Changes of lysosomal enzyme activities in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) eggs and developing embryos

The sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax is a pelagic egg spawner; sinking eggs are unable to develop into embryos, and this is a limitation in the controlled reproduction of this species. The eggs were divided into good and poor quality, by virtue of their ability to float or sink in seawater. High levels of cathepsins B, D, and L were detected in the eggs, whereas no cathepsin A, C, and E activity was detected. Cathepsin D was found at significantly higher levels in sinking eggs, whereas cathepsin L was more abundant in floating eggs. Since degradation of yolk proteins is essential for the early development of the embryo, the levels of cathepsins A, B, C, D, E, and L were tested in different stages of embryo development. Cathepsin A activity was detectable from the morula stage at which time cathepsin B activity reached its maximal level. Cathepsins A and L reached maximal activity during segmentation, and this corresponded with major changes in the electrophoretic pattern of yolk proteins during embryogenesis suggesting their involvement in yolk protein mobilization at this time. Cathepsin D reached its maximal activity during hatching, (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.