Browsing by Author "Bechan Lal"

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Analyses of the health status, risk assessment and recovery response of the nutritionally important catfish Clarias batrachus reared in coal mine effluent-fed pond water: a biochemical, haematological and histopathological investigation
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2022) Kalpana Chhaya Lakra; Arup Mistri; Tarun Kumar Banerjee; Bechan Lal
The present field study evaluates the health status of the catfish Clarias batrachus reared in coal mine effluent (CME)-fed pond water at Rajrappa mining complex using biochemical, haematological and histopathological parameters. Simultaneously, risk assessment along with recovery response of the CME intoxicated fish following their treatment with CME-free freshwater was also studied. The CME-fed pond water fish revealed significant decrease in biomolecules concentrations and considerable increase in activities of several enzymes along with metallothionein level as compared to control. The impaired regulation of metabolic function was also revealed by blood parameters showing significant decrease in haemoglobin content (8.78 ± 0.344 g/100 mL) and red blood cells count (1.77 ± 0.12 × 106 mm3) while substantial elevation in white blood cells (187.13 ± 9.78 × 103 mm3). The histopathological study also confirmed the changes including hypertrophy of club cells of skin, swelling of secondary lamella of gills, extensive fibrosis in liver and glomerular shrinkage with increased Bowman’s space in kidney. Potential health risk assessments based on estimated daily intake and target hazard quotient indicated health risks associated with the consumption of such fishes. The CME-contaminated fish when transferred to CME-free freshwater exhibited decreased metal content accompanied by eventual recovery response as evident by retrieval in biochemical and haematological parameters. Withdrawal study also revealed restoration in the activity of different marker enzymes in fish tissues including blood as well as recovery in their cellular architecture. The results of the present study validate the depuration process as an effective practice for detoxification of fish contaminated with effluent. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
Application of phytoremediation technology in decontamination of a fish culture pond fed with coal mine effluent using three aquatic macrophytes
(Taylor and Francis Inc., 2019) Kalpana C. Lakra; Bechan Lal; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
In the present study, three aquatic macrophytes, Eichhornia crassipes, Salvinia molesta, and Pistia stratiotes were used to assess their relative efficacies in decontamination of a fish culture pond, regularly fed with coal mine effluent (CME). The level of metals like Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, and Cd were much higher in CME-fed pond water than their recommended limits in drinking water set by the Bureau of Indian standards and in effluents by the Environmental Protection Agency. The levels of metal were lowered substantially in CME-fed pond water after exposure of the above plants to such water, however, metal levels in the plants increased tremendously. The increased metal levels in plants severely damaged their physiological and biochemical processes. The contents of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid were reduced by 63.2, 64.2, and 46.3%, respectively, in E. crassipes, 41, 57.4, and 57.8% in S. molesta, and 42, 62, and 61% in P. stratiotes. The accumulating metals also generated oxidative stress in plants, as evident from the increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and enhanced malondialdehyde content. The E. crassipes was the most potent in absorbing the metals from the CME-fed pond water, followed by S. molesta and P. stratiotes. © 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Asprosin promotes steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis with improved glucose metabolism in adult mice testis
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2022) Sangeeta Maurya; Amitabh Krishna; Bechan Lal; Ajit Singh
Asprosin is an orexigenic adipokine that regulates appetite and glucose homeostasis in mammals. To date, only fragmentary findings are reported regarding its role in testicular activities. In the current investigation, immunolocalization and direct action of asprosin in adult mice testis was evaluated. Immunohistochemical and immunoblot studies were performed to analyse the testicular expression of asprosin. Intratesticular treatment of asprosin (0.1 μg and 1.0 μg per testis) was given to evaluate its direct action on testicular functions. Sertoli and Leydig cells were found to be immuno-positive for asprosin. Intratesticular administration of asprosin resulted into a significant increase in glucose and lactate levels along with enhanced expression of asprosin receptor OLFR734, insulin receptor (IR), glucose transporter 8 (GLUT 8), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and monocorboxylate transporters (MCT2 and 4). In addition, asprosin administration increased the testicular expression of cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen: PCNA), cell survival (B cell lymphoma 2: Bcl2) and decreased germ cell apoptosis (Cysteine aspartic acid protease 3: Caspase 3) leading to increased sperm counts. Further, asprosin treatment resulted into increased level of total cholesterol, testosterone and steroidogenic markers (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein: StAR; 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases: 3β HSD and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases: 17β HSD). Asprosin treatment promotes testicular glucose uptake and lactate synthesis to provide energy for steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. The significant correlation between the asprosin-induced increased IR expression and increased testosterone, glucose and lactate levels suggests its role in increased survival and proliferation but decrease in germ cell apoptosis. This study proposed asprosin's role as an autocrine/paracrine regulator of testicular functions in adult mice. © 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.
BMP15 in catfish testis: Cellular distribution, seasonal variation, and its role in steroidogenesis
(Elsevier Inc., 2017) Himanshu Yadav; Bechan Lal
Considering the absence of information on testicular growth factors in fishes, present study was aimed to elucidate the existence of BMP15, an important member of TGF-β superfamily, in the testis of a seasonally breeding freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus and its role in regulation of testicular activities. The study demonstrated the expression of BMP15 in the somatic cells (Sertoli and interstitial cells) in fish testis. The expression varied with changing testicular activity; the expression was very high in the quiescent and early recrudescing testis coinciding with the renewal of spermatogonial cells. Expression then declined gradually with progression of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Expression of BMP15 showed positive correlation with seasonally changing testicular 17β-estradiol but negatively with testicular testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone. In vitro treatment of testis with recombinant human BMP15 enhanced the production of estradiol-17β but concurrently suppressed the production of testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone in testis. Though BMP15 did not alter the expression of StAR protein in the testis, it promoted the expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and aromatase in fish testis. Thus the present study for the first time demonstrates that fish testis is capable of producing BMP15 and is expressed by the somatic cells unlike mammals wherein it is produced exclusively by germ cells. Study also suggests that BMP15 may modulate the testicular steroidogenesis by altering the expression of steroidogenic enzymes. BMP15 also appears to play crucial role in renewal of spermatogial cells by augmenting the testicular production of 17β-estradiol. © 2017 Elsevier Inc.
Cellular localization and seasonal variation in BMP15 expression in ovary of the catfish Clarias batrachus and its role in ovarian steroidogenesis
(Elsevier Inc., 2019) Himanshu Yadav; Bechan Lal
Despite important actions of BMP15 (a TGFβ superfamily member) in follicular development in vertebrates, studies are mostly limited to mammals. The folliculogenic processes in lower vertebrates, particularly, fishes are quite different from mammals. It was, therefore, decided to detect the presence of BMP15 in ovarian follicles and what are its role in folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis in catfish? BMP15 protein was detected in different cellular compartments of ovarian follicles of the catfish collected during different reproductive phases, using immunohistochemical and Western blotting methods, with concurrent measurement of ovarian steroids through ELISA. In vitro effects of rhBMP15 on ovarian steroids, expression and activities of steroidogenic enzymes and StAR were also analyzed using established immunoblotting and spectrophotometric methods. BMP15 was localized distinctly in the nest of oogonia, perinucleolar oocytes and in oocytes as well as follicular cells of the primary ovarian follicles, which started diminishing gradually with the progression of folliculogenesis in oocytes-II and finally it was greatly reduced in the oocytes-III (fully grown follicles). BMP15 expression in follicles showed negative correlation with ovarian steroid levels. Further BMP15 also inhibited steroids production by suppressing the expression and activities of ovarian 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD and aromatase, however, it did not influence the expression of StAR. The findings of study suggests that BMP15 help in maintaining the early-stage oocytes in catfish and inhibits follicular growth by reducing ovarian steroidogenesis through suppression of the expression and activities of steroidogenic enzymes. © 2019 Elsevier Inc.
Changes in tissue lipid levels in the freshwater catfish Clarias batrachus associated with the reproductive cycle
(Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1987) Bechan Lal; T.P. Singh
The levels of free fatty acid (FFA), monoglyceride (MG), diglyceride (DG), triglyceride (TG), phospholipid (PL), free cholesterol (CF) and esterified cholesterol (CE) were measured in the liver, plasma, ovary, abdominal fat and muscle during different phases of the annual reproductive cycle in female Clarias batrachus. During the preparatory phase, hepatic lipogenic activity predominated over mobilization and consumption. In the prespawning season, an increased hepatic lipogenic activity was maintained, but lipids were transferred from the liver to the ovary. In the spawning phase, the diminished food intake, and enhanced caloric demand for spawning behaviour and activity limited hepatic lipogenic activity, and TG lypolysis was increased as was the production of more FFA. Maximum accumulation of vitellogenin, as reflected by maximum rise in ovarian PL titre was characteristic of this phase. Marked reductions in ovarian lipid occurred during the postspawning phase. In the resting phase, there was a recovery of lipogenic activity, but PL synthesis was still inhibited. In contrast to other investigated teleosts, there were extremely high level of FFA in liver, plasma, ovary and muscle throughout the annual reproductive cycle in C. batrachus. FFA appears to be the main lipid metabolite which had a very high turnover. As evidenced by the high TG content, abdominal fat seems to be the main fat depot, not the liver and muscle. © 1987 Kugler Publications.
Coal mine effluent-induced metal bioaccumulation, biochemical, oxidative stress, metallothionein, and histopathological alterations in vital tissues of the catfish, Clarias batrachus
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2021) Kalpana Chhaya Lakra; Tarun Kumar Banerjee; Bechan Lal
In the present study, a multi-biomarker approach was used to assess the toxicity of the coal mine effluent (CME) generated at the Rajrappa coal mine on the catfish Clarias batrachus. A core of biomarkers indicative of nutritional value, oxidative stress, and histopathology was selected to illustrate the toxic effects of CME-containing different heavy metals and other toxicants. The results of metal bioaccumulation in CME-exposed fish tissues revealed the highest metal concentration in liver (1.34–297.68 mg/kg) while lowest in muscles (1.47–23.26 mg/kg) as compared to other tissues and so was the metallothionein level. The high value of bioaccumulation observed in liver, kidney, and gills reflects their affinity for metals. In addition, the values of metal pollution index (MPI) of different fish tissues further affirmed that liver followed by kidney and gills are at greater risk than brain, skin, and muscles. Significant alterations in the activity of certain enzymes (aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase) as well as oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase and lipid peroxidation) were detected in the tissues of CME-exposed fish. The tissue-specific metal accumulation and increased metallothionein levels may be associated with the biochemical and physiological activity of an organ and its constitutive antioxidant defenses. The histopathological changes in the various tissues of the CME-exposed fish justify the high metal accumulation and biochemical alterations. Overall results indicate that the Rajrappa coal mine effluent is very toxic having adverse health impact on the fish and might also affect the human health when consumed. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.
Coal mine effluent-led bioaccumulation of heavy metals and histopathological changes in some tissues of the catfish Clarias batrachus
(Springer International Publishing, 2019) Kalpana C. Lakra; Bechan Lal; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
Coal mining generates huge quantity of toxic effluent which consistently pollutes the neighboring wetlands where the local inhabitants regularly cultivate edible fishes. In the present study the concentration of heavy metals Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cd, Pb and Cr were analyzed in the water and various tissues of edible catfish Clarias batrachus reared in a pond receiving effluents from Rajrappa coal mine, Jharkhand, India. The metal concentrations in the pond water were dramatically higher (Fe 350%, Zn 423%, Cu 12%, Mn 7029%, Ni 713%, Cd 1700%, Pb 4333% and Cr 588%) than the safe limit of Environmental Pollution Agency (2003) as well as the control tap water. Excessive amounts of metals in effluent caused their substantial transfer to the different tissues of the catfish reared in such ponds. Results showed that accumulation of metals in fish tissues were in the following order: liver > kidney > air breathing organ (ABO) > gills > skin > brain > muscles. Among the various tissues the highest accumulation of most of the metals was recorded in the liver (2.05–271.28 mg/kg dry weight) and lowest in the muscles (1.39–30.27 mg/kg dry weight), while the concentration of metals in other tissues ranged in between. The accumulation of heavy metals in tissues appears to cause remarkable histopathological alterations in skin, gills, ABO, liver and kidney that might be leading to deleterious effect on fish physiology and consequently impact the consumers of such fishes. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Correction to: Role of Neurokinin B in gametogenesis and steroidogenesis of freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus (Cell and Tissue Research, (2023), 393, 2, (377-391), 10.1007/s00441-023-03788-0)
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2023) Ankur Singh; Bechan Lal; Pankaj Kumar; Ishwar S. Parhar; Robert P. Millar
The authors regret that Fig. 7 is a repetition of Fig. 6 as presented in the original article. The original figure for Fig. 7 is shown below. The legend and description for the figure (Fig. 7) remain the same but with some minor change. (Figure presented.) Western blots analysis of StAR, 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD (a) and pERK1/2, ERK1/2, pAkt & Akt proteins (b) in the testicular explants of Clarias batrachus incubated with 5 nM and 50 nM of MRK-08 for 24 h in vitro. The expression is presented as an integrated relative density value (IRDV) as an arbitrary unit. All the values are expressed as Mean ± SEM (n = 3). Means with the same superscript do not differ from each other, while means with different superscripts are different from each other statistically at p < 0.05 (Duncan’s multiple range test). Superscripts *, ** and *** are used for StAR, while superscripts # & ### are used for 3β-HSD and superscripts, and for 17β-HSD, respectively (Fig. 7a). Superscripts *, ** and *** are used for p44 and superscripts #, ## & ### for p42 while superscripts and for pAkt (Fig. 7b) The original article has been corrected. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
Derivation and characterization of a ES-Like cell line from Indian catfish heteropneustes fossilis blastulas
(2014) Anindya S. Barman; Kuldeep K. Lal; Gaurav Rathore; Vindhya Mohindra; Rajeev K. Singh; Akankaha Singh; Praveen Khare; Bechan Lal
A cell line designated as HFB-ES was established from blastula stage embryos of H. fossilis (Singhi). The embryonic cells were harvested and maintained in Leibovitz's medium supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum. The cell line had been subcultured for more than 90 passages in a period of 24 months. HFB-ES cells were able to grow at temperatures between 25 and 35°C with an optimum temperature of 28°C. The growth rate of HFB-ES was proportional to FBS concentration, with optimum growth seen at 15% FBS concentration. The originality of the cell line was confirmed by sequencing of cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI), cytochrome b gene, and microsatellite DNA profile. Results of chromosome complements of HFB showed normal karyo-morphology with 56 (2 n) diploid number of chromosomes after 40 passages which indicated that the developed cell line is chromosomally stable. The pluripotency of HFB was demonstrated by alkaline phosphatase activity and Oct-4 gene expression. Expression of GFP reporter gene was successful in HFB-ES. These results indicated that HFB-ES could be utilized for future gene expression studies. © 2014 Anindya S. Barman et al.
Effect of extender composition on sperm cryopreservation of Asian catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) and Clarias Batrachus (linnaeus)
(Asian Fisheries Society, 2009) Kuldeep K. Lal; Anindya S. Barman; Peyush Punia; Praveen Khare; Vindhya Mohindra; Bechan Lal; A. Gopalakrishnan; Rama. S. Sah; Wazir S. Lakra
Air breathing catfish species Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) and Clarias batrachus (Linn.) are important table fish and fetch high market price. Cryopreservation of spermatozoa can be a useful tool in captive seed production for domestication and aquaculture of these catfish species. The objective of the present study was to identify optimum extender composition for sperm cryopreservation of the two species, H. fossilis and C. batrachus. Four extender compositions Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS), Modified Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution (M-HBSS), Modified Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution with hen’s egg yolk (M-HBSS with EY) and European catfish were evaluated for cryopreservation of catfish sperm and 10 % Dimethyle Sulphoxide (DMSO) was used as a cryoprotectant. The pooled milt exhibiting 70-80% motile sperm was used for cryopreservation experiment. After storage for 48 hrs at -196ºC, the milt was thawed and evaluated for fertility test. The percentage of hatching was used as a parameter for the comparative evaluation of different extender composition. In H. fossilis extender M-HBSS indicated highest hatching rate (49.06%), followed by HBSS (42.76%), M-HBSS with EY (37.46%) and European catfish (29.47%). The hatching success with extender M-HBSS did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) from the control group (51%). In C. batrachus extender HBSS exhibited highest hatching (62.1 %), followed by M-HBSS with EY (51.6%), European Catfish (46.3%) and M-HBSS (40.9%). The hatching rate in control was 90% in C. batrachus. The results indicated that the two species differ in the protocol for sperm cryopreservation. The paper presents successful cryopreservation of sperm with the production of viable hatchlings of H. fossilis and C. batrachus for the first time. The protocol reported in the study can be used for scaling up of seed production of these two catfish species. © 2009, Asian Fisheries Society. All rights reserved.
Effects of photoperiod and temperature on kisspeptin1 (kiss1) expression in the gonads of Clarias batrachus
(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2022) Ankur Singh; Bechan Lal; Ishwar S. Parhar
Photo-thermal regulation of reproduction in seasonally breeding vertebrates, including teleost fishes, is established. The photo-thermal cues are relayed to the higher brain centers, where from command, neurosecretions are released to the hypothalamus to activate the hypothalamo-pituitary–gonadal axis to secrete GnRH-FSH/LH-sex steroids in general. GnRH being a pivotal regulator of reproduction, plenty of studies have been carried out to investigate the regulators of GnRH secretion. Kiss is the recently established upstream regulator of GnRH. However, studies on the regulation of kiss are highly ambiguous in vertebrates, including fishes. Therefore, attempts were made to examine the role of photoperiod and temperature in the regulation of kiss1 expression in the gonad during the late-quiescence phase of the reproductive cycle of the catfish, Clarias batrachus, employing the techniques like histology, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) along with analysis of data through analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a post hoc test and Duncan’s multiple range test at P < 0.05 for comparisons amongst different groups. The study reveals that long photoperiod and high temperature stimulate the expression of kiss1 significantly (P < 0.05), while short photoperiod and low temperature suppress its expression in fish gonads (P < 0.05). Photoperiod and temperature were almost equally effective in regulating the kiss1 expression, but when long photoperiod and temperature are given in combination, their stimulatory role in kiss1 expression is amplified significantly (P < 0.05). The long photoperiod and high temperature also increase the steroid levels in gonads (P < 0.05) and stimulate gametogenesis. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.
Endocrine regulation of testosterone production by Leydig cells in the catfish, Clarias batrachus: Probable mediators of growth hormone
(Elsevier B.V., 2015) N. Dubey nee Pathak; Pankaj Kumar; Bechan Lal
Growth hormone (GH), in the recent past, has been recognized as a potent steroid stimulating hormone independent of gonadotropin (GtH). However, the mode and mechanism of its steroidogenic action in the testis is not yet elucidated, particularly in fish. The present study was designed to understand the mode and mechanism of steroidogenic action of growth hormone in testis of the catfish, Clarias batrachus through in vivo and in vitro Leydig cell culture studies using the signaling molecule inhibitors. Exogenous administration of GtH, GH and insulin to the male catfish increased testicular and circulating testosterone level. In vitro treatment of Leydig cells with these hormones also increased testosterone production. The steroidogenic action of GH appeared to be indirect and mediated through Leydig cell produced insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), as the treatments with actinomycin D, cycloheximide and anti-IGF-I abolished the GH-induced testosterone production by Leydig cells. The GH-induced stimulation in IGF-I production by the isolated Leydig cells further substantiates this notion. GH appears to employ cAMP/PKA and tyrosine kinase signaling pathways to induce IGF-I production, as the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor (SQ 22,536), cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) blocker (H-89) and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (lavendustin A) abolished the GH-induced IGF-I production and in turn testosterone by the Leydig cells. This study suggests that GH exerts independent androgenic effect in the catfish testis indirectly through augmenting the Leydig cell production of IGF-I. © 2015 Elsevier B.V.
Gametogenic and steroidogenic action of kisspeptin-10 in the Asian catfish, Clarias batrachus: Putative underlying mechanistic cascade
(Elsevier Inc., 2021) Ankur Singh; Bechan Lal; Jyoti Parkash; Robert P. Millar
Unlike mammals, two kisspeptins genes encoding, kiss1 and kiss2 are detected in fishes with highly varied and contradictory difference in their reproductive activities. The present study was undertaken to examine the direct action of kisspeptin-10 and its role in gonadal activities in the gonadally quiescent Asian catfish using native mammalian kisspeptin decapeptide (KP-10) involving in vivo and in vitro approaches. The in vivo KP-10 treatment caused precocious onset of gametogenesis and its rapid progression, as was evident from the appearance of advanced stages of ovarian follicles in ovary, and advanced germ cells (spermatocytes/ spermatids) in the testis of the treated Clarias batrachus in comparison to the control gonads. It also elevated the steroid levels in gonads of the catfish in vivo and in vitro conditions. Simultaneously, it increased the expressions of key steroidogenic enzymes like 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, and StAR protein, responsible for transfer of cholesterol from outer to inner membrane of the mitochondria of steroidogenic cells. Concurrently, it augmented the activities of 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD in the ovarian explants. The expressions of MAPK component (pERK1/2 and ERK1/2) were also up-regulated by KP-10 in gonadal explants. Thus, the data suggest that kisspeptin-10 stimulates gametogenesis by enhancing gonadal steroid production. The study also describes the putative mechanistic cascade of steroidogenic actions of kisspeptin-10 in the catfish so much so in teleost fish. The study also suggests that, kisspeptin may act locally to regulate gonadal activities in an autocrine/paracine manner, independent of known extra-gonadal factors in the catfish. © 2021 Elsevier Inc.
Immunolocalization of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms in ovarian follicles of the catfish, Clarias batrachus and its relation with ovarian activity
(Academic Press Inc., 2015) Vinay Kumar Singh; Bechan Lal
Nitric oxide, a gaseous molecule, is produced during the conversion of arginine to citrulline by the action of NOS isoforms (eNOS, iNOS or nNOS). Role of NO in regulation of mammalian reproduction is well established; however, practically no report is available on fishes. Hence, in the present study, expression of all three isoforms of NOS was worked out in the ovary of Clarias batrachus immunohistochemically during different phases of its reproductive cycle and its relation with ovarian activities. No immunoreactivity of eNOS was observed in the ovary of C. batrachus during the late-quiescence and early-recrudescence phases. While during the recrudescence phase (April and May) it expressed intensely in thecal and granulosa cells of the oocyte-II and III, but immune-intensity decreased in the late-recrudescence and spawning phases (June and July). Similar pattern of immunoprecipitation was also observed in case of iNOS. However, the immunoreactivity pattern of nNOS was quite varied, it expressed moderately only in the nucleus and cytoplasm of perinuclear and oocyte-I stages during late-quiescence phase. While during the early recrudescence phase, the expression of nNOS disappeared completely from the nucleus and cytoplasm, rather it expressed intensely in the thecal and granulosa cells, which declined in the late-recrudescence and spawning phases. Moderate immunoreactivity of iNOS could also be localized in the zona radiata of ovulated oocyte. The intense NOS immunoreactivity in the thecal and granulosa cells coincided with increased levels of ovarian NO and 17β-estradiol content. They exhibited statistically significant positive correlation amongst themselves, suggesting the involvement of ovarian NOS/NO system in oogenesis and steroidogenesis in the catfish. © 2014 Elsevier Inc.
Impact of pesticides on lipid metabolism in the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus, during the vitellogenic phase of its annual reproductive cycle
(1987) Bechan Lal; T.P. Singh
Specimens of either sex of the freshwater catfish Clarias batrachus were exposed to safe and sublethal concentrations of an organochlorine, γ-BHC (2 and 8 ppm), and an organophosphorus compound, malathion (1 and 4 ppm), for 4 weeks during the vitellogenic phase of their annual reproductive cycle. The effects on total lipid and its various fractions, viz., free fattyacids, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, phospholipids, free cholesterol, and esterified cholesterol, were studied in the liver, plasma, gonads, and muscle. Except for elevated liver lipid in the male in response to malathion, no significant change in total lipid could be observed following pesticide exposure. However, various lipid fractions responded differently to two concentrations of the pesticides. Both pesticides affected the metabolism of nonpolar and less polar lipids alike. Malathion inhibited only mobilization of hepatic phospholipid to gonads but not its hepatic biosynthesis, whereas γ-BHC reduced its synthesis in the liver as well. These pesticides seemed to restrict the conversion of esterified cholesterol into free cholesterol without affecting the biosynthesis of cholesterol as such. In both sexes, esterification of free fatty acids to acyl glycerides and their mobilization from liver to gonads seemed to be restricted as a result of pesticides action. © 1987.
In vivo modification of fatty acids and glycerides metabolism in response to 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane and cythion exposure in the catfish, Clarias batrachus
(1986) Bechan Lal; T.P. Singh
Specimens of either sex of the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus, were exposed to safe and sublethal concentrations of γ-BHC (2 and 8 ppm) and cythion (1 and 4 ppm) for 4 weeks during different phases of annual reproductive cycle. Their effects on free fatty acids (FFA) and acyl glycerides, viz., monoglycerides (MG), diglycerides (DG), and triglycerides (TG), were studied in liver, plasma, gonads, and muscle. During the preparatory phase, both pesticides suppressed the levels of FFA and acylglycerides (MG, DG, and TG) in liver of either sex but had no effect on their levels in plasma, ovary, and muscle; however, FFA and TG were reduced in testis. Unlike the preparatory phase, in the prespawning phase different lipids responded variedly to the concentrations of both Cythion and γ-BHC. In the female, FFA in liver and plasma was raised but in ovary and muscle it was decreased. Acylglycerides in studied tissues were also reduced except ovarian TG which was increased by both pesticides at safe concentrations. Contrary to this, in the male these lipids were raised in liver and testis. Moreover, during the spawning phase, these pesticides enhanced the hepatic FFA together with acylglycerides in the female but failed to elicit any change in their levels in the male. Plasma levels of FFA and TG were reduced in the female; however, in the male FFA was raised and TG remained unchanged. Ovarian FFA and TG were decreased and increased, respectively. During the postspawning phase, none of the lipid fractions could be affected in the male except hepatic FFA which was reduced; however, in the female TG along with FFA was decreased. © 1986.
Involvement of neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors in the regulation of LH and GH cells in the pituitary of the catfish, Clarias batrachus: An immunocytochemical study
(Academic Press Inc., 2006) Minakshi Mazumdar; Bechan Lal; Amul J. Sakharkar; Makrand Deshmukh; Praful S. Singru; Nishikant Subhedar
Although neuropeptide Y (NPY) has been known to influence the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland of teleosts, the NPY receptor subtypes involved in the regulatory processes have not been fully defined. An attempt has been made to study the involvement of NPY Y1 receptors, if any, in mediating the NPY-triggered stimulation of the LH and GH secreting cells in the pituitary of the catfish, Clarias batrachus. NPY (10 ng/g of body wt) or NPY Y1 receptor agonist (Leu31-Pro34-NPY, 3 ng/g of body wt) were administered by the intracranial route and the responses by the LH and GH cells in the pituitary were investigated with the help of immunocytochemistry. Both the agents caused a highly significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the immunoreactivity of LH cells. However, the treatment with NPY Y1 receptor antagonist (BIBP 3226, 1 ng/g of body wt), prior to NPY or NPY Y1 agonist, blocked the response by the LH cells; the profile of the cells was quite similar to that of the saline-injected control fish. GH cells also showed similar pattern of responses to these treatments. While NPY and NPY Y1 receptor agonist caused significant (P < 0.001) decrease in the GH immunoreactivity, pretreatment with the NPY Y1 antagonist blocked the response. These results suggest that NPY may exercise a secretogogue-like action on the LH and GH cells in the pituitary of C. batrachus via NPY Y1 receptors. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Localization, distribution and expression of growth hormone in the brain of Asian Catfish, Clarias batrachus
(Springer Verlag, 2019) Raj Naresh Gopal; Pankaj Kumar; Bechan Lal
Intense immunoreactivity was observed in several neurons of the nucleus preopticus (NPO) located in the preoptic area (POA), in addition to several GH cells in the proximal pars distalis (PPD) of the pituitary gland of Clarias batrachus. The immunoreactive cells were located in the paraventricular as well as supraoptic subdivisions of the NPO. GH immunoreactive fibers projecting from the neurons were traced caudally to the pituitary gland via the conspicuous preoptico-hypophysial tract (PHT) in the ventral tuberal area to the neurohypophysis of the pituitary. Apart from these immunoreactive fibers in the preoptico-hypophysial tract, some fine caliber fiber probably arising from the neurons located dorsally in the NPO also showed GH immunoreactivity, and these fibers constituted an independent tract. Bilaterally, it extended caudally through the dorsal hypothalamus almost as far as the saccus vasculosus where it curved sharply to descend into the caudal tuberal region and finally entered into the pituitary gland. The fibers of this tract were mainly distributed in the rostral pars distalis (RPD). This tract is quite distinct from the preoptico-hypophysial tract and herein called as the accessory preoptico-hypophysial tract (APHT). Expression of GH mRNA in the NPO was found 65-fold more than that of the control region, rostral cerebellum. These results altogether suggest that GH secreted by NPO neurons might serve as a neuro-modulatory role in the brain of C. batrachus. Transportation of GH to the pituitary via two independent tracts may represent the duality of neuroendocrine function. The present study underscores the possibility that GH in the brain of vertebrates may be a phylogenetically conserved phenomenon and provide clues to our understanding of the evolutionary course taken by the hormone. © 2019, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
Malathion exposure induces the endocrine disruption and growth retardation in the catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linn.)
(Academic Press Inc., 2013) Bechan Lal; Mukesh Kumar Sarang; Pankaj Kumar
Many hormones are known for their role in the regulation of metabolic activities and somatic growth in fishes. The present study deals with the effects of malathion (an organophosphorous pesticide) on the levels of metabolic hormones that are responsible for promotion of somatic and ovarian growth of the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus. Malathion treatment for thirty days drastically reduced the food intake and body weight of fish. These fish also exhibited a great avoidance to food. Exposure of catfish to malathion reduced the levels of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), growth hormone (GH), insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I), testosterone (T) and estradiol-17β (E2) in a dose dependent manner during all the studied reproductive phases, in general, except that malathion increased the level of GH during the quiescence phase. Significant reduction in muscle and hepatic protein content also occurred in the malathion-treated fish. Malathion exposure induced lipolysis too in the liver and muscle. The results thus support that malathion treatment disrupts the endocrine functions and the olfactory sensation responsible for food intake and gustatory feeding behavior, which ultimately leads to retardation of fish growth. © 2012 Elsevier Inc.