Effects of heat-shock selection during pelagic stages on thermal sensitivity of juvenile sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus Selenka.

摘要

The effects of heat-shock during pelagic stages on growth and survival of juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus were investigated to test the possibility to acquire high thermal tolerance individuals after the heat-shock selection. Larvae at the stages of blastula, gastrula, and auricularia were heat-shocked at selected temperatures (21.5, control; 26, 28, and 30 degrees C) for 45 min and returned to 21.5 degrees C for continuous rearing. There was a significant difference in thermal sensitivity among different developmental stages, and thermal tolerance of the larvae was correlated with the expression of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70). Juveniles after the heat-shock selection at pelagic stages showed higher induced thermotolerance than those without heat-shock. Therefore, heat-shock application at early pelagic development stages is potentially a useful way to select high-thermotolerance variety of the sea cucumbers.Digital Object Identifier http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10499-011-9436-x