[Expression of genes controlling esterases during the embryonic development of hybrid fish]

The electrophoretic mobility of several enzymes was studied in the embryos and early larvae of the hybrids between the loach (Misgurnus fossilis) and the aquarial cyprinids and cobitids (Acanthophthalmus). The cytosol aspartate aminotransferase is represented by one protein with the same mobility at all developmental stages both in the loach and in the hybrids. Malate dehydrogenase manifests four bands of isozymes which suffer no changes during the development. The electrophoretic profile of lactate dehydrogenase remains constant (10 isozymes) until hatching, but only 5 isozymes are found in the 5 days old larvae. Similar changes occur in the Misgurnus X Acanthophthalmus hybrids. The nonspecific esterases are represented by several proteins with different activities; their number increases after hatching. In the oocytes and adult specimens of Acanthophthalmus a characteristic and very active esterase was found which is absent in the loach. In the Misgurnus X Acanthophthalmus hybrids this esterase appears prior to the hatching and its activity later increases. Thus, the expression of the gene of one esterase begins in the end of embryogenesis.