Holothuria

About: Holothuria is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 362 publications have been published within this topic receiving 4982 citations.

Biodiversity and Adaptability of Holothuria leucospilota and Stichopus japonicus Sea Cucumber Species in Artificial Environment

Abstract: Sea cucumber species respond to challenging environmental conditions differently thus, to culture them in artificial environment requires a better understanding of their environmental needs. Two species of sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus and Holothuria leucospilota in Teluk Kamang Port Dickson (PD) (2° 27’ 46.61″N 101° 50’ 42.98″E), Malaysia, were investigated to determine their biodiversity. H. leucospilota was separately investigated to establish its abundance in three (3) separate periods of the year- March, July and November. Global Positioning System (GPS) and Yellow Springs Instruments (YSI) were used to measure the physical parameters. Stichopus japonicus and Holothuria leucospilota were found in temperature ranges of 31 to 32°C and 30 to 31°C, respectively. Salinity was 30.00 to 31.00 part per thousand (ppt) for S. japonicus and 30.00 to 31.00 ppt for H. leucospilota. The pH ranged from 7.80 to 8.40 and 8.00 to 8.60 for S. japonicus and H. leucospilota respectively. H. leucospilota species were more abundant in March than in July, and more in July than in November. Amplification of their genomic DNA using the 16S primer, showed H. leucospilota to be approximately 550 bp and S. japonicus 600 bp in size. The sequenced PCR products analyzed using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) Version 2.01G identified Holothuria leucospilota as another species in Malaysia. These findings provide an insight into Holothurians environment needs and established a nucleotide sequence for H. leucospilota in nucleotide database for future use.

Preparation of Sphallerocerpus gracilis polysaccharide

Abstract: The invention discloses a preparation method of polysaccharide from holothuria monacaria. The method comprises the following steps: the holothuria monacaria is crushed into 0.5cm grains, the grains are soaked in water, boiled and extracted, extracting solution is depressurized and condensed in vacuum, added with edible alcohol, kept standing for precipitation and centrifuged to remove supernatant, and a precipitate is collected and is subject to spray drying to obtain a polysaccharide extract from the holothuria monacaria. The yield of the obtained polysaccharide extract from the holothuria monacaria is 15-30% based on raw materials by the method, and the polysaccharide content of the extract is determined as 72-88% by a sulfuric acid-phenol method. The polysaccharide extract from the holothuria monacaria can be made into pills, tablets or capsules.

Holothuria (Semperothuria) roseomaculata n. sp. (Aspidochirotida: Holothuriidae), a coral-reef inhabiting sea cucumber from the western Pacific Ocean

Abstract: Holothuria (Semperothuria) roseomaculata n. sp. is described from the main islands of Yap, Federated States of Micronesia. The ossicles are similar to those of its sister species, the sympatric H. (S.) flavomaculata Semper, 1868, but the new species is easily recognised, both in the field and among preserved specimens, by its much larger, rose-coloured dorsal papillae that fade to white in alcohol. Holothuria (S.) roseomaculata n. sp. appears to be an endemic of the tropical westernmost Pacific Ocean; it has been recorded from Okinawa to New Caledonia.

AChE and EROD activities in two echinoderms, Holothuria leucospilota and Holoturia atra (Holothuroidea), in a coral reef (Reunion Island, South-western Indian Ocean)

Abstract: AChE and EROD activities were investigated in two holothurian species, Holothuria leucospilota and Holoturia atra, from a tropical coral reef. These organisms were collected from 3 back-reef stations, where temperature and salinity were homogeneous. The activity levels of both AChE and EROD varied significantly between the two species, but were in the range of values determined in other echinoderm species. AChE activity levels were higher in the longitudinal muscle than in the tentacle tegument. Among the several tissues tested, the digestive tract wall exhibited higher EROD activity levels. Sex did not influence AChE and EROD activity levels in both species. Animal biomass and EROD activity levels were only correlated in the tegument tissue of H. atra, and we hypothesize a possible influence of age. EROD activity did not show intraspecific variability. A significant relationship was found between AChE activity and Cuvierian tubules time of expulsion in Holothuria leucospilota. Individuals collected at the southern site presented both lower AChE activity levels and Cuvierian tubules time of expulsion, indicating possible neural disturbance. More information on holothurians biology and physiology is needed to further assess biomarkers in these key species. This study is the first of its kind performed in the coastal waters of Reunion Island and data obtained represent reference values.

Studies on polysaccharides from Holothuria leucospilota

Abstract: A powder was obtained from the dried body of Holothuria leucosilota (Brandt). According to IR and UV spectra, paper chromatography and the physical and chemical data, it is showed a sulfated mucopoly-saccharide consisted of galactosamine, glucouronic acid, fucose and sulfate with the molar ratio of 1:0.96:0.78:1.98 respectively. The specific rotation, intrinsic viscoslty and molecular weight of this polysaccharide were all presented.