Abstract:Opsin is the main content of photoactive substances,and it is important for the light perception of animals.Total RNA was isolated from the third day adult of the Agrotis ypsilon.The cDNA sequence was cloned by RT-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE).UV opsin cDNA sequence is 1 632 bp in length,containing an open reading frame of 1 140 bp,which encodes a polypeptide of 379 amino acids residues.The predicted molecular weight of the amino acid is about 41.50 ku,with an isoelectric point of 7.56.GenBank accession number: JN185654.The analysis of phylogenetic relationship showed that the cloned gene had high amino acid sequences homology with other insect UV opsins.The molecular cloning of UV opsin gene may play an important role in the study of nocturnal insect vision in the night.

Abstract:To reveal the basic characteristics of the digestive tract of Sunken Ear Frog(Odorrana tormota),paraffin section and Longguikai’s silver staining were used to observe histological characteristics and distribution density of argyrophil cells in the digestive tract.Longitudinal plica and gastric pits were obviously observed on the gastric wall and glands were well developed.The small intestine could be divided into duodenum and ileum,with goblet cells scattered among the duodenum epithelial cells,while no glands were found in the duodenum.Argyrophil cells in various shapes,such as brush-headed,conical,spindle-like,elliptical and rectangular,were observed along the whole digestive tract,and these cells in gland epithelium of pilori and villus epithelium of duodenum had apophysis pointing to the acinar lumen or intestine,indicating the possible luminal secretion function of these cells.Pylorica part of suomach had the highest density of argyrophil cells,followed by the duodenum and the body of stomach,and the least in esophagus.Therefore,the stomach is believed to have both digestion and secretion functions in Sunken Ear Frog,and the duodenum is the main absorption tract,with some secretion functions.Argyrophil cells in the digestive tracts have both endocrine function and luminal secretion ability.

Abstract:Pantholops hodgsonii is a unique wild animal species in China,and it is listed as an Appendix species by CITES and as Category Ⅰ by the Key Protected Wildlife List of China.Individuals of P.hodgsonii live in high altitude and low oxygen environment,with typical genetic characteristics of plateau animals.The P.hodgsoni fibroblast cells derived from a piece of ear margin tissue were successfully cultured and then purified by differential attachment in combination with digestion elimination methods.The morphology,dynamic growth,and karyotypes of the cultured cells at different passages were analyzed.The results showed that the cultured cells had typical characteristics of fibroblasts.The population doubling times (PDT) of passage 7,10 and 15 were 26 h,48 h,and 50 h,respectively.The growth curve of the cultured cells appeared "S" shape,and diploid cells (2n=60) were dominant (65%-91%).All of the chromosomes were telocentric (including X and Y chromosomes).The total and average relative length of chromosome set was 193.45 and 3.22, respectively.No satellites and secondary constriction were observed in the present study.

Abstract:Total RNAs were extracted from myocardium of Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) and Tibetan Sheep,both inhabiting on Tibetan Plateau (altitude 4 300 m).PGC-1α coding cDNA sequences were cloned with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR),and the sequences were confirmed by DNA sequencing.The cloning and sequencing results confirmed that the PGC-1α gene coding sequences of both Tibetan Antelope and Tibetan sheep showed above 90% identity with other species.In addition,the cloned sequences contained the RNA/DNA binding sites,RRM (RNA recognition motif),the domains involved in the interaction with NRF-1 and MEF2C,Arg/Ser rich domain,negative regulatory domain,LXXLL motif,as well as conserved sequences like TPPTTPP and DHDYCQ,which are present in all PGC-1 family members.Fourteen variable amino acid sites were identified in the functional domains mentioned above.Additionally,analysis of generic phosphorylation sites and kinase specific phosphorylation prediction sites indicated that the 329-threonine amino acid site could be phosphorylated by PKG,which may be unique to Tibetan Antelope.Secondary structures of PGC-1α protein from Tibetan Antelope and Tibetan Sheep were also predicted in this study.In summary,the PGC-1α gene coding regions from Tibetan antelope and Tibetan Sheep have been successfully cloned,which may provide fundamental data for further investigating high altitude adaptation related to genetics in the future.

Abstract:This study was designed to investigate the histological structure and distribution of ghrelin in liver,small intestine and large intestine of adult female Muntiacus crinifrons.Section and HE staining were used to observe the histological structure,and PV-9000 two-step immunohistochemical staining as well as DAB method were used to the show the distribution of ghrelin.The liver was composed of serous membrane,hepatic lobule,hepatic central veins,portal area and other structures.Hepatic lobule was less obvious.Central veins were present in the center of hepatic lobule.Sinusoidal shape was irregular.Simple columnar epithelium of intestinal mucosa was observed.Muscularis mucosa of small intestine,cecum and colon was thin.The histological features of the folds and intestinal villi in the digestive tract were different.Ghrelin-positive cells were observed in the liver.Ghrelin immunoreactive cells also distributed in the mucosa,submucosa and tunica muscularis of duodenum,jejunum,ileum,cecum and colon,especially more cells were found in the epithelium of intestinal villi and the submucosa.In conclusion,the structures of liver,small intestine and large intestine in M.crinifrons are similar to the histological features of mammals,but the duodenum glands are not found.Ghrelin is present in the liver,small intestine and large intestine,suggesting its possible role in regulating the digestive function.

Abstract:We observed survival rate and growth of Brown Frog (Rana dybowskii) who come out of hibernation at different temperature,humidity and wind speed in control experiment condition.Brown Frog who came out of hibernation at lower temperature (15.2℃) had a higher survival rate (88.23% vs.29.71%) and heaver body weight (6.37±1.84 g vs.5.32±1.49 g) than those at higher temperature (19.6℃).The survival rates of Brown Frog coming out at varied temperature each 3 days (0℃ to 8℃,then 8℃ to 16℃) was 80%,then reduced to 73.33% at varied temperature from 0℃ to 16℃ in 6 days; However,the survival rate decreased to 23.33% and zero when move fogs from 0℃ to 20℃,from 0℃ to 25℃ immediately after they come out.The survival rate reduced with humidity decline,83.2% at humidity 95%,80% at humidity 80%,60% at humidity 60%.Wind speed at 0.4 m/s and 0.8 m/s lead to all the frog died at 7 days and 5 days,while 83.33% frog survived at wind free condition.According to our result the best temperature for frog come out of hibernation should be below 15℃.

Abstract:A series of herpetological surveys were conducted between 2003 and 2008 at Yinggeling Nature Reserve and its surroundings in central Hainan Island.A total of 39 species of amphibians (one salamander and 38 anurans) were recorded,representing two orders,seven families and 23 genera.These included one new genus and one new species records for the island; they are Micryletta inornata and Theloderma asperum,respectively.Specimens of a Parapelophryne sp.and a large Theloderma species were also found,but further study is needed for specific identification.Yinggeling has exceptional value in the conservation of amphibian diversity of Hainan; our surveys recorded 88.6% of the island’s known amphibian fauna,including 11 endemic species,accounting for 84.6% of the 13 known endemic species.

Abstract:Community diversity and ecological distribution of soil animal in suburb of Linfen city was investigated by species surveying in 7 sites (woodland,farmland,orchard,road green belt,abandoned beach,heavy metal contaminated area of farmland and woodland)from April to October 2009.The soil in site 1,2,and 3 is not polluted,in site 4 and 5 is moderate polluted and in site 6 and 7 heavily polluted.We totally captured 5 842 individuals of soil animal,representing 4 Phyla,9 Classes,25 Orders.Three Order,Collembola,Acarina and Hymenoptera,were dominant,14 Orders were common and 8 Order rare in the samples.The individual abundance of soil animal was autumn> spring > summer.In the consideration of the soil animal vertical distribution,soil animals concentrated obviously in the surface layer (0-5 cm from surface) in site 1,2 and 3,while in site 4 and 5 soil animals were almost equally in the layer 0-5 cm,5-10 cm,and 10-15 cm from surface,then reduced in layer 15-20 cm; However,more individuals of soil animal were collected from layer 5-10 cm and 10-15 cm than from surface layer in site 6 and 7.Species diversity index (H’),dominant index (C),and richness index (D),varied more greatly in summer,while evenness index was relatively stable.The proportion of saprophagous animals was highest in the heavy metal polluted site,while phytophage animal was dominant in site 2 covered by wheat.

Abstract:The construction of Three Gorges Project results in water current slow down and enlarges the area of mudflat which is along the Yangtze River and its main tributaries submerges periodically.The changed environment might favor the survival and dispersal of Oncomelania hupensis who is the host of Schistosoma japonicum.In this paper,we predicted the possible influence of climate data,vegetation and the periodically flooded on O.hupensis survival and dispersal in submerged mudflat based on the life history of O.hupensis using 1∶50 000 and the 1∶10 000 DEM of the study area.The climatic condition and flood period in the study area is possible to meet their requirement.However,the life history of O.hupensis is not matched with the time schedule of the Three Gorges Reservoir impounding water in winter and disembogue water in summer.Therefore,the construction of the project would not increase the possibility of O.hupensis survival and dispersal in the study area.

Abstract:The objective of this study is to measure the effect of supplement of fish oil, soybean oil and fish and soybean mixture oil (1∶1) in diets on the growth, immune function, metabolism and resistance to hypoxia in Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis). The three diets for adult crabs with 3% fish oil, 3% soybean oil and 3% mixture oil were prepared. These diets were used for feeding crabs for 115 days. Crab weights, lengths and widths were measured. And then the crabs were placed into normal DO level (9.06±0.06 mg/L) and hypoxia water (2.57±0.44 mg/L),and their immune and metabolic indices were measured. We found that the hypoxia stress evidently influenced the metabolism of crab. The weights of crab were not significantly affected by the variation of oil lipid in diets; the hemocyte count, hemocyanin content, the activities of SOD, ALP, ACP and LDH of the crab were the highest in the mixture oil group (1 ∶1), so the supplement of fish and soybean oil (1 ∶1) in diets evidently improved the crabs’ immune and antioxidant ability, comparing to other two groups, and the crabs in mix oil group had a better ability of resistance to hypoxia.

Abstract:Morphological parameters and otolith growth of Collichthys lucidus were investigated by counting and measuring the daily rings in the left sagitta. Linear, logarithmic, polynomial, functional and exponential growth equations were used to describe the growth of otolith by morphological parameters of sagitta and to determinate daily age by the daily ring of sagittae. The long diameter of otolith in C.lucidus grew longer as fish body length increase within the range of 29.8-104.0 mm, but the ratio of short diameter /long diameter and short radius/long radius was rather stable. A significant power functional relationship was found out between long, width and weight of sagitta and between long radius and short radius. The relationships between length, width, thickness and weight of sagitta with fish body length and weight showed a significant power relationship except for the parameter of fish body length and thickness of sagitta which was represented by quadratic polynomial function equation.

Abstract:Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) is a most important gene regulating animal growth and metabolism. We isolated two IGFBP3 genes from Cyprinus carpio var.jian in this experiment. Eighteen SNPs loci were identified on IGFBP3a and IGFBP3b respectively. Eight SNPs were located at exons. PCR-RFLP was applied to detect genotypes of five SNPs (IGFBP3a intron 3_G-253T, IGFBP3b intron 2_G30T, IGFBP3b intron 3_A-341G, IGFBP3b exon 4_C54T, IGFBP3b exon 4_C72G) in 931 individuals (485♂,446♀). Correlation analysis between genotypes and weight gain showed that five SNPs were associated with female juvenile weight gain significantly (P<0.01 or P<0.05) and individuals with these five SNPs loci, TT, GG, AG, CC and CG genotype grew faster than other individuals. Only G30T was significantly related to male juvenile weight gain (P<0.05) and the GG individuals grew significantly faster than TT ones. C72G and A-341G were significantly pertinent to adult weight gain (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Individuals with CG at C72G were significantly larger than those with CC and GG types. The AG and GG type male adult weight gain of A-341G were significantly higher than AA type, while AG type grew the fastest in female adult fish. G30T was significantly associated with female adult weight gain. The GG and GT type fish weight gain were significantly (P<0.05) higher than TT type, and the GG male adult individuals also grew obviously faster than other types. The GT type male adult weight gain of G-253T was significantly higher than GG and TT type (P<0.01), while no similar situation was found in female adult individuals. To conclude, with the fastest weight gain, GG type of G30T, AG type of A-341G and CG type of C72G could be used as molecular markers in C. carpio var. jian breeding. In addition, weight gain increased with the enrichment of molecular SNPs markers, consistent with the characteristics of quantitative traits.

Abstract:Artificial propagation of Sturgeon has promoted the development of sturgeon aqualture in recent years. However, the genetic relationship among reserved broodstocks has not been analyzed. In order to avoid the degradation of germplasm resources and prevent inbreeding despression, the genetic background of reserved broodstocks should be investigated. In this research, partial sequence of mitochondrial control region (D-loop) was used to examine the genetic diversity of reserved broodstocks in four species of sturgeon. Different length of D-loop sequences between 451-469 bp were obtained from a total of 120 samples. There were 1-18 bp interspecific indels, while no intraspecific indels were detected. Each group contained at least four haplotypes which had greater than 98% sequence similarity. There were 4-12 pasimony informative sites between different haplotypes and genetic distance among intraspecific haplotypes varied from 0.002-0.024. The highest nucleotide diversity was presented in Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) (π=0.010) while the lowest was in Amur Sturgeon (A.schrenckii) (π=0.002). The highest haplotype diversity was showed in Siberian Sturgeon (A.baerii) (H=0.706) while the lowest was in Russian Sturgeon (A.gueldenstaedtii) (H=0.352). These results indicate that there is a low genetic diversity in the four reserved broodstocks and that inbreeding impact and genetic distance should be seriously considered in the fry production and germplasm conservation of the four species of sturgeon.

Abstract:Two adult snakes of the colubrids were collected in Leigongshan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou Province, in July 2011. The two specimens are identified as Amphiesma bitaeniata that is a new record of snake in Guizhou Province, China. The finding of this species in Guizhou will benefit us to further study on morphological variation and geographical distribution of A.bitaeniata.

Abstract:Three specimens of Lycodon fasciatus (Colubridae: Lycodon) were collected from Nanling National Forest Park, Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, and Chebaling National Nature Reserve, Shixing County from September to October 2011. This species was a new record of snake in Guangdong Province.

Abstract:Two specimen of Vespertilionidae were collected from Jiajiu Township in Congjiang County, Guizhou Province, during a survey of bat species diversity in August, 2010, which is identified as Nyctalus aviator and new record to Guizhou. Description as follows: Size large, thumb short with strong claw; calcar keeled; fur dense and velvety; color deep yellowish brown; upper inner incisor longer than outer incisor; the forearm length is 59.72-60.22 mm; tragus short and stubby; antitragus long and low; fifth finger shortest, third longest; wing membrane attached to ankle; tip of tail barely extends past uropatagium; skull broad and robust; lambdoidal crest conspicuous; postorbital process weak; teeth large, with low cusps, the upper toothrow length is 9.12-9.28 mm; first upper premolar was small and pushed to inner side of toothrow; second upper premolar developed;The lower toothrow length is 7.70-8.14 mm. The distribution range of this species extended to southwestern China, which differs from the record before. The specimens were preserved in the School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China.

Abstract:Ellobiid is a special group of mollusks with primitive lung. Most of them are halophilic and mainly found in high tidal and supratidal zone in the transitional zone between land and sea. Ellobiid has a unique position in the mollusk evolutionary history. They can be used as indicators in environmental assessments due to their sensitivity to environmental changes and to human disturbances. During the past two centuries, many scholars had carried out systematic research on Ellobiid, including morphology, anatomy, taxonomy and ecology. This article outlined the three study stages on the Ellobiid: initial stage (from late 18th century to early 1930s), development stage (from early 1930s to late 1970s) and mature stage (1980s to present). Finally, this paper points out the insufficiency of those studies and some prospects for future research on this group.

Abstract:Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is an old, rare and endemic reptile in China. The distribution range of alligators decreased and the wild population is locally isolated in the degenerative habitat. The wild population was estimated at 120-150 with a higher proportion of aged individuals. More efforts have been put into protection for the isolated populations and their habitat in the wild recently. The habitat of wild alligator has become better, captive alligators have been reintroducted to wild populations. Those management approaches has preliminarily stopped the decline of population size in the wild. In addition, the captive populations have reached to more than 10 000 and genetic control on captive population has been initiated. Most researches conducted on Chinese alligator are on morphology, anatomy, embryology, ecology, physiology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, captive breeding techniques. However, in the field of nutritional physiology, and genetic conservation, people has not made enough efforts yet.