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How does fish metamorphosis affect aromatic amino acid metabolism?
Wilson Pinto1, Luís Figueira, Maria Teresa Dinis
1CCMAR, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal. wpinto@ualg.pt
Amino Acids
|February 27, 2008
Summary
Fish metamorphosis requires aromatic amino acids (AAs) for thyroid hormone production. Senegalese sole, with its pronounced metamorphosis, shows higher AA needs than gilthead seabream, indicating susceptibility to dietary deficiencies.
Area of Science:
- Comparative physiology
- Aquaculture nutrition
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Thyroid hormones regulate fish metamorphosis.
- Aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine and tyrosine) are precursors to thyroid hormones.
- Metamorphosis intensity varies among fish species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare aromatic amino acid metabolism during ontogenesis in Senegalese sole (marked metamorphosis) and gilthead seabream (less accentuated metamorphosis).
- To evaluate the impact of developmental stage on aromatic amino acid utilization.
- To assess the potential role of aromatic amino acids in thyroid hormone synthesis during fish metamorphosis.
Main Methods:
- Tube-feeding of L-[U-14C] labeled phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr) solutions, alongside a control mixture (Mix).
- Experimental trials conducted at pre-metamorphic, metamorphic, and post-metamorphic stages.
- Analysis of aromatic amino acid retention and metabolism in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) and gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata).
Main Results:
- Senegalese sole exhibited preferential retention of aromatic amino acids during metamorphosis compared to gilthead seabream.
- The more pronounced metamorphosis in Senegalese sole correlated with increased physiological requirements for aromatic amino acids.
- These findings suggest a greater demand for aromatic amino acids for thyroid hormone production in Senegalese sole during this critical life stage.
Conclusions:
- Senegalese sole's physiological requirements for aromatic amino acids, particularly phenylalanine and tyrosine, are elevated during metamorphosis.
- This species may be particularly vulnerable to dietary aromatic amino acid deficiencies during metamorphosis.
- Findings are crucial for fish physiologists, nutritionists, and the flatfish aquaculture industry.
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