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Dew WA, Azizishirazi A, Pyle GG. Contaminant-specific targeting of olfactory sensory neuron classes: connecting neuron class impairment with behavioural deficits. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 112:519-525. [PMID: 24630454 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Revised: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The olfactory system of fish comprises several classes of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). The odourants L-alanine and taurocholic acid (TCA) specifically activate microvillous or ciliated OSNs, respectively, in fish. We recorded electro-olfactograms (EOG) in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas; a laboratory-reared model species) and wild yellow perch (Perca flavescens) whose olfactory chambers were perfused with either L-alanine or TCA to determine if OSN classes were differentially vulnerable to contaminants, in this case copper or nickel. Results were consistent in both species and demonstrated that nickel targeted and impaired microvillous OSN function, while copper targeted and impaired ciliated OSN function. This result suggests that contaminant-specific effects observed in model laboratory species extrapolate to wild fish populations. Moreover, fathead minnows exposed to copper failed to perceive a conspecific alarm cue in a choice maze, whereas those exposed to nickel could respond to the same conspecific cue. These results demonstrate that fathead minnows perceive conspecific, damage-released alarm cue by ciliated, but not microvillous, OSNs. Fish living in copper-contaminated environments may be more vulnerable to predation than those in clean lakes owing to targeted effects on ciliated OSNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Dew
- Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Ali Azizishirazi
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Greg G Pyle
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada; Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada.
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Griff ER, Kleene NK, Kleene SJ. A selective PMCA inhibitor does not prolong the electroolfactogram in mouse. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37148. [PMID: 22615924 PMCID: PMC3352878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Within the cilia of vertebrate olfactory receptor neurons, Ca2+ accumulates during odor transduction. Termination of the odor response requires removal of this Ca2+, and prior evidence suggests that both Na+/Ca2+ exchange and plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) contribute to this removal. Principal Findings In intact mouse olfactory epithelium, we measured the time course of termination of the odor-induced field potential. Replacement of mucosal Na+ with Li+, which reduces the ability of Na+/Ca2+ exchange to expel Ca2+, prolonged the termination as expected. However, treating the epithelium with the specific PMCA inhibitor caloxin 1b1 caused no significant increase in the time course of response termination. Conclusions Under these experimental conditions, PMCA does not contribute detectably to the termination of the odor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin R. Griff
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Nancy K. Kleene
- Department of Cancer and Cell Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Steven J. Kleene
- Department of Cancer and Cell Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Kleene SJ. Limits of calcium clearance by plasma membrane calcium ATPase in olfactory cilia. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5266. [PMID: 19390572 PMCID: PMC2668752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In any fine sensory organelle, a small influx of Ca2+ can quickly elevate cytoplasmic Ca2+. Mechanisms must exist to clear the ciliary Ca2+ before it reaches toxic levels. One such organelle has been well studied: the vertebrate olfactory cilium. Recent studies have suggested that clearance from the olfactory cilium is mediated in part by plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA). Principal Findings In the present study, electrophysiological assays were devised to monitor cytoplasmic free Ca2+ in single frog olfactory cilia. Ca2+ was allowed to enter isolated cilia, either through the detached end or through membrane channels. Intraciliary Ca2+ was monitored via the activity of ciliary Ca2+-gated Cl− channels, which are sensitive to free Ca2+ from about 2 to 10 µM. No significant effect of MgATP on intraciliary free Ca2+ could be found. Carboxyeosin, which has been used to inhibit PMCA, was found to substantially increase a ciliary transduction current activated by cyclic AMP. This increase was ATP-independent. Conclusions Alternative explanations are suggested for two previous experiments taken to support a role for PMCA in ciliary Ca2+ clearance. It is concluded that PMCA in the cilium plays a very limited role in clearing the micromolar levels of intraciliary Ca2+ produced during the odor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Kleene
- Department of Cancer and Cell Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America.
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Makino N, Ookawara S, Katoh K, Ohta Y, Ichikawa M, Ichimura K. The morphological change of supporting cells in the olfactory epithelium after bulbectomy. Chem Senses 2008; 34:171-9. [PMID: 19091696 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjn074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission electron microscopy was used to study the responses of the supporting cells of the olfactory epithelium at 1-5 days after surgical ablation of the olfactory bulb (bulbectomy). In intact olfactory epithelium, lamellar smooth endoplasmic reticulum and rod-shaped mitochondria were distinctly observed in the supporting cells. On the first day after bulbectomy, bending of the microvilli and an increase in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum were observed. Cristae of the mitochondria became obscure, and the density of the mitochondrial matrix decreased. On the second day after bulbectomy, the number of microvilli decreased, broad cytoplasmic projections that contained cytoplasmic organelles protruded into the luminal side, and the mitochondria were swollen. On the fifth day after bulbectomy, microvilli seemed to be normal and some cells had large cytoplasmic projections that protruded toward the lumen of the nasal cavity. Within the cytoplasmic projections of the supporting cells, a large lamellar and reticular-shaped smooth endoplasmic reticulum was evident. Mitochondria exhibited almost normal morphology. The current findings demonstrate that morphological changes occur in the supporting cells after bulbectomy. This new evidence hypothesizes that these changes represent events that contribute to the regeneration of the olfactory epithelium after bulbectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuko Makino
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan.
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Kleene SJ. The electrochemical basis of odor transduction in vertebrate olfactory cilia. Chem Senses 2008; 33:839-59. [PMID: 18703537 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjn048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Most vertebrate olfactory receptor neurons share a common G-protein-coupled pathway for transducing the binding of odorant into depolarization. The depolarization involves 2 currents: an influx of cations (including Ca2+) through cyclic nucleotide-gated channels and a secondary efflux of Cl- through Ca2+-gated Cl- channels. The relation between stimulus strength and receptor current shows positive cooperativity that is attributed to the channel properties. This cooperativity amplifies the responses to sufficiently strong stimuli but reduces sensitivity and dynamic range. The odor response is transient, and prolonged or repeated stimulation causes adaptation and desensitization. At least 10 mechanisms may contribute to termination of the response; several of these result from an increase in intraciliary Ca2+. It is not known to what extent regulation of ionic concentrations in the cilium depends on the dendrite and soma. Although many of the major mechanisms have been identified, odor transduction is not well understood at a quantitative level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Kleene
- Department of Cancer and Cell Biology, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 670667, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0667, USA.
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Asan E, Drenckhahn D. Immunocytochemical characterization of two types of microvillar cells in rodent olfactory epithelium. Histochem Cell Biol 2005; 123:157-68. [PMID: 15856279 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-005-0759-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Microvillar cells (MCs) have been identified in the olfactory epithelium of various mammalian species from rodents to humans. Studies on properties and functions of MCs to date have yielded partially controversial results, supporting alternatively an epithelial or a neuronal nature of these cells. In the present study, single and double immunolabeling investigations were carried out using antibodies against cytoskeletal and integral membrane proteins in order to further characterize MCs in rat and mouse olfactory epithelium. Application of antibodies against ankyrin (ANK), a protein that links integral membrane proteins to the submembrane cytoskeleton, led to intense labeling of the basolateral membranes of numerous cells with characteristic MC morphology. ANK-immunoreactive (ir) cells bore an apical tuft of beta-actin-ir microvilli, were filled with cytokeratin 18 (CK18)-ir filamentous network, and extended a basal process that appeared to end above the basal membrane. Immunoreactions for villin, an actin-crosslinking protein particularly prominently expressed in brush cells in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract epithelia, and for the alpha-subunit of sodium-potassium ATPase (Na(+), K(+)-ATPase), revealed that ANK-ir MCs fall into two subpopulations. The less frequent type I MCs displayed villin immunoreactivity in their apical microvilli and underneath the basolateral membranes; the more numerous type II MCs were negative for villin but possessed intense basolateral immunoreactivity for Na(+), K(+)-ATPase. Strong reactivity for the epithelial-type integral membrane protein of adherens junctions, E-Cadherin, was localized in basolateral membranes of both types of MCs. Our results support an epithelial nature of ANK-ir MCs in rat and mouse olfactory epithelium. Type I MCs strongly resemble brush cells in their immunocytochemical characteristics, namely, their ANK reactivity, CK18 reactivity, and villin reactivity. The intense Na(+), K(+)-ATPase reactivity of type II MCs implicates these cells in transport processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Asan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Wuerzburg, Koellikerstr. 6, 97070 Wuerzburg, Germany.
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Abstract
Autoradiographic and cytochemical procedures were employed to determine the cellular distribution of the Na,K-ATPase enzyme in the mammalian vestibular system. A light-microscope survey of vestibular tissues incubated with [(3)H]ouabain shows high densities of ouabain binding sites within the dark cell epithelium (DC) of the ampullae of the semi-circular canals, and to a lesser extent, the DC of the utricular macula. A moderate number of binding sites was found in nerve fibers penetrating the connective tissue beneath the sensory epithelium (SE) of the ampullae and the maculae. A small number of binding sites is distributed in the deep portion of the SE, both in the ampullae and in the maculae. These latter binding sites seem to be associated with nerve terminals and receptor cells. At the ultrastructural level, the vestibular dark cells exhibit extensive basolateral membrane infolding, a morphological hallmark of cells engaged in trans-epithelial ion transport. The cytochemical reaction product is K(+)-dependent, ouabain inhibitable, and is restricted to the basolateral membrane extensions, with little or no product on the luminal membrane. The extent of membrane infolding in dark cells of the utricle is less pronounced than that of the ampullar dark cells and the intensity of the cytochemical reaction appears to correlate with the extent of membrane infolding. The results support the widely held hypothesis that the vestibular dark cells play a role in endolymph production. They also suggest that the vestibular sensory epithelia may be a site of ion exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Z Pitovski
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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Abstract
The role of ciliary geometry for transduction events was explored by numerical simulation. The changes in intraciliary ion concentrations, suspected to occur during transduction, could thus be estimated. The case of a single excised cilium, having a uniform distribution of membrane channels, voltage clamped to -80 mV, was especially investigated. The axial profile of membrane voltage was that of a leaky cable. The Ca(2+) concentration profile tended to show a maximum in proximal segments, due to a preponderance of Ca(2+) inflow over Ca(2+) export at those locations. The local increase in Ca(2+) concentration activated Cl(-) channels. The resulting current caused a local drop in Cl(-) concentration, especially at the tip of the cilium and in distal segments, accompanied by a drop in ciliary K(+) concentration. In consequence, the membrane Cl(-) current was low in distal segments but stronger in proximal segments, where resupply was sufficient. The model predicts that the Cl(-) depletion will codetermine the time course of the receptor potential or current and the ciliary stimulus-response curve. In conclusion, when modeling with transduction elements presently known to participate, the ciliary geometry has large effects on ion distributions and transduction currents because ciliary ion transport is limited by axial electrodiffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lindemann
- Department of Physiology, Universität des Saarlandes, D-66421 Homburg, Germany.
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Robinson AM, Kern RC, Foster JD, Krozowski ZS, Pitovski DZ. Mineralocorticoid receptors in the mammalian olfactory mucosa. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1999; 108:974-81. [PMID: 10526853 DOI: 10.1177/000348949910801009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mineralocorticoid hormones regulate secretion and absorption in a wide variety of epithelial tissues, although specific mechanisms in the olfactory mucosa are currently unknown. Utilizing reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, we have demonstrated the expression of mineralocorticoid (type I) receptor messenger RNA in the rodent olfactory mucosa. Amplification products of predicted size were obtained with nucleotide sequences corresponding to respective mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) kidney transcripts. Immunocytochemistry, using an antibody with known specificity for MRs, was then utilized in order to localize the cellular site(s) of MR protein expression in the olfactory mucosa. The highest levels of MR immunoreactivity were localized to the supranuclear region of sustentacular cells, as well as the acinar cells of the Bowman's glands. The respiratory regions of the nasal cavity were devoid of appreciable MR immunoreactivity. This study demonstrates both MR transcript and protein expression in the olfactory mucosa. We hypothesize that the mineralocorticoid hormones may have a role in modulation of olfactory secretion and/or sensory transduction in the peripheral olfactory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Robinson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Fong KJ, Kern RC, Foster JD, Zhao JC, Pitovski DZ. Olfactory secretion and sodium, potassium-adenosine triphosphatase: regulation by corticosteroids. Laryngoscope 1999; 109:383-8. [PMID: 10089962 DOI: 10.1097/00005537-199903000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the cellular distribution and relative intensity of the immunoreactivity associated with the expression of sodium, potassium-adenosine triphosphatase (Na, K-ATPase) in cells of the olfactory mucosa. Second, changes in the activity of this enzyme in the olfactory mucosa are correlated with changes in the circulating corticosteroid aldosterone. METHODS Combination of immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques were employed to examine the olfactory Na, K-ATPase. RESULTS Within the olfactory epithelium, the Na, K-ATPase immunoreactivity was greatest at the supranuclear region of sustentacular cells and/or dendrites of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). Cell bodies of ORNs demonstrated moderate immunoreactivity, whereas the duct cells of Bowman's gland exhibited moderate to intense immunoreactivity. Acinar cells of the Bowman's gland were the most intensely stained components of the lamina propria, exhibiting strong immunoreactivity at the basolateral plasma membrane domains of the acinar cells and less within the cytoplasm. Binding of ouabain, a specific inhibitor of Na, K-ATPase, was significantly elevated for aldosterone-injected versus sham-injected controls. CONCLUSION These results suggest that olfactory Na, K-ATPase is regulated by the systemic corticosteroid aldosterone. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that corticosteroids regulate olfactory secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Fong
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Robinson AM, Kern RC, Foster JD, Fong KJ, Pitovski DZ. Expression of glucocorticoid receptor mRNA and protein in the olfactory mucosa: physiologic and pathophysiologic implications. Laryngoscope 1998; 108:1238-42. [PMID: 9707251 DOI: 10.1097/00005537-199808000-00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Define the presence and distribution of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) within the olfactory mucosa in order to assess potential physiologic and pathophysiologic effects of these hormones on olfaction. STUDY DESIGN The olfactory mucosa was harvested from adult male rats and guinea pigs. Kidney tissue was utilized as a known positive control. METHODS The techniques of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry were utilized to examine the expression of GR mRNA and protein. To assure the presence of olfactory mucosa in the nasal tissue samples, RT-PCR was utilized to identify the olfactory marker protein (OMP). RESULTS The presence of GR mRNA was confirmed in both the olfactory mucosa and kidney. GR-like immunoreactivity associated with the olfactory epithelium was greatest at the apical surface, a position corresponding to the dendrites, knobs, and cilia of olfactory receptor neurons, as well as the supranuclear region of sustentacular cells. Weaker GR-like immunoreactivity was associated with the region of the cell bodies of the olfactory receptor neurons. Within the lamina propria, acinar cells of the Bowman's glands and olfactory nerve bundles were intensely immunoreactive. CONCLUSIONS The presence of GR mRNA and protein within the olfactory mucosa is consistent with a functional role for glucocorticoid hormones in the systemic regulation of olfaction. Furthermore, these studies suggest that corticosteroid medications may have direct effects on the cells of the olfactory mucosa in the pathologic state. The potential mechanisms whereby these hormones may act are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Robinson
- Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Abstract
Considerable progress has been made in the understanding of transduction mechanisms in olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) over the last decade. Odorants pass through a mucus interface before binding to odorant receptors (ORs). The molecular structure of many ORs is now known. They belong to the large class of G protein-coupled receptors with seven transmembrane domains. Binding of an odorant to an OR triggers the activation of second messenger cascades. One second messenger pathway in particular has been extensively studied; the receptor activates, via the G protein Golf, an adenylyl cyclase, resulting in an increase in adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), which elicits opening of cation channels directly gated by cAMP. Under physiological conditions, Ca2+ has the highest permeability through this channel, and the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration activates a Cl- current which, owing to an elevated reversal potential for Cl-, depolarizes the olfactory neuron. The receptor potential finally leads to the generation of action potentials conveying the chemosensory information to the olfactory bulb. Although much less studied, other transduction pathways appear to exist, some of which seem to involve the odorant-induced formation of inositol polyphosphates as well as Ca2+ and/or inositol polyphosphate -activated cation channels. In addition, there is evidence for odorant-modulated K+ and Cl- conductances. Finally, in some species, ORNs can be inhibited by certain odorants. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the biophysical and electrophysiological evidence regarding the transduction processes as well as subsequent signal processing and spike generation in ORNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Schild
- Physiologisches Institut, Universität Göttingen, Germany
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Abstract
In the present review we have considered the properties of the olfactory receptor neurons and discuss the strategy these cells use to perform their signaling task. Special emphasis is laid on the mechanisms for setting the membrane potential at rest and the mechanisms that the cell can use to respond with action potentials to significant stimuli only. We demonstrate that the firing properties of the receptor neurons depend upon the initial level of the membrane potential. We present the idea that the olfactory glomerulus can function as a unit in olfactory processing. In this perspective the olfactory receptor neuron is a subunit of the olfactory glomerulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Trotier
- Laboratoire de Neurobiologie Sensorielle, EPHE, Massy, France
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Gleeson RA, Trapido-Rosenthal HG, McDowell LM, Aldrich HC, Carr WE. Ecto-ATPase/phosphatase activity in the olfactory sensilla of the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus: localization and characterization. Cell Tissue Res 1992; 269:439-45. [PMID: 1330315 DOI: 10.1007/bf00353899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Electrophysiological studies have shown that the olfactory organ (antennule) of the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, has chemoreceptors that are selectively excited by adenine nucleotides in seawater. Biochemical studies have revealed that these same nucleotides can be rapidly dephosphorylated by ectoenzymes associated with the olfactory sensilla (aesthetascs). In this study the distribution of ecto-ATPase/phosphatase activity within aesthetascs was determined cytochemically and the nature of the adenine-nucleotide dephosphorylating activity was dissected biochemically. Cytochemically, the distribution of ATP-dephosphorylating activity was similar to that shown previously for AMP and beta-glycerol phosphate; i.e., cerium phosphate reaction product was specifically localized to the transitional zone where the sensory dendrites develop cilia and branch to form the outer dendritic segments. Unlike the dephosphorylation of AMP and beta-glycerol phosphate, Mg2+ or Ca2+ was required for ecto-ATPase/phosphatase activity. Biochemical measures of both AMP- and ATP-dephosphorylating activity within aesthetascs corroborated the cytochemical evidence that these activities are localized to the transitional zone. A major portion of the AMP dephosphorylation (about 67%) derives from nonspecific alkaline phosphatase activity that is insensitive to levamisole and L-bromotetramisole. In contrast, nonspecific phosphatase activity accounted for a much smaller part of the ATP dephosphorylation (about 15%). Ectoenzymatic activity in the transitional zone may be an important means of removing excitatory/inhibitory nucleotides from this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Gleeson
- Whitney Laboratory, University of Florida, St. Augustine 32086
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Abstract
The conductance of isolated frog olfactory cilia in the absence of odorants and second messengers has been measured. Current flowing through the pipette-membrane seal rather than the ciliary membrane was subtracted. In normal physiological solutions, each cilium has a conductance averaging 92 pS at the neuronal resting potential. This basal conductance allows current to be carried by K+ or Na+ but not by Cl-. In some cases, single channels with a unit conductance of 153 pS were observed. The conductance of the ciliary membrane implies a length constant for electrotonic conduction of about 160 microns. Since the reversal potential of the basal conductance is near the neuronal resting potential, it should help to stabilize the ciliary potential at some cost to stimulus transduction efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Kleene
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521
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