Atlantic salmon expressing transgenic growth hormone experienced
numerous changes to their cardiorespiratory system.
Manipulated Organism:
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).
Inserted Transgenes:
Growth hormone gene from chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus
tshawytscha). Gene expression was controlled using the antifreeze
protein promoter from ocean pout (Zoarces americanus).
Goal of These Studies:
Compare the growth and physiology of the transgenic salmon to non-GM
salmon from the same stock.
Results of These Studies:
-
The transgenic fish gained weight 2-3 times more quickly but had a lower
condition factor, meaning they were lighter than (older) non-GM fish of
comparable length.
-
The transgenic fish developed into smolt (which in the wild precedes
migration to the ocean) within their first year of life, whereas the
non-GM fish required two years to make this transition.
-
The transgenic fish consumed oxygen at a higher rate than size-matched
non-GM fish. Stevens et al. (1998) measured a 70% increase in respiration
for one strain, while Deitch et al. (2006) measured a 20% increase for
a different strain.
-
The GM fish had elevated levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline in their
blood (70% higher).
-
The hearts of the GM fish were 20% larger than size-matched non-GM fish,
and their resting heart rate was 84 beats per minute (GM) versus 73 beats
per minute (non-GM).
Sources:
Stevens, E. D., A. Sutterlin, and T. Cook (1998). "Respiratory Metabolism
and Swimming Performance in Growth Hormone Transgenic Atlantic Salmon,"
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences vol. 55,
pp. 2028-35.
Deitch, E. J., G. L. Fletcher, L. H. Petersen et al. (2006).
"Cardiorespiratory Modifications, and Limitations, in Post-Smolt Growth
Hormone Transgenic Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar," Journal of
Experimental Biology vol. 209, pp. 1310-25.
Author Affiliations:
University of Guelph, Canada; AquaBounty Farms, Canada; Memorial
University of Newfoundland, Canada.
Funding:
National Research Council of Canada; AquaBounty.
Product Status:
As of 2009, this product is being reviewed by the FDA for commercial use
in the U.S.
Copyright 2009 The Nature
Institute.
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