory females, indicated by fully-grown oocytes with migrating germinal vesicles and hydrated oocytes, were found from November to February. At this stage, plasma E2 and GSI reached maximal levels. In males, proliferating cysts containing spermatocytes were first observed in April. Testicular development proceeded during spring and summer, a period during which all types of male germ cells were found. The first clusters of spermatozoa appeared in July, concomitant with a 5.2-fold increase in GSI. Spermiating males were observed from November to April; at this time, spermatids were absent or greatly reduced, and testis lobules were filled with spermatozoa. The highest levels of plasma 11KT were found in males at this stage. Postspawning ovaries and testes, and basal steroids levels were found in fish captured from February to April. These results suggest that sablefish in coastal Washington initiate their reproductive cycle in March/April and spawn primarily in January/February.

Assessment of Rod, Cone, and Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cell Contributions to the Canine Chromatic Pupillary Response.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a chromatic pupillometry protocol for specific functional assessment of rods, cones, and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in dogs. Methods: Chromatic pupillometry was tested and compared in 37 dogs in different stages of primary loss of rod, cone, and combined rod/cone and optic nerve function, and in 5 wild-type (WT) dogs. Eyes were stimulated with 1-s flashes of dim (1 cd/m2) and bright (400 cd/m2) blue light (for scotopic conditions) or bright red (400 cd/m2) light with 25-cd/m2 blue background (for photopic conditions). Canine retinal melanopsin/Opn4 was cloned, and its expression was evaluated using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results: Mean ± SD percentage of pupil constriction amplitudes induced by scotopic dim blue (scDB), scotopic bright blue (scBB), and photopic bright red (phBR) lights in WT dogs were 21.3% ± 10.6%, 50.0% ± 17.5%, and 19.4% ± 7.4%, respectively. Melanopsin-mediated responses to scBB persisted for several minutes (7.7 ± 4.6 min) after stimulus offset. In dogs with inherited retinal degeneration, loss of rod function resulted in absent scDB responses, followed by decreased phBR responses with disease progression and loss of cone function. Primary loss of cone function abolished phBR responses but preserved those responses to blue light (scDB and scBB). Although melanopsin/Opn4 expression was diminished with retinal degeneration, melanopsin-expressing ipRGCs were identified for the first time in both WT and degenerated canine retinas. Conclusions: Pupil responses elicited by light stimuli of different colors and intensities allowed differential functional assessment of canine rods, cones, and ipRGCs. Chromatic pupillometry offers an effective tool for diagnosing retinal and optic nerve diseases.

Development of approaches to induce puberty in cultured female sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria).

Efforts to establish sustainable and efficient aquaculture production of sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) have been constrained by delayed puberty in cultured females. This study integrates a series of experiments aimed at gaining an understanding of the reproductive physiology of puberty in female sablefish. We detected transcripts for the dopamine D2 receptor (drd2) in brain, pituitary and ovary of sablefish, and prepubertal females exhibited significantly elevated brain and pituitary drd2 expression relative to wild maturing females. Treatments with sustained-release cholesterol pellets containing testosterone (T) and the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, metoclopramide (Met), stimulated expression of pituitary luteinizing hormone beta subunit (lhb) and follicle-stimulating hormone beta subunit (fshb), respectively, in prepubertal females, whereas a combination of T and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) had a strong synergistic effect on lhb expression (2000-fold higher than control). Although T induced a significant increase in the maximum ovarian follicle volume, none of the treatments tested stimulated onset of vitellogenesis. Using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, we demonstrated that Met stimulated production of T by previtellogenic ovarian follicles in vitro, whereas gonadotropin preparations enhanced 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione (A4), T and 17ß-estradiol (E2) production. Treatment with T increased production of A4, 11ß-hydroxyandrostenedione, 11ß-hydroxytestosterone, E2, 11-ketotestosterone, and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Interestingly, in the presence of high doses of T the previtellogenic ovary preferentially produced A4 and DHT over any other metabolite. Our data suggest the existence of dopamine inhibition of the reproductive axis in female sablefish. Treatments with Met and T elevated gonadotropin mRNAs in prepubertal females but failed to stimulate the transition into vitellogenic growth, suggesting a possible failure in pituitary gonadotropin protein synthesis/release. Previtellogenic ovarian follicles of sablefish are equipped to synthesize steroids, including those required for vitellogenic growth, and DHT, a steroid hormone whose role in reproduction of fishes remains unknown.

Expression profiles of Fsh-regulated ovarian genes during oogenesis in coho salmon.

The function of follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) during oogenesis in fishes is poorly understood. Using coho salmon as a fish model, we recently identified a suite of genes regulated by Fsh in vitro and involved in ovarian processes mostly unexplored in fishes, like cell proliferation, differentiation, survival or extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. To better understand the role of these Fsh-regulated genes during oocyte growth in fishes, we characterized their mRNA levels at discrete stages of the ovarian development in coho salmon. While most of the transcripts were expressed at low levels during primary growth (perinucleolus stage), high expression of genes associated with cell proliferation (pim1, pcna, and mcm4) and survival (ddit4l) was found in follicles at this stage. The transition to secondary oocyte growth (cortical alveolus and lipid droplet stage ovarian follicles) was characterized by a marked increase in the expression of genes related to cell survival (clu1, clu2 and ivns1abpa). Expression of genes associated with cell differentiation and growth (wt2l and adh8l), growth factor signaling (inha), steroidogenesis (cyp19a1a) and the ECM (col1a1, col1a2 and dcn) peaked in vitellogenic follicles, showing a strong and positive correlation with transcripts for fshr. Other genes regulated by Fsh and associated with ECM function (ctgf, wapl and fn1) and growth factor signaling (bmp16 and smad5l) peaked in maturing follicles, along with increases in steroidogenesis-related gene transcripts. In conclusion, ovarian genes regulated by Fsh showed marked differences in their expression patterns during oogenesis in coho salmon. Our results suggest that Fsh regulates different ovarian processes at specific stages of development, likely through interaction with other intra- or extra-ovarian factors.

Molecular characterization and quantification of sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) gonadotropins and their receptors: reproductive dysfunction in female captive broodstock.

Efforts to establish an aquaculture industry for sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) are constrained by reproductive dysfunction in wild-caught fish and by lack of reproduction of F1 females. Toward a better understanding of the reproductive dysfunction of captive broodstock, full-length cDNAs encoding the sablefish gonadotropin subunits (fshb, lhb and cga) and their receptors (fshr and lhcgr) were cloned, sequenced and quantitative real-time PCR assays developed. Sablefish gonadotropin subunits display some unique features, such as two additional Cys residues in the N-terminal region of Fshb and a lack of potential N-glycosylation sites in Fshb and Lhb, whereas Fshr and Lhcgr possess conserved structural characteristics described in other vertebrates. Wild females captured in fall completed gametogenesis in captivity the next spawning season, whereas females captured three months earlier, during summer, failed to mature. Interestingly, these wild non-maturing females exhibited similar reproductive features as prepubertal F1 females, including low levels of pituitary gonadotropin and ovarian receptor mRNAs and plasma sex steroids, and ovarian follicles arrested at the perinucleolus stage. In conclusion, this study described the cloning, molecular characterization and development of qPCRs for sablefish gonadotropins and their receptors. Rearing conditions may impair vitellogenic growth of ovarian follicles in sablefish, compromising the reproductive success of broodstock.

Molecular cloning, characterization, and sexually dimorphic expression of five major sex differentiation-related genes in a Scorpaeniform fish, sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria).

Regardless of how sex is determined, the gonadal genes expressed downstream that regulate sex differentiation are relatively conserved among vertebrates. The goal of this study was to clone and characterize five key sex differentiation-related genes in a Scorpaeniform fish, sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria). Complete mRNA sequences of foxl2, cyp19a1a, dmrt1, sox9a and amh were cloned, sequenced, and phylogenetically analyzed. The sablefish mRNA sequences exhibited the characteristic domains of each gene. The deduced amino sequences were highly conserved in some cases, such as Foxl2, whereas others, such as Amh, exhibited lower homology to corresponding sequences in other vertebrates. Using quantitative PCRs developed for each gene, we found that foxl2 and cyp19a1a mRNA levels were significantly elevated in juvenile sablefish ovaries compared to testes, whereas dmrt1, sox9a and amh mRNA levels were significantly elevated in testes relative to ovaries. These patterns were upheld in our tissue distribution analyses of adult fish, but overall four of the genes, foxl2, cyp19a1a, dmrt1 and amh, were robust markers of sex in sablefish. This study provides important molecular tools for ongoing work related to sex control in sablefish and exploration of the earliest period of molecular sex differentiation and its regulation.

Identification of ovarian genes regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) in vitro during early secondary oocyte growth in coho salmon.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) function in fishes is poorly understood. This study aimed to reveal Fsh-regulated genes in coho salmon previtellogenic ovarian follicles in vitro. Four suppression subtractive hybridization libraries were generated with RNA isolated from Fsh-treated and control follicles or follicle cell-enriched tissue fractions. Fsh induced steroidogenesis and dynamically upregulated several genes predominantly expressed in follicle cells, including WAP domain-containing protease, connexin 34.3, clusterin (clu1, clu2), fibronectin, wilms tumor 2-like, and influenza virus NS1A-binding protein a. Genes downregulated by Fsh included connective tissue growth factor, alcohol dehydrogenase 8-like, and serine/threonine-protein kinase pim-1. This study demonstrates for the first time in fishes that Fsh influences the expression of a unique suite of ovarian genes involved in processes like cell communication, survival and differentiation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Collectively, these findings suggest that Fsh and/or steroids induce differentiation of granulosa cells and remodeling of the follicle in preparation for onset of vitellogenesis.

Effects of in vivo treatment with the dopamine antagonist pimozide and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) on the reproductive axis of Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis).

The Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) is a flatfish that exhibits severe reproductive dysfunctions in captivity. This study aimed at investigating the existence of a dopamine (DA) inhibitory tone on the reproductive axis of this species. Four groups of Senegalese sole breeders were treated with, saline (controls, CNT), the DA antagonist pimozide (PIM, 5 mg kg(-1)), gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa, 40 µg kg(-1)) or a combination of PIM+GnRHa (COMB). Effects were evaluated on pituitary GnRH levels (ELISA), pituitary gonadotropin subunit transcript levels (qPCR), plasma levels of sex steroids and vitellogenin (ELISA), gonad development (histology), spermiation and egg production. The GnRHa treatment induced egg release and stimulated testis maturation. In males, PIM did not affect pituitary GnRH content, but enhanced GnRHa-induced pituitary GPα transcripts and modified plasma androgen levels; moreover, PIM stimulated spermatogenesis and milt production, both alone and combined with GnRHa. In females, PIM did not affect pituitary and plasma endocrine parameters and did not affect egg production and fertilization success of the broodstock, either alone or in the combined treatment. In conclusion, data indicated the existence of a DA inhibition in mature males, which would be absent or weakly expressed in females.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) gene expression during larval development in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis).

The gonadotropins (GTHs), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), determine the reproductive competence of adult breeders, but also participate in the establishment of the reproductive axis at early stages of life. The present study aimed at studying, by real-time qPCR, the gene expression levels of GTH subunits (FSHbeta, LHbeta and the common glycoprotein alpha -GPalpha- subunit) during early development in Senegalese sole, from 1 to 100 days post hatching (dph). The FSHbeta, LHbeta and GPalpha transcripts were first detected at 1, 5 and 3 dph, respectively. Transcript levels of FSHbeta, and GPalpha, increased continuously to peak levels at mid metamorphosis (15 dph), decreasing thereafter; levels were maintained low until a second increment detected at 90 and 100 dph. Contrarily, transcript levels of LHbeta were very low and only detectable around metamorphosis. All three subunits were highly expressed in 1-year old soles, with FSHbeta and GPalpha transcript levels 10-fold higher than those of LHbeta. These results suggest, i) activity of the reproductive axis early after hatching (1 dph), which was highest during the metamorphic climax and, ii) a predominant role of FSH, rather than LH, in the early development of the reproductive axis in Senegalese sole.

Expression of pituitary prolactin, growth hormone and somatolactin is modified in response to different stressors (salinity, crowding and food-deprivation) in gilthead sea bream Sparus auratus.

Prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH) and somatolactin (SL) expression was studied in gilthead sea bream (Sparus auratus) in response to several different stressors (salinity, food deprivation or stocking density). In the first experiment, specimens were acclimated during 100 days at three different environmental salinities: low salinity water (LSW, 6 ppt), brackish water (BW, 12 ppt) and seawater (SW, 38 ppt). Osmoregulatory parameters corresponded to those previously reported for this species under similar osmotic conditions. Pituitary PRL expression increased with decreasing environmental salinity, and was significantly different between SW- and LSW-acclimated fish. Pituitary GH expression was similar between SW- and BW-acclimated fish but decreased in LSW-acclimated specimens. Pituitary SL expression had a "U-shaped" relationship to environmental salinity with the lowest expression in BW-acclimated fish. In a second experiment SW-acclimated specimens were randomly assigned to one of four treatments and maintained for 14 days: (1) fed fish under low density (LD, 4 kg m(-3)); (2) fed fish under high density (HD, 70 kg m(-3)); (3) food deprived fish under LD; and (4) food deprived fish under HD. Plasma glucose and cortisol levels corresponded to those previously reported in S. auratus under similar experimental conditions. Pituitary PRL and SL expression increased in fish maintained under HD and decreased in food deprived fish. In conclusion, an effect of environmental salinity on pituitary PRL and GH expression has been demonstrated. In addition, crowding stress seems to interact with food deprivation in S. auratus and this is reflected by changes in pituitary PRL, GH and SL expression levels.

Monthly day/night changes and seasonal daily rhythms of sexual steroids in Senegal sole (Solea senegalensis) under natural fluctuating or controlled environmental conditions.

In this paper we attempted to investigate the existence of daily fluctuations on plasma sexual steroids (17beta-estradiol, E(2) and testosterone, T) in Senegal sole (Solea senegalensis) females. We described the monthly day/night concentrations and seasonal daily rhythms in animals reared under natural photo- and thermo-period. In addition, the influence of the natural annual fluctuation of the water temperature on the plasma concentration of these steroids was investigated, using one group of Senegal sole under a natural photoperiod, but with an attenuated thermal cycle (around 17-20 degrees C) for one year. Although no significant day/night differences were detected in monthly samplings, the existence of an annual rhythm of E(2) and T (p<0.01) with an acrophase in February was revealed by COSINOR analysis. Maximum values were reached in March for both steroids (6.1+/-1.7 ng mL(-1) at mid-dark, MD and 4.0+/-0.6 ng mL(-1) at mid-light, ML for E2 and 1.4+/-0.4 ng mL(-1) at MD and 0.8+/-0.1 ng mL(-1) at ML for T) in anticipation of the spawning season (May-June). As regards seasonal daily rhythms, the presence of daily oscillations was revealed. At the spring solstice (21st March) a daily rhythm was observed for both steroids (COSINOR, p<0.01), with an acrophase at 20:00 h (E(2)) and at 21:08 h (T). In summer, autumn and winter no daily rhythms were observed due to the low steroid levels at those seasons. When Senegal sole females were submitted to an attenuated annual thermal cycle, the steroid rhythm disappeared (there was no surge in spring, as in the control group) and these fish did not spawn, despite being subjected to natural photoperiod conditions. This result underlined the importance of the natural annual fluctuation of water temperature and photoperiod on the synchronization of the spawning season and on the onset of steroidogenesis.

[Current status of the diagnosis and treatment of Leydig cell testicular tumor. Report of two cases]. / Estado actual del diagnóstico y tratamiento del tumor testicular de células de Leydig. Aportación de dos casos.

OBJECTIVES: To review the current diagnosis and treatment of Leydig cell testicular tumors, with special attention to conservative treatment. METHODS: We report two cases of Leydig cell tumor in young adults, diagnosed two years after the appearance of bilateral gynecomastia as first clinical symptom. RESULTS: One year and eight months after orchyectomy, respectively, clinical symptoms completely disappear in the first case and significantly improved in the second. CONCLUSIONS: Around 10% of the cases, and only in adult patients, these tumors may be malignant, being radical orchyectomy the treatment of choice, although conservative surgery may be performed. Independently of the operation, follow-up must be prolonged.

Vitellogenin, steroid plasma levels and spawning performance of cultured female Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis).

The Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) is a high value market flatfish, which aquaculture is compromised by severe reproductive problems; these are mostly found in soles hatched and raised in captivity (F1 generation). To gain knowledge on the reproductive dysfunctions observed in cultured (F1) Senegalese sole, this work aimed at developing a specific vitellogenin (VTG) ELISA, for the measurement of plasma VTG levels in this species. Profiles of VTG were correlated with those of sexual steroids and spawning performance of an F1 broodstock, during three consecutive years. The Senegalese sole VTG (ssVTG) was purified by precipitation with MgCl(2)-EDTA and anion-exchange chromatography and showed a molecular mass of 172 kDa, by SDS-PAGE. Specific antibodies were obtained and used to develop a competitive ELISA, which had a sensitivity of 3.6 ng ml(-1), and inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variation of 9.5% (n=29) and 6.7% (n=12), respectively. Annual profiles of plasma VTG showed a major peak at pre-spawning, and a second minor rise around autumn, which mirrored plasma profiles of both estradiol (E(2)) and testosterone (T) levels. Spontaneous spawning occurred every year in the spring season, but no fertilized eggs were obtained. In conclusion, this study described, for the first time, the purification and development of a sensitive and specific ELISA for Senegalese sole VTG. The endocrine and spawning data suggested that F1 female broodstock showed normal VTG and steroid releasing profiles in captivity with occurrence of spontaneous spawning, but no fertilization of the eggs was recorded.