Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from chub Leuciscus cephalus (Pisces : Cyprinidae)

International audienceTwelve microsatellite markers were isolated from chub Leuciscus cephalus Linné, 1766 (Cyprinidae), a freshwater fish widely distributed in Europe. We assessed the level of genetic diversity for these loci in 24 individuals sampled in the Rhone river watershed. Nine loci were polymorphic, displaying from two to 13 alleles per locus with expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.160 to 0.887. Simultaneous migration of different polymerase chain reaction products was developed for routine analysis of L. cephalus population

Ultrastructural effects on gill, muscle, and gonadal tissues induced in zebrafish (Danio rerio) by a waterborne uranium exposure

International audienceExperiments on adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were conducted to assess histopathological effects induced on gill, muscle, and gonadal tissues after waterborne uranium exposure. Although histopathology is often employed as a tool for the detection and assessment of xenobiotic-mediated effects in aquatic organisms, few studies have been dedicated to the investigation of histopathological consequences of uranium exposure in fish. Results showed that gill tissue architecture was markedly disrupted. Major symptoms were alterations of the secondary lamellae epithelium (from extensive oedema to desquamation), hyperplasia of chloride cells, and breakdown of the pillar cell system. Muscle histology was also affected. Degeneration and disorganization of myofibrillar sarcomeric pattern as well as abnormal localization of mitochondria within muscle and altered endomysial sheaths were observed. Morphological alterations of spermatozoa within the gonadal tissue were also noticed. This study demonstrated that uranium exposure induced a variety of histological impairments in fish, supporting environmental concerns when uranium contaminates aquatic systems. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved