Abstract:Growth hormone receptors (GHR) which located on the cell membrane is the only pathway for growth hormone (GH) to get into cells and affect the growth in animals, they play a vital important role on animal growth. Two cDNA sequences and DNA sequences of exon 2-9 of GHR 1, exon 2-8 of GHR 2 were isolated from GIFT strain (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia strain, Oreochromis niloticus ) using RT-PCR and PCR in this study. Six and sixteen SNPs were identified on GHR 1 and GHR 2 respectively, only two of which were located at exons. Genotypes were test in eight SNPs ( GHR 1 intron 3_A612G, intron 3_A989T, intron 7_A599C; GHR 2 intron 3_C330T, intron 3_A645G, intron 3_G687T, intron 3_A967G, intron 7_C107T) of 120 individuals from five families of GIFT strain by PCR-RFLP. Correlation analysis between genotypes and weight gain showed that GHR 1 intron 3_A612G and intron 3_A989T associated with male fish weight gain ( P <0.01 and P <0.05) significantly. Similar situation was found in the female population, but the difference was not significant ( P >0.05). Intron 7_A599C was significantly associated with both male ( P <0.01) and female ( P <0.05) fish weight gain. The CC type fish weight gain was significantly higher than AA type’s. On the GHR 2, only intron 3_G687T was found to correlate with female weight gain significantly ( P <0.05). The GT type female fish gain was significantly higher than GG type’s. The correlation between genotypes of 3_A612G, 3_A989T, 7_A599C and 3_G687T and weight gain was detected in 356 individuals from 60 families of GIFT strain (6 individuals in average of each family). There were similar growth situation among different genotypes’ fish, the decreased significance may result in the diverse genetic background and smaller number of samples. Real-time quantitative PCR results indicated that GHR 1 expression in liver of male fish was 1.36 times higher than that in female’s liver, the male fish GHR 2 expression in the tissues (except kidney) was lower than that in the female, which can explain the different effects of GHR 1 and GHR 2 SNP loci on the weight gain of male and female GIFT. In addition, the different influences of GHR1 and GHR2 on the growth result in that only one SNP loci on GHR 2 could affect the weight gain.

Abstract:The mtDNA CO Ⅰ(624 bp), Cyt b (712 bp) and D-loop (457 bp) gene fragments of Aspiorhynchus laticeps and Schizothorax biddulphi were sequenced by PCR respectively and sequence comparisons were made to identify differentiation. The percentage of A+T content was higher than that of G+C content in three gene fragments. There was a strong bias against G content, especially in the third codon positions of protein-coding genes ( CO Ⅰ and Cyt b ). Sequence analysis indicated that the variation of intra-species was low and the nucleotide substitution rate of three gene fragments arranged from high to low was D-loop>Cyt b > CO Ⅰ. The estimated divergence time between two Schizothoracine species based on Cyt b gene was about 3.57 MaBP in Pliocene, which was earlier than the specialized grade and high specialized grade species. Because the Tarim River lies in the northern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and is geographical development as a part of the Tibetan Plateau, the uplift of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau influences the evolution of Schizothoracine species in Xinjiang to some extent.

Abstract:We studied the genetic diversity of five populations of Paramesotriton caudopunclatus using D-loop sequence of mtDNA as a molecular marker. As a result, we obtained 690 bp long D-loop sequences of 42 samples from five populations collected from Leigongshan and Wulingshan. In the sequences, there were 30 variable sites. Based on these sites 13 haplotypes are defined. No shared haplotype was found among the five populations. P.caudopunclatus populations had high haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity. The results of fixtion index (F_ST), nucleotide diversity (D_xy) and migration rates (N_m) analyses indicated that a certain extent differentiation occurred between Leigongshan population and Wulingshan population. In phylogenetic trees, all haplotypes were clustered according to their geographic distribution. Three populations from Leigongshan constituted one clade, while the other two populations from Wulingshan constituted another clade, supporting the treatment of Leigongshan and Wulingshan populations as two separate management units.

Abstract:The Black-necked Crane ( Grus nigricollis ), local name is Tu-er-na, mainly distributes on the border of Tibet and Qinghai, which belongs to Altun and Kunlun Mountains, and hardly recorded in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The authors have observed Black-necked Crane in Ruoqiang County (Qimantag, E Kunlun Mts., and Altun Mts.), Qarqan County (Tula Wetlands, Qarqan River), Hotan County (Aksayqin Lake), Moyu County, Pishan County (Karakax River), Yecheng County (Yarkant River) in 1985 to 2010.By direct counting and the questionnaire survey, we estimated the population size 180-220 individuals in Xinjiang. In the Altun Mts. Nature Reserve, 137 cranes, the largest population were recorded in the autumn migration season, 2003.The most recently record of Black-necked Crane was in the Lop Nur (N 40°19', E 91°58', alt. 790 m) on May 18^th, 2010.The Lop Nur would be the northernmost distribution location with lowest latitude and extreme arid environment. This record has extended the distribution region of this typical Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau species northwards at 2°-3° latitudes. Whether the Black-necked Crane has historically distributed in the Lop Nur is unknown. The authors doubt the truth of the records on Black-necked Crane in several locations, Xinjiang in 1980s and 1990s.

Abstract:To investigate the distributive pattern and morphological characteristics of mast cells (MCs) in Pachyhynobius shangchengensis , MCs from digestive system and some of other organs were observed by using different fixatives and staining methods, then cell numbers in digestive tract and tongue were counted and analyzed statistically. The results indicated that improved toluidine blue staining (MTB) could be used to display MCs in all organs except for the Fallopian tube and kidney in 3 fixatives, but Alcian blue-Safranin O staining (AB-S) displayed AB⁺ MCs and S⁺MCs in digestive tract and only AB⁺ MCs in other organs. The shape of MCs was round, ellipse, long-shuttle, linear or irregular. The MCs tended to be adjacent to blood vessels and glands. Numerous MCs were found in tongue, esophagus, stomach, skin, the combining site of uterus and the Fallopian tube, and a few in mesentery, liver, pancreas, muscle, uterus, small intestine, duodenum and rectum. Evidently, different from background color (blue), MC plasma in MTB was purple, red, bluish violet and the outline of MCs could be observed clearly, whereas MCs in AB-S was blue (a few red MCs in digestive tract), with the background poorly stained. These data show that MCs exist in most tissues of P.shangchengensis , and that toluidine blue better stains mast cells.

Abstract:Propulation trends of wild cat species were estimated based on the data collected from 30 transect lines oin each winter of 1985 to 2009 and from interviewing the local people in Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve and its surrounding area. Previous studies have recorded the tracks of four cats, Eurasian Lynx(Felis lynx), Leopard Cat (F.benglaensis), Siberian Tiger(Panthera tigris), and Amour Leopard(P.pardus) in the study area. However, only Lynx and Leopard cat were found in our filed survey. Transect lines with tracks of Eurasian Lynx only accounted 3.09%±2.30% of the total transect surveys conducted, and the encounter rate was 0.010±0.007 ind/km transect in average. The tracks of Leopared Cat were recorded in 7.66%±6.19% of the total transects surveyed with a encounter rate of 0.03±0.02 ind/km, respectively. Total of 13 killings on Siberian Tigers and 2 killings on Amure Leopards were reported by the local people in the region of Changbai Mountain Naure Reserve and surrounding area with 6 000 km² in size during 1960s to 1980s. The historical density of Siberian Tigers and Amur Lecopards per 100 km² were estimated 0.22 and 0.03 individuals, respectively. The home range of Siberian Tigers was estimated 560 km² based on the area size of 13 killings occurred. The population density of Eurasian Lynxes and Leopard casts decreased significantly in recent years, the two cat species were endangrered in the study area. Habitat destruction, lower prey density and hunting are the three major reasons for the cat populations decline in the study area.

Abstract:We analyzed the relationship between species and higher taxa (family and genus) based on terrestrial vertebrates species lists by 19 nature reserves in Guangdong Province. The number of genera and families rise as the species list is increased. There are significant correlations between number of species and higher taxa ( r > 0.8, P < 0.01). The power model can best describe the correlations between species and genus or family best than logarithmic model, exponential model and linear model. The results indicated that the significant relationship between number of species and higher taxa existed in the nature reserve scale. Therefore, the abundance of higher taxa may reflect species diversity.

Abstract:During the conjugation of Paramecium tetraurelia, one meiotic nucleus which enters the paroral region survives and undergoes mitotic division to form gametic pronuclei, while the remaining seven degenerate.To clarify if these meiotic outcomes degenerate in an apoptotic way, two kinds of vital fluorescence dyes, acridine orange and Hoechst 33342 were used.The observation showed that the degenerating nuclei outside the paroral region stained yellow-orange or greenish which indicates a programmed nuclear degeneration.

Abstract:By continuous observation of embryonic development and podocyst propagation of Jellyfish, Rhopilema esculentum , two generation modes of scyphistoma were discovered. Mode Ⅰ, fertilized egg turned to scyphostima, which process took about 6 h from fertilized egg to planulae, and then nearly 25 h from planulae, scyphostoma to stationary scyphistoma with four tentacles at the temperature of 26±1℃; Mode Ⅱ, podocyst generated to scyphostima. The ratio of generation became higher with podocyst closed to scyphistoma. In this stage, podocyst first turned into scyphostoma, and then became scyphistoma with four tentacles. In this study, a new structure called scyphostoma was both found in the two scyphistoma generation modes. This discover improved the life cycle of jellyfish.

Abstract:The mantle cells from Hyriopsis cumingii were obtained by using trypsin digestion. The Ca²⁺ concentrations in inner mantle cells and outer mantle cells under the resting condition and the dynamics of Ca²⁺concentration in the mantle cells incubated with various concentrations of VD₃ were measured by Fluo-3/AM fluorescent labeling and CLSM. The results showed that the average Ca²⁺ fluorescence intensity of outer mantle cells was significantly higher than that of inner mantle cells ( P <0.05). After adding different concentrations of VD_3,the average Ca²⁺ fluorescence intensity was enhanced with the increased concentration of VD₃ in culture medium, and inner mantle cells and outer mantle cells showed the same change. The difference between the control and 50 IU/L VD₃ groups, or between 500 IU/L and 1 000 IU/L groups was not significant ( P >0.05), but the difference between the control and another three groups (100 IU/L, 500 IU/L and 1 000 IU/L), or between the 50 IU/L group and another three groups(100 IU/L, 500 IU/L and 1 000 IU/L) was significant ( P <0.05). The present research may provide theoretical basis for promoting the pearl industry.

Abstract:The study determined the filtration rate of Lanceolaria gladiola at different temperatures and pH. The results showed that under the range of 10 to 28℃, the filtration rate of L.gladiola gradually increased with the increasing of temperature, which reached the maximum at 24℃, and then began to decrease. The maximal filtration rate of large, medium and small-sized L.gladiola was 0.826 L/h, 0.768 L/h and 0.653 L/h respectively. At the same temperature,the filtration rates increased with the increasing of the weight of soft part. Temperature, weight of soft part and the interaction between temperature and weight of soft part have significant effect on the filtration rate of L.gladiola ( P ＜0.01). Under different pH grades, the peak value of filtration rate of L.gladiola showed an apparent change. At the pH of 8, the value reached the maximum. The filtration rates for large, medium and small-sized L.gladiola were 0.832 L/h、0.604 L/h、0.421 L/h respectively. When pH was between 6 and 7, the filtration rates for medium and small-sized L.gladiola changed smoothly. Weight of soft part and the interaction between pH and weight of soft part have significant effect on the filtration rate of L.gladiola ( P ＜0.01).

Abstract:Gonadal development of Siberian Sturgeon ( Acipenser baeri ), Russian Sturgeon ( A.gueldenstaedti ), Amur sturgeon ( A.schrencki ), Heilongjiang Hybrid Sturgeon ( Huso dauricus ♀ × A.schrencki ♂ ) and Europe Hybrid Sturgeon ( H.huso ♀ × A.ruthenus ♂ ) from 12 test groups was observed during November 2007 to November 2009.Their gonads could develop to stage Ⅳduring different seasons, with egg diameter reaching or exceeding 2.8 mm. In February 2009, 5 Siberian Sturgeons and 13 Russian Sturgeons were randomly selected for artificial reproduction, and all were induced to ovulate successfully except one Russian Sturgeon individual, suggesting that sturgeons can be artificially propagated at any seasons throughout a year. Their fecundity had seasonal fluctuations. It was showed that Amur sturgeon, Siberian Sturgeon, Russian Sturgeon and Heilongjiang Hybrid Sturgeon’s fecundity was negatively correlated with their body weight, with correlation coefficients at-0.021 ( P <0.01),-0.159 ( P <0.01),-0.145 ( P <0.01) and-0.062 ( P <0.01), respectively. Fecundity of the European Hybrid Sturgeon was positively related with body weight and the correlation coefficient was 0.051 ( P <0.01).Otherwise, curve fitting of body weight and egg weight showed that the body weight and egg weight were positively correlated in several species of sturgeon. Our results indicate that artificial breeding of all these 5 species of sturgeon is feasible all year round.

Abstract:Morphological changes of gastrointestinal tract during postembryonic development of the Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus were observed. The gastrointestinal tract was a straight tubular structure on the 7th day after hatching (DAH), and the differentiation between the stomach and the intestine was observed on the 21st DAH.On the 35th DAH, the stomach, small intestine and large intestine were observed. The structure of gastrointestinal tract was simple, only with mucous epithelium on the 7th DAH.On the 21st DAH, the stomach was composed of mucous epithelium, lamina propria, muscularis and adventitia, and the intestine consisted of mucous epithelium and muscularis. Adventitia of small intestine and large intestine were formed on the 77th and 98th DAH respectively, and lamina propria appeared on the 98th and 119th DAH respectively. On the 180th DAH, the gastrointestinal tract wall had mucous epithelium, lamina propria, submucosa, muscularis and adventitia.

Abstract:The effect of different dosages (0.0,3.5,6.5 Gy) of X-ray on histological structure and expression of c-Fos and KGF in skin of developing Mouse( Mus musculus )(1 d,5 d,10 d,20 d) were investigated. Results showed that skin structure was not obviously changed after 1 d irradiation; thickness of epidermis,dermis,hypodermis and number of hair decreased,and serious fibrosis appeared in skin of developing Mouse after 5 d irradiation;fibrosis reduced,dermis dense connective tissue and hypodermis recovered gradually after 10 d irradiation with 3.5 Gy of X-ray,while histological structure recovered slowly after irradiation with 6.5 Gy of X-ray. The histological structure of skin recovered after 20 d irradiation with 3.5 Gy of X-ray,while all individuals died after 20 d irradiation with 6.5 Gy of X-ray. The skin of developing Mouse exhibited c-Fos and KGF immunoactivity,and the expression of c-Fos and KGF in radiation groups was obviously increased than that of control groups. The greater dosage was used,the stronger expression of c-Fos and KGF was observed. The expression of c-Fos decreased gradually,while the expression of KGF displayed wave pattern after irradiation with 3.5 or 6.5 Gy of X-ray. There was a trend that histological structure and expression of c-Fos and KGF recovered slowly to the normal state after irradiation. The results indicate that high dosages irradiation causes serious damage to the skin of developing Mouse as well as cell apoptosis and necrosis. After irradiation,the body possess self-healing function,and the number of cells in skin increases obviously, and histological structure of skin recovers gradually.

Abstract:The fragments of CO Ⅰgene of 13 populations of Dugesia japonica collected from Yunnan Province, China were amplified via PCR, and then cloned and sequenced. The sequences were aligned and analyzed with Clustal X 1.80 and MEGA 4.0, and the maximum parisimony (MP) tree and Bayes tree were reconstructed via PAUP^*4.0 and MrBayes 3.1.1, respectively. The results show that the A+T contents of 13 sequences have little difference, ranging from 67.1% to 68.8%, more than the G+C contents obviously. The pairwise genetic distances based on model Kimura 2-parameter between sequences range from 0 to 0.199.Distances among populations of Yuxi, Dali2 and Lincang1 were 0, that between Puer and Xishuang was the largest (0.199). The MP tree and the Bayes tree almost show the same topology. Based on the clustering pattern of partial CO Ⅰ genes and the geographical features of Yunnan, it is hypothesized that the freshwater planarian D.japonica in Yunnan Province could have originated from the central sites, then diffused to the marginal sites, or vice versa. More data are needed to test the hypothesis.

Abstract:A wild population Tanichthys albonubes which has been listed a second-class state protected species was discovered in Guangxi, China. Compared with the wild population of Conghua, Guangdong, the fish found in Guangxi has obvious black strip on the dorsal fin, pectoral fin and anal fin, and its caudal peduncle is higher. The principal component analysis on the morphometric characters distinguished the population found in Guangxi from the population in Conghua, Guangdong. This fish inhabits in clear and acidic stream with fast current and lush float grass in the mountainous region.

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Abstract:The development of the eyelid requires coordinated processes of cell proliferation, morphology changes, migration and cell death. Map 3 k 1 is an important member of MAPK family and its protein, MEKK1, is a crucial cross-point in MAPK signal pathway. MEKK1-JNK signal pathway regulates actin filament formation and cell migration through enhancing the transcriptional activity of Ap-1.Moreover, MEKK1 has a possible interaction with HB-EGF/EGFR-ERK by c-jun. The Map 3 k 1 knockout mouse is defective in embryonic eyelid closure, and Map 3 k 1 mutant results in the postnatal corneal disease in mouse. Thus, study of Map 3 k 1 function provides a new perspective for human congenital eyelid defects and the corneal disease, and sheds the new light on early diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of this disease.

Abstract:All-male bands (AMB) are usually being found in the non-human primates. This paper has reviewed the reference related with recent studies on AMB. It summarizes information on the composition, hypothesis related to the origin of AMB, relationship of members within AMB, stabilization, and relationship between AMB and breeding units in different species.