Cytological detection of the main phases of lipid metabolism during early post-embryonic development in three teleost species: Dicentrarchus labrax, Sparus aurata and Stizostedion lucioperca

Abstract

The aim of this report is the synthetic presentation of observations related to ultrastructural aspects of the lipid metabolism during the ontogenesis of trophic mechanisms in three teleost species, the sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, the sea bream, Sparus aurata and the pike-perch, Stizostedion lucioperca. The results have shown the respective roles of the vitelline syncytium, the intestine, the liver and the exocrine pancreas during the change from an endogenous lipid source, the yolk vesicle, to an exogenous lipid one, food. They make it possible to stress the close correlation between the development of the biliary function, that of the exocrine function of the pancreas and that of the intestinal absorption of lipids. These activities established during the endotrophic stage are slight at the beginning of trophic life and then increase at the end of the endo-exotrophic stage. Analysis of the results suggests the occurrence of four physiological phases characteristic in early lipid metabolism establishing the main heads in acquisition of the trophic autonomy according to a pattern similar to that of mammals.