Regulation of gill cytosolic corticosteroid receptors in juvenile Atlantic salmon: interaction effects of growth hormone with prolactin and triiodothyronine

Endocrine control of gill ionocyte function in euryhaline fishes

The endocrine system is an essential regulator of the osmoregulatory organs that enable euryhaline fishes to maintain hydromineral balance in a broad range of environmental salinities. Because branchial ionocytes are the primary site for the active exchange of Na+, Cl-, and Ca2+ with the external environment, their functional regulation is inextricably linked with adaptive responses to changes in salinity. Here, we review the molecular-level processes that connect osmoregulatory hormones with branchial ion transport. We focus on how factors such as prolactin, growth hormone, cortisol, and insulin-like growth-factors operate through their cognate receptors to direct the expression of specific ion transporters/channels, Na+/K+-ATPases, tight-junction proteins, and aquaporins in ion-absorptive (freshwater-type) and ion-secretory (seawater-type) ionocytes. While these connections have historically been deduced in teleost models, more recently, increased attention has been given to understanding the nature of these connections in basal lineages. We conclude our review by proposing areas for future investigation that aim to fill gaps in the collective understanding of how hormonal signaling underlies ionocyte-based processes.

Adaptation in landlocked Atlantic salmon links genetics in wild and farmed salmon to smoltification

Increased knowledge of heritable traits in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) is important to overcome bottlenecks in salmonid aquaculture. Atlantic salmonid populations, both landlocked and anadromous, represent an interesting model to gain insight into anadromy related traits, most notably, the probability to smoltify. While a previous study has identified several genomic regions diverging between anadromous and landlocked populations across the species range, the present study explores these data further with the aim to uncover if some of these genomic regions are linked to beneficial genetic traits associated with smoltification. In this study 17 of these loci were monitored in 669 anadromous salmon originating from 36 full-sibling families that had been reared under common garden conditions. The Smolt Index was calculated, using multiple visual markers, and provided a means of assessing smoltification stage. One SNP, located in Ssa04, showed a significant association with probability to smoltify, where individuals homozygous for the landlocked variant (LL) displayed a decrease in probability of smoltifying after one winter when compared with the homozygous for the anadromous variant (AA). This effect was independent of individual fish size. A separate common garden study comprising 200 individuals from either anadromous or landlocked strains showed that expression levels of ncor1, a thyroid mediator hormone located on the same chromosomal region (Ssa04), were significantly reduced in landlocked individuals post smoltification but remained constant in their anadromous counterparts. This study therefore suggests that while size is still the most important trigger for the induction of smoltification, there may also be an additional genetic component or trigger that has been 'lost' during the years deprived of SW transfer. In conclusion, the LL genotype identified here could potentially be used by the industry to delay smoltification and may also represent one of the first clues to the genetic regulation of smoltification in Atlantic salmon.

The GH/IGF axis in the sea lamprey during metamorphosis and seawater acclimation

How the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system affects osmoregulation in basal vertebrates remains unknown. We examined changes in the expression of components of the GH/IGF axis and gill ion transporters during metamorphosis and following seawater (SW) exposure of sea lamprey. During metamorphosis, increases in gill nka and nkcc1 and salinity tolerance were accompanied by increases in pituitary gh, liver igf1, gill ghr and igf1, but not liver ghr. SW exposure of fully metamorphosed sea lamprey resulted in slight increases in plasma chloride concentrations after SW exposure, indicating a high level of SW tolerance, but no major changes in mRNA levels of gill ion transporters or components of the GH/IGF axis. Our results indicate that metamorphosis is a critical point in the lifecycle of sea lamprey for stimulation of the GH/IGF axis and is temporally associated with and likely promotes metamorphosis and SW tolerance.

Cylindrospermopsin impairs zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo development

Cyanotoxins are among common contaminants that can impair human, animal, and environmental health. Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is an abundant form of cyanotoxins elevated following algal bloom in the water worldwide. Previous studies have described CYN effects on several organs in mammals. However, little is known about its toxicity mechanisms in other vertebrates. This study aims to characterize the developmental effects of CYN using zebrafish larvae as an aquatic model organism. A wide range of CYN concentrations (0-2000 μg/L) was tested using a morphometric approach for survival, hatching, various growth and developmental abnormalities. We also investigated the expression of genes related to oxidative stress, osmoregulation, and thyroid function. Exposure to CYN resulted in decreased growth, increased developmental abnormalities such as pericardial and yolk sac edema as well as swim bladder absence. In addition, CYN increased tr1a, and decreased dio1 and dio3 transcript levels which are involved in thyroid-mediated function. It also increased transcript levels related to oxidative stress, including hsp70, ahr1a, cyp1a, gpx and cat. Lastly, CYN exposure increased aqp3a and decreased dab2, which are involved in osmoregulation with a threshold of 10 μg/L. The present study demonstrates multiple effects of exposure to environmentally relevant CYN concentrations in zebrafish embryos.

Melatonin and osmoregulation in fish: A focus on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smoltification

Part of the life cycle of several fish species includes important salinity changes, as is the case for the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) or the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Salmo salar juveniles migrate downstream from their spawning sites to reach seawater, where they grow and become sexually mature. The process of preparation enabling juveniles to migrate downstream and physiologically adapt to seawater is called smoltification. Daily and seasonal variations of photoperiod and temperature play a role in defining the timing of smoltification, which may take weeks to months, depending on the river length and latitude. Smoltification is characterised by a series of biochemical, physiological and behavioural changes within the neuroendocrine axis. This review discusses the current knowledge and gaps related to the neuroendocrine mechanisms that mediate the effects of light and temperature on smoltification. Studies performed in S. salar and other salmonids, as well as in other species undergoing important salinity changes, are reviewed, and a particular emphasis is given to the pineal hormone melatonin and its possible role in osmoregulation. The daily and annual variations of plasma melatonin levels reflect corresponding changes in external photoperiod and temperature, which suggests that the hormonal time-keeper melatonin might contribute to controlling smoltification. Here, we review studies on (i) the impact of pinealectomy and/or melatonin administration on smoltification; (ii) melatonin interactions with hormones involved in osmoregulation (e.g., prolactin, growth hormone and cortisol); (iii) the presence of melatonin receptors in tissues involved in osmoregulation; and (iv) the impacts of salinity changes on melatonin receptors and circulating melatonin levels. Altogether, these studies show evidence indicating that melatonin interacts with the neuroendocrine pathways controlling smoltification, although more information is needed to clearly decipher its mechanisms of action.

Cortisol regulates insulin-like growth-factor binding protein (igfbp) gene expression in Atlantic salmon parr

The growth hormone (Gh)/insulin-like growth-factor (Igf)/Igf binding protein (Igfbp) system regulates growth and osmoregulation in salmonid fishes, but how this system interacts with other endocrine systems is largely unknown. Given the well-documented consequences of mounting a glucocorticoid stress response on growth, we hypothesized that cortisol inhibits anabolic processes by modulating the expression of hepatic igfbp mRNAs. Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr were implanted intraperitoneally with cortisol implants (0, 10, and 40 μg g^-1 body weight) and sampled after 3 or 14 days. Cortisol elicited a dose-dependent reduction in specific growth rate (SGR) after 14 days. While plasma Gh and Igf1 levels were unchanged, hepatic igf1 mRNA was diminished and hepatic igfbp1b1 and -1b2 were stimulated by the high cortisol dose. Plasma Igf1 was positively correlated with SGR at 14 days. Hepatic gh receptor (ghr), igfbp1a, -2a, -2b1, and -2b2 levels were not impacted by cortisol. Muscle igf2, but not igf1 or ghr, levels were stimulated at 3 days by the high cortisol dose. As both cortisol and the Gh/Igf axis promote seawater (SW) tolerance, and particular igfbps respond to SW exposure, we also assessed whether cortisol coordinates the expression of branchial igfbps and genes associated with ion transport. Cortisol stimulated branchial igfbp5b2 levels in parallel with Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) activity and nka-α1b, Na⁺/K⁺/2Cl^--cotransporter 1 (nkcc1), and cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator 1 (cftr1) mRNA levels. The collective results indicate that cortisol modulates the growth of juvenile salmon via the regulation of hepatic igfbp1s whereas no clear links between cortisol and branchial igfbps previously shown to be salinity-responsive could be established.

Cortisol is an osmoregulatory and glucose-regulating hormone in Atlantic sturgeon, a basal ray-finned fish

Our current understanding of the hormonal control of ion regulation in aquatic vertebrates comes primarily from studies on teleost fishes, with relatively little information on more basal fishes. We investigated the role of cortisol in regulating seawater tolerance and its underlying mechanisms in an anadromous chondrostean, the Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus). Exposure of freshwater-reared Atlantic sturgeon to seawater (25 ppt) resulted in transient (1-3 day) increases in plasma chloride, cortisol and glucose levels and long-term (6-14 day) increases in the abundance of gill Na⁺/K⁺/2Cl^- cotransporter (NKCC), which plays a critical role in salt secretion in teleosts. The abundance of gill V-type H⁺-ATPase, which is thought to play a role in ion uptake in fishes, decreased after exposure to seawater. Gill Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity did not increase in 25 ppt seawater, but did increase in fish gradually acclimated to 30 ppt. Treatment of Atlantic sturgeon in freshwater with exogenous cortisol resulted in dose-dependent increases in cortisol, glucose and gill NKCC and H⁺-ATPase abundance. Our results indicate that cortisol has an important role in regulating mechanisms for ion secretion and uptake in sturgeon and provide support for the hypothesis that control of osmoregulation and glucose by corticosteroids is a basal trait of jawed vertebrates.

The Role of the Thyroid Axis in Fish

In all vertebrates, the thyroid axis is an endocrine feedback system that affects growth, differentiation, and reproduction, by sensing and translating central and peripheral signals to maintain homeostasis and a proper thyroidal set-point. Fish, the most diverse group of vertebrates, rely on this system for somatic growth, metamorphosis, reproductive events, and the ability to tolerate changing environments. The vast majority of the research on the thyroid axis pertains to mammals, in particular rodents, and although some progress has been made to understand the role of this endocrine axis in non-mammalian vertebrates, including amphibians and teleost fish, major gaps in our knowledge remain regarding other groups, such as elasmobranchs and cyclostomes. In this review, we discuss the roles of the thyroid axis in fish and its contributions to growth and development, metamorphosis, reproduction, osmoregulation, as well as feeding and nutrient metabolism. We also discuss how thyroid hormones have been/can be used in aquaculture, and potential threats to the thyroid system in this regard.

Arginine Vasotocin and Cortisol Co-regulate Vasotocinergic, Isotocinergic, Stress, and Thyroid Pathways in the Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata)

In teleosts, a complex interaction between several endocrine axes modulates physiological functions related to metabolism, stress, and osmoregulation. Although many studies in fish underline the interconnection between the hypothalamic–pituitary–interrenal (HPI) and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) endocrine axes, their relationship with the vasotocinergic and isotocinergic systems remains unknown. The aim of the present study is therefore to shed light on the potential cross-regulations between HPT, HPI, and the vasotocinergic and isotocinergic axes in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) at hypothalamic, hypophyseal, and plasma levels. Sea breams were administered with intraperitoneal slow-release implants containing different doses of vasotocin (the active peptide in vasotocinergic system) or cortisol (the last component of HPI axis). Plasma osmolality was higher in active neuropeptides vasotocin (Avt)-treated fish, indicating an osmoregulatory function of this hormone. Low concentrations of Avt increased hypothalamic arginine vasotocin precursor (avt) mRNA levels and increased Avt storage in the pituitary. Avt treatment down-regulated hypothalamic arginine vasotocin receptor v1a-type (avtrv1a), suggesting a negative paracrine co-regulation of the HPI axis due to the close location of avtrv1a and adrenocorticotropin hormone (Acth) cells in the anterior pituitary. Furthermore, the up-regulation observed in arginine vasotocin receptor v2-type (avtrv2) suggests their involvement in metabolic and cortisol-related pathways in the hypothalamus. The decrease in isotocin (It) pituitary storage and the up-regulation of it receptor, observed in the Avt-treated group, reinforce the idea of an interconnection between the vasotocinergic and isotocinergic systems. Cortisol and Avt administration each inhibited the HPI axis, down-regulating crh gene expression in the absence of variations in corticotropin releasing hormone binding protein (crhbp). Finally, both hormonal treatments activated the HPT axis via up-regulation of trh and down-regulation of thrb. Our results provide evidence for strong interactions among the Avt/It, HPI, and HPT axes of marine teleosts, particularly at the hypothalamic level.

The evolutionary consequences for seawater performance and its hormonal control when anadromous Atlantic salmon become landlocked

Populations of anadromous fish have become landlocked in relatively recent geological history (<14,000 years), but the evolutionary impacts of this altered lifecycle on traits underlying seawater performance have not been established. In order to examine the effects of relaxed selection on seawater traits, anadromous and landlocked Atlantic salmon were reared under identical conditions and examined for differences in seawater performance and its underlying physiological and endocrine control during the time of spring downstream migration. Salinity tolerance, survival and initial growth in seawater were greater in anadromous than in landlocked salmon. Abundance of the seawater isoform of gill Na+/K+-ATPase increased in spring in both strains but was greater in anadromous salmon. Hormones associated with seawater acclimation (adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol and growth hormone) increased in spring in both strains but were higher in anadromous salmon, whereas plasma thyroid hormones did not differ. Hypothalamic urotensin I mRNA levels also increased in spring and were higher in the anadromous strain. The results provide evidence that salinity tolerance and associated physiological traits are regulated by seasonal stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis, and that relaxed selection on seawater entry traits has decreased this stimulation in landlocked salmon.

The physiology of saltwater acclimation in large juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar

The present study investigated the effects of transferring freshwater (FW) acclimated S. salar (678 g) that had been maintained under a constant photoperiod and thermal regime, into FW (salinity 0) and salt water (SW; salinity 35) on growth and physiological responses over a 28 day period. There were no mortalities observed throughout the study and no significant differences in mass or fork length between FW and SW groups after 28 days. Compared with fish transferred to FW, plasma osmolality and plasma chloride levels increased significantly in fish in SW by day 1. In the SW group, plasma chloride and osmolality had decreased significantly at day 14 when compared with day 1. Na⁺ -K⁺ -ATPase activity was significantly higher in SW compared with the FW group from day 7 and thereafter, but continued to increase until day 22. No differences in plasma cortisol and thyroxine were observed between FW and SW groups throughout the study. Plasma glucose significantly increased from day 1 to day 2 in SW but not in the FW group and levels were significantly reduced in SW compared with the FW group at day 28. Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in FW at day 22 and day 14 to day 22, respectively, when compared with the SW group. In the SW group, plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels did not change significantly throughout the study. The findings of this study suggest that large S. salar retained in FW maintain a high level of SW tolerance in the absence of photoperiod and thermal regimes necessary for smoltification, as demonstrated by 100% survival, unaffected growth performance, increased Na⁺ -K⁺ -ATPase activity and a capacity to regulate plasma chloride and osmolality for 28 days in the SW group.

Temporal and spatial differences in smolting among Oncorhynchus nerka populations throughout fresh and seawater migration

Physiological changes that occur in the spring are preparatory for salmonid smolts to successfully enter seawater, but variation is likely to exist within species with a wide geographic distribution. Whether differences in development of seawater tolerance exist among populations that differ in distance to the ocean, temporally during the spring, or as fish migrate downstream is not known. Juvenile sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka from four regions in the Fraser River catchment, British Columbia, were intercepted to assess physiological differences among populations and at different times during migration to characterize the parr-smolt transformation. Pre-migratory fish had low levels of gill Na⁺ -K⁺ -ATPase (NKA) activity. High gill NKA activities were observed at the start of migration for some populations, but smolts leaving the lake did not consistently have higher gill NKA activity than non-migratory juvenile O. nerka sampled in their natal lakes. Gill NKA activity was highly variable at the start of migration with no relationship with distance from the ocean. Gill NKA activity changes with migration were also highly variable, but consistently smolts in the ocean had the highest enzyme activities. Internal and external factors may influence this variation, but the dynamic nature of smolting was not based on the region of origin, timing during migration or on the year of migration.

Characterization of two channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, glucocorticoid receptors and expression following an acute stressor

Two channel catfish glucocorticoid receptor genes, ipGR1 (NR3C1_1) and ipGR2 (NR3C1_2) were partially characterized. Identification and analysis of the genomic organization of two channel catfish glucocorticoid (GC) receptors (GRs) revealed differences in the lengths of exons 1 and 2 and the addition of an extra 27-bp exon inserted after exon 2 in the GR1 gene, yielding a 9-aa insert in the receptor protein. Sequence of the 9-aa insert in ipGR1 (WRARQNTHG) is unique compared to other teleost fish GRs. Amino acid sequence alignment of the two channel catfish GRs, revealed 55% sequence identity between them, with a high degree of sequence conservation (82%) in the DNA binding and ligand binding domains. Real-time PCR indicated that ipGR1 and ipGR2 were expressed in all tissues evaluated. Channel catfish GR1 was predominantly expressed in the gills, nearly 25-fold higher than in the liver. GR1 expression was higher than GR2 expression in gills, intestine, head kidney and heart (P<0.05). Channel catfish hepatic GR1 mRNA expression was significantly (P<0.05) increased from pre-stress expression 30min following removal of the acute stressor. After 30min of stress and during the 2h recovery period, ipGR1 mRNA expression was higher relative to ipGR2 expression. Hepatic ipGR2 expression was not affected (P>0.05) by the acute stress event. The present study adds to the growing body of information on GR evolution and function and further demonstrates the unique regulation of the GC/GR system in teleost fish.

Variation in branchial expression among insulin-like growth-factor binding proteins (igfbps) during Atlantic salmon smoltification and seawater exposure

Background

In preparation for migration from freshwater to marine habitats, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) undergo smoltification, a transformation that includes the acquisition of hyposmoregulatory capacity. The growth hormone (Gh)/insulin-like growth-factor (Igf) axis promotes the development of branchial ionoregulatory functions that underlie ion secretion. Igfs interact with a suite of Igf binding proteins (Igfbps) that modulate hormone activity. In Atlantic salmon smolts, igfbp4,−5a,−5b1,−5b2,−6b1 and−6b2 transcripts are highly expressed in gill. We measured mRNA levels of branchial and hepatic igfbps during smoltification (March, April, and May), desmoltification (July) and following seawater (SW) exposure in March and May. We also characterized parallel changes in a broad suite of osmoregulatory (branchial Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (Nka) activity, Na⁺/K⁺/2Cl⁻cotransporter 1 (nkcc1) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator 1 (cftr1) transcription) and endocrine (plasma Gh and Igf1) parameters.

Results

Indicative of smoltification, we observed increased branchial Nka activity, nkcc1 and cftr1 transcription in May. Branchial igfbp6b1 and -6b2 expression increased coincidentally with smoltification. Following a SW challenge in March, igfbp6b1 showed increased expression while igfbp6b2 exhibited diminished expression. igfbp5a,−5b1 and−5b2 mRNA levels did not change during smolting, but each had lower levels following a SW exposure in March.

Conclusions

Salmonids express an especially large suite of igfbps. Our data suggest that dynamic expression of particular igfbps accompanies smoltification and SW challenges; thus, transcriptional control of igfbps may provide a mechanism for the local modulation of Igf activity in salmon gill.

Osmoregulation in zebrafish: ion transport mechanisms and functional regulation

Fish, like mammals, have to maintain their body fluid ionic and osmotic homeostasis through sophisticated iono-/osmoregulation mechanisms, which are conducted mainly by ionocytes of the gill (the skin in embryonic stages), instead of the renal tubular cells in mammals. Given the advantages in terms of genetic database availability and manipulation, zebrafish is an emerging model for research into regulatory and integrative physiology. At least five types of ionocytes, HR, NaR, NCC, SLC26, and KS cells, have been identified to carry out Na(+) uptake/H(+) secretion/NH4 (+) excretion, Ca(2+) uptake, Na(+)/Cl(-) uptake, K(+) secretion, and Cl(-) uptake/HCO3 (-) secretion, respectively, through distinct sets of transporters. Several hormones, namely isotocin, prolactin, cortisol, stanniocalcin-1, calcitonin, endothelin-1, vitamin D, parathyorid hormone 1, catecholamines, and the renin-angiotensin-system, have been demonstrated to positively or negatively regulate ion transport through specific receptors at different ionocytes stages, at either the transcriptional/translational or posttranslational level. The knowledge obtained using zebrafish answered many long-term contentious or unknown issues in the field of fish iono-/osmoregulation. The homology of ion transport pathways and hormone systems also means that the zebrafish model informs studies on mammals or other animal species, thereby providing insights into related fields.

Diverse mechanisms for body fluid regulation in teleost fishes

Teleost fishes are the major group of ray-finned fishes and represent more than one-half of the total number of vertebrate species. They have experienced in their evolution an additional third-round whole genome duplication just after the divergence of their lineage, which endowed them with an extra adaptability to invade various aquatic habitats. Thus their physiology is also extremely diverse compared with other vertebrate groups as exemplified by the many patterns of body fluid regulation or osmoregulation. The key osmoregulatory organ for teleosts, whose body fluid composition is similar to mammals, is the gill, where ions are absorbed from or excreted into surrounding waters of various salinities against concentration gradients. It has been shown that the underlying molecular physiology of gill ionocytes responsible for ion regulation is highly variable among species. This variability is also seen in the endocrine control of osmoregulation where some hormones have distinct effects on body fluid regulation in different teleost species. A typical example is atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP); ANP is secreted in response to increased blood volume and acts on various osmoregulatory organs to restore volume in rainbow trout as it does in mammals, but it is secreted in response to increased plasma osmolality, and specifically decreases NaCl, and not water, in the body of eels. The distinct actions of other osmoregulatory hormones such as growth hormone, prolactin, angiotensin II, and vasotocin among teleost species are also evident. We hypothesized that such diversity of ionocytes and hormone actions among species stems from their intrinsic differences in body fluid regulation that originated from their native habitats, either fresh water or seawater. In this review, we summarized remarkable differences in body fluid regulation and its endocrine control among teleost species, although the number of species is still limited to substantiate the hypothesis.

Understanding the adaptive response in vertebrates: the phenomenon of ease and ease response during post-stress acclimation

Vertebrates have evolved mechanisms to perceive stressors that arise either from their body or from the environment. Consequently, a state of stress and stress response occur in fish which is characterized by a disturbed physiological homeostasis. The pattern of stress response becomes complex as a result of neuroendocrine involvement and shows varied magnitudes in fishes depending on the nature and the severity of stressors. The integrated and compensatory physiological modifications in fishes during their early phase of adaptive response favor them to accommodate the imposed stressor through the process of stress acclimation. In contrast, with the direction of neuroendocrine signals, a phase of recovery often called post-stress acclimation occurs if the animal gets away from the stressor exposure. During this late phase of adaptive response, physiological modifications operate in favor of the animal that reduces the magnitude of stress response and finally to a phase of normality as animals possess the urge to correct its disrupted homeostasis. The phenomenon of ease and its response thus reduces the allostatic load, resets the homeostatic state through physiologic processes and corrects the stress-induced homeostatic disturbance with the aid of neuroendocrine signals. Ample evidences are now available to support this novel concept of ease and ease response where mitigation of the intensity of stress response occurs physiologically. Treatment of fish with melatonin or serotonin precursor tryptophan can modify the magnitude of stress response as evident in the pattern of tested physiological indices. In addition to cortisol, thyroid hormone as a major stress modifier hormone is involved in the regulation of ease response in fish probably due to the mechanisms involving inter-hormonal interference. Understanding the mechanisms of adaptive responses in vertebrates thus warranties more studies on the physiology of ease and its response.

Differential physiological and endocrine responses of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, transferred from fresh water to ion-poor or salt water

To understand the physiological and molecular endocrine changes that occur in response to a salinity challenge, we transferred rainbow trout from fresh water to an ion-poor or 24‰ saltwater treatment for 14 days. An increase in gill Na(+), K(+)-ATPase (NKA) activity in salt water was associated with higher mRNA expression for the NKA α1b subunit. In contrast, there was little change in gill NKA activity following transfer to ion-poor water, but the mRNA expression of NKA α1a was significantly elevated. Endocrine signals were assessed by measuring plasma cortisol concentrations and by quantifying changes in mRNA extracted from the gill for glucocorticoid receptors 1 and 2 (GR1 and GR2), mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), growth hormone receptor (GHR1), and prolactin receptor (PrlR). Cortisol increased after transfer to ion-poor and salt water, but both GR and MR mRNA in the gill showed little change. PrlR mRNA was significantly higher when fish were transferred to the ion-poor water and GHR1 mRNA was elevated during the saltwater challenge. This study demonstrated an increase in gill PrlR mRNA that parallels the changes in gill NKA α1a when rainbow trout were transferred to a lower salinity level. Furthermore, the increase in gill GHR1 mRNA supports the importance of GH for seawater acclimation as there is a corresponding increase in the expression of gill NKA α1b, the saltwater isoform. GH and Prl, therefore, may differentially determine the function of cortisol in both fresh- and saltwater ionoregulation.

Kinetics and thiol requirements of iodothyronine 5'-deiodination are tissue-specific in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Iodothyronine deiodinases determine the biological activity of thyroid hormones. Despite the homology of the catalytic sites of mammalian and teleostean deiodinases, in-vitro requirements for the putative thiol co-substrate dithiothreitol (DTT) vary considerably between vertebrate species. To further our insights in the interactions between the deiodinase protein and its substrates: thyroid hormone and DTT, we measured enzymatic iodothyronine 5'-deiodination, Dio1 and Dio2 mRNA expression, and Dio1 affinity probe binding in liver and kidney preparations from a freshwater teleost, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Deiodination rates, using reverse T3 (rT3, 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine) as the substrate, were analysed as a function of the iodothyronine and DTT concentrations. In kidney rT3 5'-deiodinase activity measured at rT3 concentrations up to 10 μM and in the absence of DTT does not saturate appreciably. In the presence of 1mM DTT, renal rT3 deiodination rates are 20-fold lower. In contrast, rT3 5'-deiodination in liver is potently stimulated by 1mM DTT. The marked biochemical differences between 5'-deiodination in liver and kidney are not associated with the expression of either Dio1 or Dio2 mRNA since both organs express both deiodinase types. In liver and kidney, DTT stimulates the incorporation of N-bromoacetylated affinity labels in proteins with estimated molecular masses of 57 and 55, and 31 and 28 kDa, respectively. Although primary structures are highly homologous, the biochemistry of carp deiodinases differs markedly from their mammalian counterparts.

The interruption of thyroid and interrenal and the inter-hormonal interference in fish: does it promote physiologic adaptation or maladaptation?

Endocrines, the chief components of chemical centers which produce hormones in tune with intrinsic and extrinsic clues, create a chemical bridge between the organism and the environment. In fishes also hormones integrate and modulate many physiologic functions and its synthesis, release, biological actions and metabolic clearance are well regulated. Consequently, thyroid hormones (THs) and cortisol, the products of thyroid and interrenal axes, have been identified for their common integrative actions on metabolic and osmotic functions in fish. On the other hand, many anthropogenic chemical substances, popularly known as endocrine disrupting chemicals, have been shown to disrupt the hormone-receptor signaling pathways in a number fish species. These chemicals which are known for their ability to induce endocrine disruption particularly on thyroid and interrenals can cause malfunction or maladaptation of many vital processes which are involved in the development, growth and reproduction in fish. On the contrary, evidence is presented that the endocrine interrupting agents (EIAs) can cause interruption of thyroid and interrenals, resulting in physiologic compensatory mechanisms which can be adaptive, though such hormonal interactions are less recognized in fishes. The EIAs of physical, chemical and biological origins can specifically interrupt and modify the hormonal interactions between THs and cortisol, resulting in specific patterns of inter-hormonal interference. The physiologic analysis of these inter-hormonal interruptions during acclimation and post-acclimation to intrinsic or extrinsic EIAs reveals that combinations of anti-hormonal, pro-hormonal or stati-hormonal interference may help the fish to fine-tune their metabolic and osmotic performances as part of physiologic adaptation. This novel hypothesis on the phenomenon of inter-hormonal interference and its consequent physiologic interference during thyroid and interrenal interruption thus forms the basis of physiologic acclimation. This interfering action of TH and cortisol during hormonal interruption may subsequently promote ecological adaptation in fish as these physiologic processes ultimately favor them to survive in their hostile environment.

The role of thyroid hormones in stress response of fish

Thyroxine (T(4)) and triiodothyronine (T(3)), the principal thyroid hormones (THs) secreted from the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, produce a plethora of physiologic actions in fish. The diverse actions of THs in fishes are primarily due to the sensitivity of thyroid axis to many physical, chemical and biological factors of both intrinsic and extrinsic origins. The regulation of THs homeostasis becomes more complex due to extrathyroidal deiodination pathways by which the delivery of biologically active T(3) to target cells has been controlled. As primary stress hormones and the end products of hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) and brain-sympathetic-chromaffin (BSC) axes, cortisol and adrenaline exert its actions on its target tissues where it promote and integrate osmotic and metabolic competence. Despite possessing specific osmoregulatory and metabolic actions at cellular and whole-body levels, THs may fine-tune these processes in accordance with the actions of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Evidences are presented that THs can modify the pattern and magnitude of stress response in fishes as it modifies either its own actions or the actions of stress hormones. In addition, multiple lines of evidence indicate that hypothalamic and pituitary hormones of thyroid and interrenal axes can interact with each other which in turn may regulate THs/cortisol-mediated actions. Even though it is hard to define these interactions, the magnitude of stress response in fish has been shown to be modified by the changes in the status of THs, pointing to its functional relationship with endocrine stress axes particularly with the interrenal axis. The fine-tuned mechanism that operates in fish during stressor-challenge drives the THs to play both fundamental and modulator roles in stress response by controlling osmoregulation and metabolic regulation. A major role of THs in stress response is thus evident in fish.

Differential gene expression during smoltification of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): a first large-scale microarray study

The life cycle of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) involves a period of 1 to 3 years in freshwater followed by migration to the sea where the salmon undergoes rapid growth. In preparation for the marine environment, while still in freshwater, the salmon undergo a transformation from a freshwater dwelling parr to a saltwater adapted smolt, a process known as smoltification. The Atlantic salmon Transcriptome Analysis of Important Traits of Salmon/Salmon Genome Project (TRAITS/SGP) cDNA microarray was used to investigate how gene expression alters during smoltification. Genes differentially expressed during smoltification were identified by comparing gene expression profiles in smolt brain, gill, and kidney tissue samples with those of parr. Of the three tissues investigated, the number of differentially expressed genes was the greatest in gill. Many of the differentially expressed genes could be assigned to one of four main categories: growth, metabolism, oxygen transport, and osmoregulation. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction successfully confirmed the differential expression of seven of the upregulated genes. The TRAITS/SGP cDNA microarray was used to successfully demonstrate for the first time how gene expression mediates smoltification in the Atlantic salmon. Changes in gene expression observed in this study reflected the physiological and biochemical changes recorded by previous studies describing the parr-smolt transformation. This study significantly increases our knowledge of smoltification and will benefit future studies in this area of research.

Evolution of the hormonal control of animal performance: Insights from the seaward migration of salmon

The endocrine system is the key mediator of environmental and developmental (internal) information, and is likely to be involved in altering the performance of animals when selection has favored phenotypic plasticity. The endocrine control of performance should be especially pronounced in animals that undergo a developmental shift in niche, such as occurs in migratory species. By way of example, I review the developmental and environmental control of the preparatory changes for seawater entry of juvenile salmon (known as smolting) and its hormonal regulation. There is a size threshold for smolt development in juvenile Atlantic salmon that results in greater sensitivity of the growth hormone and cortisol axes to changes in daylength. These hormones, in turn, have broad effects on survival, ion homeostasis, growth and swimming performance during entry into seawater. Migratory niche shifts and metamorphic events are extreme examples of the role of hormones in animal performance and represent one end of a continuum. A framework for predicting when hormones will be involved in performance of animals is presented. Endocrine involvement in performance will be more substantial when (1) selection differentials on traits underlying performance are high and temporally discontinuous over an animal's lifetime, (2) the energetic and fitness costs of maintaining performance plasticity are less than those of constant performance, (3) cues for altering performance are reliable indicators of critical environmental conditions, require neurosensory input, and minimize effects of lag, and (4) the need for coordination of organs, tissues and cells to achieve increased performance is greater. By examining these impacts of selection, endocrinologists have an opportunity to contribute to the understanding of performance, phenotypic plasticity, and the evolution of life-history traits.

Endocrine systems in juvenile anadromous and landlocked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): seasonal development and seawater acclimation

The present study compares developmental changes in plasma levels of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and cortisol, and mRNA levels of their receptors and the prolactin receptor (PRLR) in the gill of anadromous and landlocked Atlantic salmon during the spring parr-smolt transformation (smoltification) period and following four days and one month seawater (SW) acclimation. Plasma GH and gill GH receptor (GHR) mRNA levels increased continuously during the spring smoltification period in the anadromous, but not in landlocked salmon. There were no differences in plasma IGF-I levels between strains, or any increase during smoltification. Gill IGF-I and IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) mRNA levels increased in anadromous salmon during smoltification, with no changes observed in landlocked fish. Gill PRLR mRNA levels remained stable in both strains during spring. Plasma cortisol levels in anadromous salmon increased 5-fold in May and June, but not in landlocked salmon. Gill glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA levels were elevated in both strains at the time of peak smoltification in anadromous salmon, while mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) mRNA levels remained stable. Only anadromous salmon showed an increase of gill 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-2 (11beta-HSD2) mRNA levels in May. GH and gill GHR mRNA levels increased in both strains following four days of SW exposure in mid-May, whereas only the anadromous salmon displayed elevated plasma GH and GHR mRNA after one month in SW. Plasma IGF-I increased after four days in SW in both strains, decreasing in both strains after one month in SW. Gill IGF-I mRNA levels were only increased in landlocked salmon after 4days in SW. Gill IGF-IR mRNA levels in SW did not differ from FW levels in either strain. Gill PRLR mRNA did not change after four days of SW exposure, and decreased in both strains after one month in SW. Plasma cortisol levels did not change following SW exposure in either strain. Gill GR, 11beta-HSD2 and MR mRNA levels increased after four days in SW in both strains, whereas only the anadromous strain maintained elevated gill GR and 11beta-HSD2 mRNA levels after one month in SW. The results indicate that hormones and receptors of the GH and cortisol axes are present at significantly lower levels during spring development and SW acclimation in landlocked relative to anadromous salmon. These findings suggest that attenuation of GH and cortisol axes may, at least partially, result in reduced preparatory upregulation of key gill ion-secretory proteins, possibly a result of reduced selection pressure for marine adaptations in landlocked salmon.

The menace of endocrine disruptors on thyroid hormone physiology and their impact on intrauterine development

The delivery of the appropriate thyroid hormones quantity to target tissues in euthyroidism is the result of unopposed synthesis, transport, metabolism, and excretion of these hormones. Thyroid hormones homeostasis depends on the maintenance of the circulating 'free' thyroid hormone reserves and on the development of a dynamic balance between the 'free' hormones reserves and those of the 'bound' hormones with the transport proteins. Disturbance of this hormone system, which is in constant interaction with other hormone systems, leads to an adaptational counter-response targeting to re-establish a new homeostatic equilibrium. An excessive disturbance is likely to result, however, in hypo- or hyper- thyroid clinical states. Endocrine disruptors are chemical substances forming part of 'natural' contaminating agents found in most ecosystems. There is abundant evidence that several key components of the thyroid hormones homeostasis are susceptible to the action of endocrine disruptors. These chemicals include some chlorinated organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, herbicides, and pharmaceutical agents. Intrauterine exposure to endocrine disruptors that either mimic or antagonize thyroid hormones can produce permanent developmental disorders in the structure and functioning of the brain, leading to behavioral changes. Steroid receptors are important determinants of the consequences of endocrine disruptors. Their interaction with thyroid hormones complicates the effect of endocrine disruptors. The aim of this review is to present the effect of endocrine disruptors on thyroid hormones physiology and their potential impact on intrauterine development.

Prolactin and growth hormone in fish osmoregulation

Prolactin is an important regulator of multiple biological functions in vertebrates, and has been viewed as essential to ion uptake as well as reduction in ion and water permeability of osmoregulatory surfaces in freshwater and euryhaline fish. Prolactin-releasing peptide seems to stimulate prolactin expression in the pituitary and peripheral organs during freshwater adaptation. Growth hormone, a member of the same family of hormones as prolactin, promotes acclimation to seawater in several teleost fish, at least in part through the action of insulin-like growth factor I. In branchial epithelia, development and differentiation of the seawater-type chloride cell (and their underlying biochemistry) is regulated by GH, IGF-I, and cortisol, whereas the freshwater-type chloride cell is regulated by prolactin and cortisol. In the epithelia of gastrointestinal tract, prolactin induces cell proliferation during freshwater adaptation, whereas cortisol stimulates both cell proliferation and apoptosis. We propose that control of salinity acclimation in teleosts by prolactin and growth hormone primarily involves regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation (the latter including upregulation of specific ion transporters), and that there is an important interaction of these hormones with corticosteroids.

Tissue culture of sockeye salmon intestine: functional response of Na+-K+-ATPase to cortisol

A method to culture tissue explants of the intestine from freshwater-adapted sockeye salmon ( Oncorhynchus nerka) was developed to assess possible direct effects of cortisol on Na+-K+-ATPase activity. As judged by several criteria, explants from pyloric ceca and the posterior region of the intestine remained viable during short-term (6-day) culture, although Na+-K+-ATPase activity declined and basolateral components of the enterocytes were observed to be partially degraded. Addition of cortisol to the culture medium maintained Na+-K+-ATPase activity (over 2–12 days) above that of control explants and, in some cases, was similar to levels before culture. The response to cortisol was dose dependent (0.001–10 μg/ml). Within the physiological range, the response was specific for cortisol and showed the following hierarchy: dexamethasone ≥ cortisol > 11-deoxycortisol > cortisone. Insulin maintained Na+-K+-ATPase activity over controls in explants of ceca but not posterior intestine. To compare in vivo and in vitro responses, slow-release implants of cortisol (50 μg/g) were administered to salmon for 7 days. This treatment elevated plasma cortisol levels and stimulated Na+-K+-ATPase activity in both intestinal regions. The results demonstrate that the teleost intestine is a direct target of cortisol, this corticosteroid protects in vitro functionality of Na+-K+-ATPase, and explants retain cortisol responsiveness during short-term culture.

The Multifunctional Fish Gill: Dominant Site of Gas Exchange, Osmoregulation, Acid-Base Regulation, and Excretion of Nitrogenous Waste

The fish gill is a multipurpose organ that, in addition to providing for aquatic gas exchange, plays dominant roles in osmotic and ionic regulation, acid-base regulation, and excretion of nitrogenous wastes. Thus, despite the fact that all fish groups have functional kidneys, the gill epithelium is the site of many processes that are mediated by renal epithelia in terrestrial vertebrates. Indeed, many of the pathways that mediate these processes in mammalian renal epithelial are expressed in the gill, and many of the extrinsic and intrinsic modulators of these processes are also found in fish endocrine tissues and the gill itself. The basic patterns of gill physiology were outlined over a half century ago, but modern immunological and molecular techniques are bringing new insights into this complicated system. Nevertheless, substantial questions about the evolution of these mechanisms and control remain.

Glucocorticoid receptor upregulation during seawater adaptation in a euryhaline teleost, the tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

Cortisol is an important seawater (SW) osmoregulatory hormone in the Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), a highly euryhaline cichlid able to live in environments ranging from fresh water (FW) to salinities well in excess of full-strength seawater. Previous studies indicate that cortisol may promote SW adaptation by increasing gill chloride cell differentiation, Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity and subsequent excretion of excess salt following seawater acclimation. Despite cortisol's widely accepted role as a SW-adapting hormone, cortisol receptor regulation during SW acclimation is not well understood. The purpose of these studies was to determine whether the intracellular glucocorticoid receptor (GR) might be regulated in a manner consistent with cortisol's actions in SW adaptation. Saturation radioligand binding assays were conducted on gill cytoplasm preparations from fish sampled 4 and 24h and 4 and 14 days after transfer from FW to 2/3 SW or FW (control). Affinity (K(d)) of the gill GR remained constant over the timecourse, while numbers of receptors (B(max)) in SW fish were significantly elevated compared with controls at 24h and 4 days after transfer. Plasma osmolality was higher in fish transferred to SW for 24h, 4 days, and 14 days compared with those animals moved to FW. Plasma cortisol levels and hepatic cortisol binding remained constant between SW and FW fish throughout the timecourse of the salinity challenge. These studies indicate that seawater acclimation is accompanied by a specific upregulation of intracellular GR numbers in gill tissue. The lack of increase in circulating cortisol following SW adaptation may reflect enhancement of clearance of the steroid. It appears that an increase in cortisol receptors, which is closely associated with the rise in blood osmotic pressure that accompanies SW exposure, is an important component of cortisol's ability to promote SW adaptation in the tilapia.

Hormonal, morphological, and physiological responses of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) to chronic environmental metal exposures

The effects of a chronic environmental exposure to metals on the hormonal, physiological, and reproductive status were assessed in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) sampled in six lakes situated along a contamination gradient of Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, and Ni in the mining region of Rouyn-Noranda, Québec. Fish were captured in the summer and fall, and sampled before or after a confinement of one hour. Metal concentrations in the kidneys and the interrenal tissues (homologous to mammalian adrenals) were measured to compare tissue-specific metal accumulation. An exposure-related decrease of condition factor, gonadosomatic index (GSI), branchial Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity, plasma thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and 17 beta-estradiol and an impaired capacity to enhance cortisol levels after confinement were observed. Fish from the metal-contaminated lakes possessed gonads at less mature stages and exhibited structural alterations of their gills, interrenal cells, and thyroid follicle epithelium. A comparison of the morphological, biochemical, and physiological endpoints measured in the present study revealed that plasma concentrations of hormones and parameters of gill function were the most affected by metal contamination. The results of this study indicate that lifelong exposures to sublethal concentrations of metals alter the physiological functions of fish and delay reproduction.

Effects of an advanced temperature cycle on smolt development and endocrinology indicate that temperature is not a zeitgeber for smolting in Atlantic salmon

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) juveniles were reared under simulated conditions of normal photoperiod (LDN) or short days (LD 9:15) and ambient temperature (AMB: normal temperature increases in April) or an advanced temperature cycle (ADV: temperature increases in February). Under both photoperiod conditions, the timing of increased and peak levels of gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity were not altered by temperature,although the rate of increase was initially greater under ADV. ADV/LD 9:15 resulted in peak gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity that was half of that seen under normal photoperiod and temperature conditions. Plasma growth hormone (GH) levels increased threefold in late March under ADV/LDN,but not under ADV/LD 9:15, indicating that there is a photoperiod-dependent effect of temperature on levels of this hormone. Plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) increased in spring in all groups, with increases occurring significantly earlier in the ADV/LDN group. In each photoperiod condition, the advanced temperature cycle resulted in large decreases in plasma thyroxine(T4) levels in March, which subsequently recovered, whereas plasma 3,5,3′-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) levels were not substantially affected by either photoperiod or temperature. There was no consistent pattern of change in plasma cortisol levels. The results do not provide support for the role of temperature as a zeitgeber, but do indicate that temperature has a role in the timing of smolting by affecting the rate of development and interacting with the photoperiod.

Cell signaling and ion transport across the fish gill epithelium

A large array of circulating and local signaling agents modulate transport of ions across the gill epithelium of fishes by either affecting transport directly or by altering the size and distribution of transporting cells in the epithelium. In some cases, these transport effects are in addition to cardiovascular effects of the same agents, which may affect the perfusion pathways in the gill vasculature and, in turn, affect epithelial transport indirectly. Prolactin is generally considered to function in freshwater, because it is the only agent that allows survival of some hypophysectomized fish species in freshwater. It appears to function by either reducing branchial permeability, Na,K-activated ATPase activity, or reducing the density of chloride cells. Cortisol was initially considered to produce virtually opposite effects (e.g., stimulation of Na,K-activated ATPase and of chloride cell size and density), but more recent studies have found that this steroid stimulates ionic uptake in freshwater fishes, as well as the activity of H-ATPase, an enzyme thought to be central to ionic uptake. Thus, cortisol may function in both high and low salinities. Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor appear to act synergistically to affect ion regulation in seawater fishes, stimulating both Na,K-activated ATPase and Na-K-2Cl co-transporter activity, and chloride cell size, independent of their effects on growth. Some of the effects of the GH-IGF axis may be via stimulation of the number of cortisol receptors. Thyroid hormones appear to affect seawater ion regulation indirectly, by stimulating the GH-IGF axis. Natriuretic peptides were initially thought to stimulate gill ionic extrusion, but recent studies have not corroborated this finding, so it appears that the major mode of action of these peptides may be reduction of salt loading by inhibition of oral ingestion and intestinal ionic uptake. Receptors for both arginine vasotocin and angiotensin have been described in the gill epithelium, but their respective roles and importance in fish ion regulation remains unknown. The gill epithelium may be affected by both circulating and local adrenergic agents, and a variety of studies have demonstrated that stimulation of alpha-adrenergic versus beta-adrenergic receptors produces inhibition or stimulation of active salt extrusion, respectively. Local effectors, such as prostaglandins, nitric oxide, and endothelin, may affect active salt extrusion as well as gill perfusion. Recent studies have suggested that the endothelin inhibition of salt extrusion is actually mediated by the release of both NO and prostaglandins. It is hoped that modern molecular techniques, combined with physiological measurements, will allow the dissection of the relative roles in ion transport across the fish gill epithelium of this surprisingly large array of putative signaling agents.

Evidence for a mineralocorticoid-like receptor linked to branchial chloride cell proliferation in freshwater rainbow trout

Fish acclimated to ion-deficient water exhibit proliferation of branchial chloride cells. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of cortisol in this response using the corticosteroid receptor antagonists RU486 and spironolactone. RU486 is a potent antagonist of the glucocorticoid actions of cortisol, whereas spironolactone exhibits high-affinity binding to mineralocorticoid receptors, with a resulting blockade of mineralocorticoid properties in mammals. Untreated rainbow trout, as well as rainbow trout given a single intraperitoneal implant of coconut oil alone, coconut oil containing RU486 (0.5 mg g–1) or coconut oil containing spironolactone (0.1 mg g–1), were exposed to either dechlorinated city-of-Ottawa tapwater or artificial softwater for 7 days. Neither corticosteroid antagonist nor acclimation condition affected circulating plasma cortisol levels, plasma ion concentrations or gill Na+-K+-ATPase activity. Kidney Na+-K+-ATPase activity was significantly higher in softwater-acclimated fish than in fish held in dechlorinated tapwater. In addition, whereas RU486 treatment was found to be without effect on gill morphometrics, treatment with spironolactone inhibited the proliferation of chloride cells normally associated with acclimation to ion-deficient water. The results of the present study provide further evidence for the mineralocorticoid actions of cortisol in freshwater fish, specifically in eliciting chloride cell proliferation. Furthermore, these results support the hypothesis that distinct glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor populations are present in teleost fish, despite the apparent absence of the classic mineralocorticoid hormone, aldosterone.

Effects of growth hormone and cortisol on Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter localization and abundance in the gills of Atlantic salmon

The hormones responsible for the regulation of the teleostean gill Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter have not been elucidated. With Western blotting and immunocytochemistry, Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter abundance and localization were examined in the gills of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) following 2-week treatment with growth hormone (GH; 5.0 microg x g(-1)), cortisol (50 microg x g(-1)), and both hormones in combination (GH+cortisol). GH and cortisol treatments increased gill Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter abundance over levels seen in controls, and both hormones together (GH+cortisol) produced a greater effect than either hormone alone. Gill Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity was also elevated by all three hormone treatments. Compared to controls, Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter immunoreactive chloride cells on the primary filament were greater in number and size following all three treatments. Although the number of immunoreactive chloride cells on the secondary lamellae did not differ among the treatment groups, GH+cortisol increased their size. These data indicate that GH and cortisol increase gill Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter abundance through chloride cell proliferation and differentiation in the gills of Atlantic salmon and are likely the hormones responsible for Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter regulation during smolting and seawater acclimation.

Evidence for an osmoregulatory role of thyroid hormones in the freshwater mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus

The existing equivocal reports on the osmoregulatory role of triiodothyronine (T(3)) and thyroxine (T(4)) in teleosts prompted a reinvestigation of their osmoregulatory function in the euryhaline teleost Oreochromis mossambicus. Evidence is presented for thyroidal involvement in hydromineral balance in freshwater tilapia. Dose- and tissue-related responses to various T(3) and T(4) concentrations were observed in the branchial and renal tissues. The branchial Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity, known to reflect sodium pump dynamics, increased significantly after the administration of low doses of T(3) (20 and 40 ng. g(-1)) or T(4) (40 and 80 ng. g(-1)). Higher doses of T(3) and T(4) (>160 ng. g(-1)) did not change the enzyme activity, compared to sham-injected fish. Conversely, the specific activity of renal Na(+),K(+)-ATPase decreased significantly at all doses of T(3) or T(4). Further, immunoreactive Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in T(4)-treated fish increased in branchial chloride cells and this was coupled with a significant increase in the size of chloride cells. T(4) treatment, however, did not change branchial chloride cell density. Plasma osmolality, [Na(+)], and [Cl(-)] increased, whereas [K(+)] decreased following low doses of T(3) or T(4). As expected, plasma levels of T(3) and T(4) increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner after a single injection of either T(3) or T(4). The basal levels of T(3) and T(4) were 4.45 +/- 0.49 and 1.25 +/- 0.26 nmol. L(-1), respectively. This study shows that physiological concentrations of T(3) (<10.57 nmol. L(-1)) and T(4) (<6.64 nmol. L(-1)) enhance branchial Na(+) pump activity and chloride cell morphometric dynamics, favoring hyperosmoregulatory capacity in freshwater tilapia. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that thyroid hormones perform a role in hydromineral regulation in freshwater teleosts.

High blood cortisol levels and low cortisol receptor affinity: is the chub, Leuciscus cephalus, a cortisol-resistant teleost?

In contrast to the relatively minor intra- and interspecies differences in blood cortisol levels reported for salmonid species, there is a more pronounced distinction between cortisol levels among the Salmonidae and the Cyprinidae, with both basal and stress-induced cortisol levels markedly higher in the latter. This study shows that in the chub, Leuciscus cephalus, a widely distributed European cyprinid, mean blood cortisol levels during stress (1500 ng mL(-1)) exceeded those reported for most other species of fish and, even in unstressed chub, cortisol levels (50-100 ng mL(-1)) were within the range known to cause immunosuppression, growth retardation, and reproductive dysfunction in salmonid fish. The chub appears to be atypical only with respect to plasma cortisol levels; the levels of plasma glucose and plasma lactate in unstressed and stressed chub are similar to those reported for other species. Plasma levels of 11-ketotestosterone in males and 17beta-estradiol in females are lower than those reported for salmonids but similar to those reported for other cyprinid species and display clear stress-induced reduction. Comparative analysis of the binding characteristics of the trout and chub gill cortisol receptor revealed that the total number of binding sites in gill tissue for each species was similar (B(max); approximately 50-100 fmol mg(-1) protein). However, the affinity of the binding site for cortisol displayed an eightfold difference between the species (rainbow trout: K(d) approximately 6 nM; chub: K(d) approximately 50 nM). Therefore, the potentially adverse effects of high circulating levels of cortisol found both at rest and under conditions of stress in chub may be offset by the lower affinity of the cortisol receptor, rather than the abundance of target-tissue receptor sites. This strategy is similar to that reported for some glucocorticoid-resistant rodents and New World primates.

Hormonal control on enzymes of osmoregulation in a teleost, Anabas testudineus (BLOCH): an in vivo and in vitro study

Hormonal control of osmoregulation in teleosts is not well understood. Role of cGH, oGH, PRL, T3 and insulin on gill Na+,K+-ATPase, Mg2+ and Ca2+ ATPases was studied in A. testudineus. Short term administration of cGH, PRL or T3 significantly increased Na+,K+-ATPase, Mg2+ and Ca2+ ATPases, while oGH influenced only Mg2+ ATPase, and insulin stimulated Na+,K+-ATPase. Long-term treatment with cGH and PRL also significantly increased Na+,K+-ATPase activity. GH had an additive with T3 on stimulating Na+,K+-ATPase activity. In vitro addition of cGH and oGH also had definite stimulatory effect on gill Na+,K+-ATPase except for 2ng oGH. Bromocryptine treatment caused a significant reduction on Na+,K+-ATPase activity. Both in vivo and in vitro treatments of cGH and PRL independently reversed the action of bromocryptine on Na+,K+-ATPase. Combined treatment of cGH+PRL was more prominent in stimulating Na+,K+-ATPase in bromocryptine treated fish. Present study reveals that GH, PRL and T3 have definite regulatory role on enzymes of osmoregulation in the teleost Anabas testudineus.

Responsiveness of gill Na+/K+-ATPase to cortisol is related to gill corticosteroid receptor concentration in juvenile rainbow trout

A positive relationship between receptor concentration and tissue responsiveness is an often-assumed and rarely tested principle in endocrinology. In salmonids, seasonal changes in levels of plasma cortisol and gill corticosteroid receptors (CRs) during the spring indicate a potential role for this hormone in the parr-smolt transformation. It is not known whether these seasonal changes result in alterations in gill responsiveness to cortisol. The relationship between CR concentration and tissue responsiveness was, therefore, examined in the gills of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Gill CR concentration (Bmax) and affinity (Kd) were assessed using a radioligand binding assay with the synthetic glucocorticoid triamcinolone acetonide. Gill responsiveness to cortisol was quantified by measuring in vitro Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Gill CR concentration was manipulated by stress or hormonal treatments. Repeated handling stresses resulted in a significant reduction in CR numbers. The decrease in CR Bmax corresponded to a reduction in gill responsiveness to cortisol. Triiodothyronine, but not growth hormone, treatment was found to increase CR Bmax significantly. The increase in CR numbers was correlated with a marked increase in gill responsiveness to cortisol. A significant positive linear relationship exists between the in vitro gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity response to cortisol and CR Bmax (r2=0.614, P&lt;0.001). We have demonstrated that binding sites for cortisol in the gills of rainbow trout have high affinity, high specificity and saturable binding and that the number of binding sites is correlated with the tissue response to cortisol.