The structure of the kidney from the freshwater teleost Carassius auratus

A leukocyte immune-type receptor specific polyclonal antibody recognizes goldfish kidney leukocytes and activates the MAPK pathway in isolated goldfish kidney neutrophil-like cells

Leukocyte immune-type receptors (LITRs) belong to a large family of teleost immunoregulatory receptors that share phylogenetic and syntenic relationships with mammalian Fc receptor-like molecules (FCRLs). Recently, several putative stimulatory Carassius auratus (Ca)-LITR transcripts, including CaLITR3, have been identified in goldfish. CaLITR3 has four extracellular immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) domains, a transmembrane domain containing a positively charged histidine residue, and a short cytoplasmic tail region. Additionally, the calitr3 transcript is highly expressed by goldfish primary kidney neutrophils (PKNs) and macrophages (PKMs). To further investigate the immunoregulatory potential of CaLITR3 in goldfish myeloid cells, we developed and characterized a CaLITR3-epitope-specific polyclonal antibody (anti-CaL3.D1 pAb). We show that the anti-CaL3.D1 pAb stains various hematopoietic cell types within the goldfish kidney, as well as in PKNs and PKMs. Moreover, cross-linking of the anti-CaL3.D1-pAb on PKN membranes induces phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2, critical components of the MAPK pathway involved in controlling a wide variety of innate immune effector responses such as NETosis, respiratory burst, and cytokine release. These findings support the stimulatory potential of CaLITR3 proteins as activators of fish granulocytes and pave the way for a more in-depth examination of the immunoregulatory functions of CaLITRs in goldfish myeloid cells.

Localization of the Neuropeptide Arginine Vasotocin and Its Receptor in the Osmoregulatory Organs of Black Porgy, Acanthopagrus schlegelii: Gills, Kidneys, and Intestines

The neurohypophysial hormone arginine vasotocin (avt) and its receptor (avtr) regulates ions in the osmoregulatory organs of euryhaline black porgy (Acanthopagrus schlegelii). The localization of avt and avtr transcripts in the osmoregulatory organs has yet to be demonstrated. Thus, in the present study, we performed an in situ hybridization analysis to determine the localization of avt and avtr in the gills, kidneys, and intestines of the black porgy. The avt and avtr transcripts were identified in the filament and lamellae region of the gills in the black porgy. However, the basal membrane of the filament contained more avt and avtr transcripts. Fluorescence double tagging analysis revealed that avt and avtr mRNAs were partially co-localized with α-Nka-ir cells in the gill filament. The proximal tubules, distal tubules, and collecting duct of the kidney all had positive hybridization signals for the avt and avtr transcripts. Unlike the α-Nka immunoreactive cells, the avt and avtr transcripts were found on the basolateral surface of the distal convoluted tubule and in the entire cells of the proximal convoluted tubules of the black porgy kidney. In the intestine, the avt and avtr transcripts were found in the basolateral membrane of the enterocytes. Collectively, this study provides a summary of evidence suggesting that the neuropeptides avt and avtr with α-Nka-ir cells may have functions in the gills, kidneys, and intestines via ionocytes.

Renal Disease in Teleost Patients

The number of fish as pets far exceeds the populations of any other companion animal. As our knowledge of aquatic animal species and aquatic animal medicine continues to expand, veterinary expertise is becoming more critical to the client, researcher, fisheries biologist, aquarist, farmer, and fish hobbyist. Similar to other vertebrates, fish are susceptible to infectious and noninfectious renal disease. This article compares vertebrate renal anatomy and physiology and highlights some renal disease examples.

Section-specific H+ flux in renal tubules of fasted and fed goldfish

A recent study demonstrated that in response to a feeding-induced metabolic acidosis, goldfish (Carassius auratus) adjust epithelial protein and/or mRNA expression in their kidney tubules for multiple transporters known to be relevant for acid-base regulation. These include Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger (NHE), V-type H⁺-ATPase (V-ATPase), cytoplasmic carbonic anhydrase, HCO₃ ^- transporters and Rhesus proteins. Consequently, renal acid output in the form of protons and NH₄ ⁺ increases. However, little is known about the mechanistic details of renal acid-base regulation in C. auratus and teleost fishes in general. The present study applied the scanning ion-selective electrode technique (SIET) to measure proton flux in proximal, distal and connecting tubules of goldfish. We detected increased H⁺ efflux into the extracellular fluid from the tubule in fed animals, resulting from paracellular back-flux of H⁺ through the tight junction. By applying inhibitors for selected acid-base regulatory epithelial transporters, we found that cytosolic carbonic anhydrase and HCO₃ ^- transporters were important in mediating H⁺ flux in all three tubule segments of fed goldfish. Contrastingly, V-ATPase seemed to play a role in H⁺ flux only in proximal and distal tubules, and NHE in proximal and connecting tubules. We developed working models for transport of acid-base relevant equivalents (H⁺, HCO₃ ^-, NH₃/NH₄ ⁺) for each tubule segment in C. auratus kidney. While the proximal tubule appears to play a major role in both H⁺ secretion and HCO₃ ^- reabsorption, the distal and connecting tubules seem to mainly serve for HCO₃ ^- reabsorption and NH₃/NH₄ ⁺ secretion.

Section-specific expression of acid-base and ammonia transporters in the kidney tubules of the goldfish Carassius auratus and their responses to feeding

In teleost fishes, renal contributions to acid-base and ammonia regulation are often neglected compared with the gills. In goldfish, increased renal acid excretion in response to feeding was indicated by increased urine ammonia and inorganic phosphate concentrations and decreased urine pH. By microdissecting the kidney tubules and performing quantitative real-time PCR and/or immunohistochemistry, we profiled the section-specific expression of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), glutamine synthetase (GS), Na⁺/H⁺-exchanger 3 (NHE3), carbonic anhydrase II (CAIIa), V-H⁺-ATPase subunit 1b, Cl^-/ HCO3- -exchanger 1 (AE1), Na⁺/ HCO3- -cotransporter 1 (NBC1), Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase subunit 1α, and Rhesus-proteins Rhbg, Rhcg1a, and Rhcg1b. Here, we show for the first time that 1) the proximal tubule appears to be the major site for ammoniagenesis, 2) epithelial transporters are differentially expressed along the renal tubule, and 3) a potential feeding-related "acidic tide" results in the differential regulation of epithelial transporters, resembling the mammalian renal response to a metabolic acidosis. Specifically, GDH and NHE3 mRNAs were upregulated and GS downregulated in the proximal tubule upon feeding, suggesting this section as a major site for ammoniagenesis and acid secretion. The distal tubule may play a major role in renal ammonia secretion, with feeding-induced upregulation of mRNA and protein for apical NHE3, cytoplasmic CAIIa, universal Rhcg1a and apical Rhcg1b, and downregulation of basolateral Rhbg and AE1. Changes in mRNA expression of the Wolffian ducts and bladder suggest supporting roles in fine-tuning urine composition. The present study verifies an important renal contribution to acid-base balance and emphasizes that studies looking at the whole kidney may overlook key section-specific responses.

Rh vs pH: the role of Rhesus glycoproteins in renal ammonia excretion during metabolic acidosis in a freshwater teleost fish

Increased renal ammonia excretion in response to metabolic acidosis is thought to be a conserved response in vertebrates. We tested the hypothesis that Rhesus (Rh) glycoproteins in the kidney of the freshwater common carp Cyprinus carpio play a critical role in regulating renal ammonia excretion during chronic metabolic acidosis. Exposure to water pH 4.0 (72 h) resulted in a classic metabolic acidosis with reduced plasma pHa, [HCO3-], no change in PCO2, and large changes in renal function. Urine [NH4+] as well as [titratable acidity–HCO3-] rose significantly over the acid exposure, but the profound reduction (5-fold) in urine flow rates eliminated the expected elevations in renal ammonia excretion. Low urine flow rates may be a primary strategy to conserve ions, as urinary excretion of Na+, Cl- and Ca2+ were significantly lower during the acid exposure relative to the control period. Interestingly, renal Rhcg1 mRNA and protein levels were elevated in acid relative to control groups, along with mRNA levels of several ion transporters, including the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE3), H+ATPase and Na+/K+ATPase (NKA). Immunofluorescence microscopy showed a strong apical Rhcg1 signal in distal tubules. Taken together, these data show that renal Rh glycoproteins and associated ion transporters are responsive to metabolic acidosis, but conservation of ions through reduced urine flow rates takes primacy over renal acid-base regulation in the freshwater C. carpio. We propose that an “acid/base-ion balance” compromise explains the variable renal responses to metabolic acidosis in freshwater teleosts.

The interrenal gland in males of the cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus: relationship with stress and the establishment of social hierarchies

In teleosts, cortisol is the primary glucocorticoid secreted by the steroidogenic cells of the interrenal gland and an increase in its plasma concentration is a frequent indicator of stress. Cortisol has been postulated as an endogenous mediator involved in the regulation of reproduction and aggression related to social dynamics. The cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus, is a monogamous species that exhibits complex social hierarchies; males appear in one of two basic alternative phenotypes: non-territorial and territorial males. In this work, we postulated as a general hypothesis that the morphometry of the interrenal gland cells and the plasma levels of cortisol and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) are related to the social rank in adult males of C. dimerus. First, the location and distribution of the interrenal gland with respect to its context - the kidney - was studied. Plasma levels of cortisol and 11-KT in territorial and non-territorial males were established by ELISA. Finally, a morphometric analysis of steroidogenic and chromaffin cells of the interrenal gland was performed. Results showed that the interrenal gland was exclusively located in the posterior portion of the cephalic kidney. Non-territorial males presented a greater nuclear area of their steroidogenic cells. Additionally, plasma cortisol and 11-KT levels were lower and higher, respectively, in territorial males. Finally, plasma cortisol levels positively correlated with the nuclear area of interrenal steroidogenic cells. Thus, the interrenal gland, by means of one of its products, cortisol, may be fulfilling an important role in the establishment of social hierarchies and their stability.

Differential expression patterns and localization of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor transcripts in the osmoregulatory organs of tilapia during salinity stress

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) plays an essential role during seawater (SW) acclimation. However, the regulation of GR isoforms 1 and 2 (GR1 and GR2) and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) during SW acclimation is poorly understood. To address this, we localized and examined the GR1, GR2 and MR transcripts in the tilapia gill, kidney and intestine. Our results indicated that the GR1, GR2 and MR levels were increased in the kidney and intestine on day 1 in seawater (SW) fish, which is in agreement with the recognized osmoregulatory role of the corticosteroid receptors. The SW transfer increased the GR2 and MR transcripts in the gill on day 1 and 4, respectively. Surprisingly, no significant difference was obtained for the GR1 mRNA level. Analysis of the plasma parameters in freshwater (FW) and SW tilapia showed that the plasma cortisol levels were significantly increased at day 1 in the SW fish compared to the FW fish. This is the first study that focused on the spatial distribution of GR1, GR2 and MR in the osmoregulatory organs of freshwater (FW)- and SW-acclimated tilapia by in situ hybridization. Consistent with the Q-PCR results, the expression levels of the GR1, GR2 and MR transcripts were increased or decreased in the SW-acclimated tilapia's gill, kidney and intestine compared to the FW fish. We observed that GR1, GR2 and MR were localized in the branchial epithelial cells and chloride cells of the gill, proximal tubules of the kidney and columnar cells of the intestine. Together, these results indicate that the mobilization of corticosteroid receptors is dependent on the target tissue, salinity and exposure time.

Occludin immunolocalization and protein expression in goldfish

Tight junctions (TJs) are an integral component of models illustrating ion transport mechanisms across fish epithelia; however, little is known about TJ proteins in fishes. Using immunohistochemical methods and Western blot analysis, we examined the localization and expression of occludin, a transmembrane TJ protein, in goldfish tissues. In goldfish gills,discontinuous occludin immunostaining was detected along the edges of secondary gill lamellae and within parts of the interlamellar region that line the lateral walls of the central venous sinus. In the goldfish intestine,occludin immunolocalized in a TJ-specific distribution pattern to apical regions of columnar epithelial cells lining the intestinal lumen. In the goldfish kidney, occludin was differentially expressed in discrete regions of the nephron. Occludin immunostaining was strongest in the distal segment of the nephron, moderate in the collecting duct and absent in the proximal segment. To investigate a potential role for occludin in the maintenance of the hydromineral balance of fishes, we subjected goldfish to 1, 2 and 4 weeks of food deprivation, and then examined the endpoints of hydromineral status,Na+,K+-ATPase activity and occludin protein expression in the gills, intestine and kidney. Occludin expression altered in response to hydromineral imbalance in a tissue-specific manner suggesting a dynamic role for this TJ protein in the regulation of epithelial permeability in fishes.

A fish model of renal regeneration and development

The fish kidney provides a unique model for investigating renal injury, repair, and development. Like mammalian kidneys, fish kidneys have the remarkable ability to repair injured nephrons, designated renal regeneration. This response is marked by a recovery from acute renal failure by replacing the injured cells with new epithelial cells, restoring tubule integrity. In addition, fish have the ability to respond to renal injury by de novo nephron neogenesis. This response occurs in multiple fish species including goldfish, zebrafish, catfish, trout, tilapia, and the aglomerular toadfish. New nephrons develop in the weeks after the initial injury. This nephrogenic response can be induced in adult fish, providing a more abundant source of developing renal tissue compared with fetal mammalian kidneys. Investigating the roles played by different parts of the nephron during development and repair can be facilitated using fish models with differing renal anatomy, such as aglomerular fish. The fish nephron neogenesis model may also help to identify novel genes involved in nephrogenesis, information that could eventually be used to develop alternative renal replacement therapies.

A scanning electron microscope study of the neck segment of the rabbit nephron

The three-dimensional structure of the neck segment (NS) of the rabbit nephrons was studied by scanning electron microscopy (after fracture, micro-dissection, or after corrosion nephron casts), and by the air-cast method. The NS was observed at the glomerulotubular junction in 68.5% of all nephrons. In every case the NS appeared as a straight tube with its long axis oriented radially in relation to the glomerulus. Although the external diameter of the NS was smaller than that of the proximal tubule, its luminal diameter was greater. No valve-like structures were observed. Three cell types were observed in the NS: parietal-like, tubule-like, and intermediate. Parietal-like cells showed the same morphology as the parietal cells of the Bowman's capsule. Parietal-like cells constituted the only cell type in 25% of the NS. Tubule-like cells showed morphologic characteristics similar to proximal tubule cells; however, their microvilli were less numerous and exhibited an irregular pattern. Intermediate cells presented an intermediate morphology between tubule-like and parietal cells. In 75% of all NS, the three cellular types were present at the same time. The presence of tubule-like and intermediate cells is interpreted as the result of metaplasic transformation of the parietal cells. Our observations suggest that, in rabbits, the presence of the NS can be explained on the basis of phenotypical lability of the cells located at the glomerulo-tubular junction.

Development of newly formed nephrons in the goldfish kidney following hexachlorobutadiene-induced nephrotoxicity

New nephrons developed in goldfish, Carassius auratus, several weeks following hexachlorobutadiene-induced (HCBD) nephrotoxicity. Basophilic clusters of presumptive nephrogenic cells incorporated 5-bromo, 2'deoxyuridine (BrdU) one week after HCBD injection, indicating initiation of DNA synthesis. These clusters, like renal vesicles in the developing kidney, elongated, fused with collecting ducts and developed into immature nephrons during the next 2 weeks. Stereologic quantification showed the volume percent of the kidney occupied by the developing nephrons was greater in HCBD-treated fish 2, 3, 4, and 10 weeks after injection than in the control fish. The presence of large numbers of developing nephrons may provide a marker for renal injury in fish from contaminated waterways.

Ultrastructure of the kidney of a South American caecilian, Typhlonectes compressicaudus (Amphibia, Gymnophiona). I. Renal corpuscle, neck segment, proximal tubule and intermediate segment

The ultrastructure of the renal corpuscle, the neck segment, the proximal tubule and the intermediate segment of the kidney of a South American caecilian, Typhlonectes compressicaudus (Amphibia, Gymnophiona) was examined by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and freeze-fracture technique. The glomerular filter apparatus consists of the podocyte epithelium, a distinct basement membrane, a subendothelial space and the capillary endothelium. Emanating from the podocyte cell body, several long primary processes encircle neighboring capillaries. The short slender foot processes originating from the primary processes interdigitate with those from other primary processes, thereby forming the meandering filtration slit. Thick bundles of microfilaments are found in the primary processes, but absent in the foot processes. The basement membrane consists of a lamina rara externa and a rather thin lamina densa (50 nm thickness). The wide subendothelial space contains abundant microfibrils, a few collagen fibrils and many thin processes of mesangial cells. The endothelium is flat and fenestrated (compared to mammals displaying relatively few fenestrations); some of the fenestrations are bridged by a diaphragm. The glomerular mesangium is made up of the mesangial cells and a prominent mesangial matrix containing microfibrils and collagen fibrils. The cells of the neck and intermediate segments display numerous cilia with their microtubules arranged in the typical 9 + 2 pattern. The basal bodies of the cilia are attached to thick filaments with a clear crossbanding pattern of 65 nm periodicity. The proximal tubule is composed of cells typical for this segment (PT cells) and light cells lacking a brush border (bald-headed cells). The PT cells measure 10-25 micron in height and 15-30 micron in width and do not interdigitate at their lateral borders with each other. Their basolateral cell membrane is amplified by many folds projecting into lateral intercellular spaces and into basal recesses. The brush border is scarce and composed of loosely arranged short microvilli.