Liver development in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) larvae: Histomorphological analysis of biliary ABC transporters and hepatic vacuolization.

ABSTRACT: Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) larvae begin exogenous feeding while organ systems are still immature. Although the liver is morphologically differentiated at hatching, its functional development remains poorly understood. This study characterized histomorphological liver development in cod larvae using (1) monoclonal antibodies C219 and C494 to assess biliary secretory capacity across the hepatocyte canalicular membrane via ATP-binding cassette transporters, and (2) hepatic vacuolization as an indicator of energy storage maturation. Larvae were fed four formulated diets in a 2 × 2 factorial design from 17-61 days post-hatching (dph) to test effects of phospholipid level (~ 7 vs. 6 % dry matter) and bile salt supplementation (0 vs. 0.04 % dry matter). Only C219 labeled bile canaliculi, evident

SUBMITTER: Marthinsen JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12722359 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature