Active chloride transport by the skin of a marine teleost is stimulated by urotensin I and inhibited by urotensin II

[The caudal neurosecretory system, the other "neurohypophysial" system in fish]

The caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS) is a neuroendocrine complex whose existence is specific to fishes. Structurally, it has many similarities with the hypothalamic-neurohypophyseal complex of other vertebrates. However, it differs regarding its position at the caudal end of the spinal cord and the nature of the hormones it secretes, the most important being urotensins. The CNSS was first described more than 60 years ago, but its embryological origin is totally unknown and its role is still poorly understood. Paradoxically, it is almost no longer studied today. Recent developments in imaging and genome editing could make it possible to resume investigations on CNSS in order to solve the mysteries that still surround it.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCII. Urotensin II, urotensin II-related peptide, and their receptor: from structure to function

Urotensin II (UII) is a cyclic neuropeptide that was first isolated from the urophysis of teleost fish on the basis of its ability to contract the hindgut. Subsequently, UII was characterized in tetrapods including humans. Phylogenetic studies and synteny analysis indicate that UII and its paralogous peptide urotensin II-related peptide (URP) belong to the somatostatin/cortistatin superfamily. In mammals, the UII and URP genes are primarily expressed in cholinergic neurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. UII and URP mRNAs are also present in various organs notably in the cardiovascular, renal, and endocrine systems. UII and URP activate a common G protein-coupled receptor, called UT, that exhibits relatively high sequence identity with somatostatin, opioid, and galanin receptors. The UT gene is widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral tissues including the retina, heart, vascular bed, lung, kidney, adrenal medulla, and skeletal muscle. Structure-activity relationship studies and NMR conformational analysis have led to the rational design of a number of peptidic and nonpeptidic UT agonists and antagonists. Consistent with the wide distribution of UT, UII has now been shown to exert a large array of biologic activities, in particular in the CNS, the cardiovascular system, and the kidney. Here, we review the current knowledge concerning the pleiotropic actions of UII and discusses the possible use of antagonists for future therapeutic applications.

Daily rhythms of urotensin I and II gene expression and hormone secretion in the caudal neurosecretory system of the euryhaline flounder (Platichthys flesus)

The caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS) is a unique neuroendocrine structure for environmental adaptation in fish, and is the major site of expression and secretion of urotensin I (UI) and II (UII). This study examined daily changes in mRNA expression and the secretion profile of UI and UII in the CNSS. Daily rhythms were observed in mRNA level of CNSS UI, urophysis UI, plasma UII, glucose, potassium and sodium. No statistically significant (Cosinor, P>0.05) diel rhythmicity in mRNA level of CNSS UII, urophysis UII, cortisol, lactate, osmolality and chloride were detected. The calculated acrophase of sodium, cortisol, plasma UII, urophysis UII, urophysis UI and mRNA level of CNSS UI rhythms were recorded at 13:04 h, 13:39 h, 14:45 h, 15:27 h, 14:41 h and 14:39 h, respectively and a positive relationship was evident among them. The acrophase of glucose and potassium rhythms were recorded at 18:57 h and 22:35 h, respectively. The glucose levels increased progressively at the onset of the UII surge at 15:00 h and reached peak values at dusk. The results support the hypothesis that the CNSS may play a role in the control of co-ordinated daily changes in energy mobilization, nutritional behavior and osmoregulatory systems in euryhaline flounder. Our findings described for the first time the existence of daily rhythms of CNSS hormone expression and secretion in Platichthys flesus. These results reveal the importance of taking into account the time of day when assessing stress responses and evaluating UI and UII as physiological indicators of stress in this species.

Immunomodulatory role of urotensins in teleost Channa punctatus

The present study, for the first time in ectothermic vertebrates, reports the immunoregulatory role of urotensins I and II (UI and UII). Urotensins decreased the phagocytosis and nitrite production by splenic phagocytes. On superoxide production, UI had stimulatory while UII showed inhibitory effect. UI exerted its effect on phagocytes through corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor as its non-specific antagonist astressin completely blocked the effect of UI on phagocytosis, nitrite release and superoxide production. Among the antagonists for specific CRF receptor 1 and 2, only CRF receptor 1 antagonist NBI 27914 abolished the effect of urotensin I. On the other hand, UII mediated its effect through urotensin receptor (UT receptor) since its antagonist urantide antagonized the effect of UII on phagocytosis, superoxide and nitrite release. These findings provide the direct evidence on physiological role of UI and UII through CRF receptor 1 and UT receptor, respectively in control of fish immune responses.

Urotensin II, from fish to human

The cyclic peptide urotensin II (UII) was originally isolated from the urophysis of teleost fish on the basis of its ability to contract intestinal smooth muscle. The UII peptide has subsequently been isolated from frog brain and, later on, the pre-proUII cDNA has been characterized in mammals, including humans. A UII paralog called urotensin II-related peptide (URP) has been identified in the rat brain. The UII and URP genes originate from the same ancestral gene as the somatostatin and cortistatin genes. In the central nervous system (CNS) of tetrapods, UII is expressed primarily in motoneurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. The biological actions of UII and URP are mediated through a G protein-coupled receptor, termed UT, that exhibits high sequence similarity with the somatostatin receptors. The UT gene is widely expressed in the CNS and in peripheral organs. Consistent with the broad distribution of UT, UII and URP exert a large array of behavioral effects and regulate endocrine, cardiovascular, renal, and immune functions.

Isolation and identification of a diuretic hormone from the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

A diuretic hormone (DH) has been isolated from pharate adult heads of Manduca sexta by a nine-step purification procedure. The primary structure of the amino-terminal 40 residues was determined by sequence analysis of intact DH. The structure of an amidated carboxyl-terminal tryptic hexapeptide was characterized by sequence analysis of the peptide, and this hexapeptide was later compared by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with two synthetic hexapeptides with the free acid or amide at the carboxyl terminus. The complete structure of M. sexta DH was established as a 41-residue peptide without disulfide bonds: H-Arg-Met-Pro-Ser-Leu-Ser-Ile-Asp-Leu-Pro-Met-Ser-Val-Leu-Arg-Gln-Lys-Leu-Ser -Leu-Glu-Lys-Glu-Arg-Lys-Val-His-Ala-Leu-Arg-Ala-Ala-Ala-Asn-Arg-Asn-Phe-Leu- Asn-Asp-Ile-NH(2). M. sexta DH was synthesized and shown to have chromatographic and biological properties identical with those of the native material. Synthetic DH stimulated fluid excretion in vivo upon injection into larval M. sexta and newly emerged adult Pieris rapae. M. sexta DH has considerable sequence homology with corticotropin-releasing factor, urotensin I, and sauvagine.

Urotensin II: Ancient Hormone with New Functions in Vertebrate Body Fluid Regulation

Urotensin II (UII), described in many fish species, is secreted by the caudal neurosecretory system, a unique fish neuroendocrine structure. We have examined UII secretion and its control in euryhaline fish, supporting a proposed role in osmoregulation. However, it is now apparent that UII is present in other vertebrates, including mammals. The 12-amino-acid peptide has been highly conserved and the key cyclic region is common from fish to humans. Our UII radioimmunoassay for flounder, directed to this cyclic region, has shown circulating UII levels in humans and rats comparable with those in fish. In mammals, UII cardiovascular effects vary between species, with vasoconstriction only evident in specific vascular beds. The kidney expresses UII receptors and responds to UII administration by a reduction in glomerular filtration rate, urine flow, and excretion of the major ions. Interestingly, plasma levels of UII are chronically elevated in rat models of hypertension. These observations imply an unforeseen role for this ancient fish hormone in the physiological and perhaps pathophysiological regulation of body fluids in higher vertebrates, including humans.

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.

Rapid regulation of NaCl secretion by estuarine teleost fish: coping strategies for short-duration freshwater exposures

This review summarizes the mechanism of Cl(-) active secretion and its regulation in estuarine teleost fish. Small estuarine fish such as the killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus, forage in shallow water following advancing tides and are exposed regularly to very dilute microenvironments. Using the killifish opercular epithelium and related teleost membranes containing mitochondria-rich cells, the regulation includes a reduction of active Cl(-) secretion and passive diffusive ion loss in a three-stage process spanning approximately 30 min. There is a combination of sympathetic neural reflex mediated by alpha(2)-adrenoceptors operating via intracellular inositol tris phosphate and intracellular Ca(2+) and a cellular hypotonic shock response, followed by covering over of ion-secreting cells by pavement cells. This effectively minimizes salt loss in dilute media. The upregulation of salt secretion on return to full strength seawater may be via hormones (arginine vasotocin and urotensin I) and neurotransmitter (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide) in combination with hypertonic shock. A hypothetical model includes involvement of protein kinase A and C and protein phosphatases 1 and 2A in regulation of the NKCC1 cotransporter on the basolateral side and protein kinase A regulation of the CFTR-like apical anion channel.

The caudal neurosecretory system: control and function of a novel neuroendocrine system in fish

The caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS) of fish was first defined over 70 years ago yet despite much investigation, a clear physiological role has yet to be elucidated. Although the CNSS structure is as yet thought to be confined to piscine species, the secreted peptides, urotensins I and II (UI and UII), have been detected in a number of vertebrate species, most recently illustrated by the isolation of UII in humans. The apparent importance of these peptides, suggested by their relative phylogenetic conservation, is further supported by the complex control mechanisms associated with their secretion. The CNSS in teleosts is known to receive extensive and diverse innervation from the higher central nervous system, with evidence for the presence of cholinergic, noradrenergic, serotonergic, and peptidergic descending inputs. Recent observations also suggest the presence of glucocorticoid receptors in the flounder CNSS, supporting previous evidence for a possible role as a pituitary-independent mechanism controlling cortisol secretion. The most convincing evidence as to a physiological role for the CNSS in fish has stemmed from the direct and indirect influence of the urotensins on osmoregulatory function. Recent advances allowing the measurement of circulating levels of UII in the flounder have supported this. In addition, there is evidence to suggest some seasonal variation in peptide levels supporting the notion that the CNSS may have an integrative role in the control of coordinated changes in the reproductive, osmoregulatory and nutritional systems of migratory euryhaline species.

Singular contributions of fish neuroendocrinology to mammalian regulatory peptide research

During the past 20 years, several bioactive peptides have been identified in teleost fishes that subsequently have been shown to play important regulatory roles in mammalian physiology. The urophysis, corpuscles of Stannius and Brockmann body are anatomical structures particular to fish that have no obvious counterpart in mammals. Extracts and/or cDNA libraries prepared from these tissues have been used to identify for the first time urotensin II (U-II), urotensin-I (U-I), stanniocalcin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Although U-II and U-I were originally regarded as exclusively the products of the teleost urophysis, the peptides have a wide phylogenetic distribution across the vertebrate lineage, including mammals. U-II is localized to motor neurones in the human spinal cord and is a potent vasoconstrictor that may be implicated in the pathogenesis of heart failure. The human ortholog of urotensin-I is urocortin which is synthesized in selected regions of the brain and is the endogenous ligand for the CRF type 2 receptor. Urocortin is believed to important in mediating the effects of stress on appetite. Stanniocalcin is involved in maintaining calcium and phosphate homeostasis in teleost fish. An ortholog of stanniocalcin has a widespread distribution in mammalian tissues and is postulated to regulate renal phosphate excretion and to protect neurons against damage during cerebral ischemia. The biological actions and therapeutic potential of GLP-1 in humans are now fully appreciated but the peptide was first identified as a domain in a preproglucagon cDNA prepared from anglerfish Brockmann bodies. In contrast to mammalian preproglucagons, GLP-1 is present in anglerfish preproglucagon as the bioactive, truncated sequence [corresponding to human GLP-1(7-37)] rather than the inactive, N-terminally extended form [corresponding to GLP-1(1-37)]. Failure to appreciate the significance of this fact retarded progress in the field for several years.

Development of the caudal neurosecretory system of the nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus: an immunohistochemical and electron microscopic study

The development of the caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS) of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, has been investigated by means of UI/oCRF (urotensin I/ovine corticotropin-releasing factor) immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. UI-like immunoreactive perikarya and fibers are first detected in the caudal spinal cord of larval fish about 4 days after hatching (stage 21). In the region of the future urophysis two bundles of strongly immunoreactive neurosecretory fibers are observed. At this stage, neurosecretory axons terminate on the meninx sheath of the spinal cord with immature neurosecretory terminals. The histogenesis of the urophysis begins at stage 24. The future neurohemal organ consists of a small ventral swelling of the spinal cord, which is associated with dilated vessels. At this stage, neurosecretory axons terminate on the basal lamina of the ingrowing blood vessels. Further development occurs by means of progressive branching of vessels and the concomitant increase in the number of neurosecretory terminals. In the caudal spinal cord, immunoreactive neurons also increase in number and progressively differentiate morphologically. Typical features of the mature CNSS are recognizable in 4-month-old juveniles. Data suggest that in tilapia both the synthesis and the release of urophysial hormones begin before morphogenesis of the neurohemal organ takes place.

Evolution and physiology of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family of neuropeptides in vertebrates

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), urotensin-I, urocortin and sauvagine belong to a family of related neuropeptides found throughout chordate taxa and likely stem from an ancestral peptide precursor early in metazoan ancestry. In vertebrates, current evidence suggests that CRF on one hand, and urotensin-I, urocortin and sauvagine, on the other, form paralogous lineages. Urocortin and sauvagine appear to represent tetrapod orthologues of fish urotensin-I. Sauvagine's unique structure may reflect the distinctly derived evolutionary history of the anura and the amphibia in general. The physiological actions of these peptides are mediated by at least two receptor subtypes and a soluble binding protein. Although the earliest functions of these peptides may have been associated with osmoregulation and diuresis, a constellation of physiological effects associated with stress and anxiety, vasoregulation, thermoregulation, growth and metabolism, metamorphosis and reproduction have been identified in various vertebrate species. The elaboration of neural circuitry for each of the two paralogous neuropeptide systems appears to have followed distinct pathways in the actinopterygian and sarcopterygian lineages of vertebrates. A comparision of the functional differences between these two lineages predicts additional functions of these peptides.

Adrenergic receptor activation hyperpolarizes the caudal neurosecretory cells of the flounder, Platichthys flesus

The physiological factors that govern activity of the caudal neurosecretory system in teleost fish are poorly understood. Immunocytochemical evidence indicates that the neurosecretory Dahlgren cells are innervated by descending monoaminergic fibres. Using intracellular recording techniques in an isolated preparation of the posterior spinal cord of the flounder (Platichthys flesus) we have demonstrated that superfusion of adrenaline or noradrenaline (10(-7) - 10(-3) M) causes hyperpolarization of Dahlgren cells (up to -30 mV). This hyperpolarization is likely to reflect an inhibitory effect of noradrenergic nerves on the neurosecretory system in vivo, reducing the rate of hormone release. Fluctuations in the input resistance and membrane time constant suggest involvement of a multiplicity of cellular mechanisms, including the opening and closing of populations of ion-selective channels. Superfusion with dopamine (10(-7) - 10(-3) M) had no effect. Superfusion with the beta-adrenoreceptor agonist, isoprenaline, caused hyperpolarization but to a markedly lesser extent than the maximum effect of adrenaline or noradrenaline, suggesting that their effects are mediated, only in part, by a beta-adrenoreceptor subtype. Superfusion of the preparation with a membrane permeable, non-hydrolysable cyclic AMP analogue (8-[4-chlorophenylthio]-cAMP) resulted in a slight hyperpolarization which was accompanied by a small, but significant, increase in input resistance. These data are consistent with at least part of the beta-adrenoreceptor mediated effect involving closure of cAMP-sensitive ion channels. Superfusion with the alpha 1-adrenoreceptor agonist, phenylephrine, had no effect on any electrophysiological parameter studied. However, the alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonist, clonidine, caused hyperpolarization which again failed to reach the maximum level produced by adrenaline or noradrenaline. Together, these data suggest that the adrenergic inhibition of Dahlgren cell activity is mediated by both alpha 2- and beta-adrenoreceptor subtypes.

Production of eicosanoids by the killifish gills and opercular epithelia and their effect on active transport of ions

Gills and opercular epithelia of the killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) homogenized and incubated with radiolabeled arachidonic acid were found to produce prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids. These metabolites were identified using thin-layer chromatography, autoradiography, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Addition of glutathione and epinephrine to the incubation mixture caused a diminution in the production of most eicosanoids (cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase products) whereas indomethacin decreased only the cyclooxygenase metabolites. The effects of eicosanoids on short-circuit and potential difference across opercular epithelia mounted in a Ussing-type chamber were examined. Prostaglandin E2 had an inhibitory effect on ion transport whereas the sulfidopeptide leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4) had a stimulatory effect. These results indicate that gills and opercular epithelia have the capacity to synthesize eicosanoids and that some of these metabolites may play a role in the regulation of ion transport in the kill fish.

The use of isolated fish opercular epithelium as a model tissue for studying intrinsic activities of loop diuretics

Isolated opercular epithelia of killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) were mounted in an Ussing chamber. The epithelia displayed a transepithelial electrical potential difference (PD) of 10.6 +/- 0.3 mV (sea-water side negative) and a short-circuit current (SCC) of 72.1 +/- 2.1 microA cm-2. The electrical resistance was 160 +/- 3 omega cm2 (mean +/- SE, n = 269). The unidirectional flux of 36Cl from blood side to sea-water side compared well with the SCC. No net flux of 22Na or 24Na across the epithelium was observed. Raising of cyclic AMP levels by theophylline, 3-isobutyl-I-methyl-xanthine, isoprenaline and forskolin, increased SCC and PD. Prostaglandins PGE2 and to some extent PGF2 alpha inhibited SCC and PD. Inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase by ouabain and orthovanadate reduced SCC and PD. Pretreatment of the epithelium with the stilbene disulphonic acid (DIDS) did not prevent the action of orthovanadate. Different types of diuretics were tested, but only the loop diuretics bumetanide, piretanide, and furosemide, rapidly and strongly inhibited PD and SCC and unidirectional 36Cl serosal to mucosal flux. Dose-response curves for these agents were parallel and EC50 values for effects on SCC were 40, 52, and 295 microM, respectively. The same relative activities of these diuretics have been seen in the renal thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TALH). It is concluded that the killifish opercular skin responds to hormonal stimuli and various pharmacological agents in a manner similar to that of mammalian renal TALH. It should therefore be a useful model for studies of the modes of action and the structure-activity relationships of diuretics which act by inhibition of chloride transport or Na+-K+-ATPase activity.

Cortisol inhibits the ACTH-releasing activity of urotensin I, CRF and sauvagine observed with superfused goldfish pituitary cells

The structurally homologous peptides urotensin I, ovine CRF and sauvagine stimulate the release of immunoreactive ACTH from a superfused dispersed goldfish anterior pituitary cell column. The addition of cortisol to the superfusion buffer resulted, following a latent period, in a decrease in basal release of ACTH from the pituitary cell column and a diminution in the ACTH-releasing activities of urotensin I, CRF and sauvagine. The removal of cortisol from the superfusion buffer resulted in a slow recovery of basal ACTH release and a recovery of the ACTH-releasing activities of urotensin I, CRF and sauvagine. These results are supportive of the view that urotensin I, or a urotensin I-like peptide, serves as a physiological regulator of ACTH release in teleost fishes.

Primary structures of multiple forms of urotensin II in the urophysis of the carp, Cyprinus carpio

Multiple forms of urotensin II (UII), one of the hormonal peptides of the caudal neurosecretory system of fishes, were purified from the urophyses of the carp, Cyprinus carpio. Three distinct peaks with UII activity (classified as UII-alpha, -beta and -gamma) were separated by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Edman degradation as well as digestion with carboxypeptidase A revealed the primary structures of these peptides as UII-alpha: Gly-Gly-Gly-Ala-Asp-Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys-Val UII-beta: Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn-Thr-Glu-Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys-Val UII-gamma: Gly-Gly-Gly-Ala-Asp-Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys-Ile The results of thin-layer chromatography, HPLC, amino acid analysis, and sequencing indicate that UII-alpha and -gamma are homogeneous. UII-beta appears, however, to be a mixture of two components, differing only at position 2. Thus, in the carp urophysis, four forms of UII appear to be present, although the separation of two components in UII-beta has not been obtained. Sequence of positions 6-11 is common to all forms of UII isolated from the carp, sucker (Catostomus commersoni) and goby (Gillichthys mirabilis).

Ultrastructural demonstration of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and K+-p-nitrophenyl phosphatase (K+-p-NPPase) in the epidermal ionocytes of Blennius sanguinolentus

Cytochemical techniques were used for the light and electron microscopical localization of alkaline phosphatase and potassium-dependent nitrophenyl phosphatase in the epidermal ionocytes of the Teleost Blennius sanguinolentus. The heavier deposition of the reaction products obtained with the different media was shown in the cytoplasmic surface of the labyrinth tubules, the apical vesicles and in intimate association with plasmic membranes. Both plasma membranes and intracellular activities are affected by the addition of specific inhibitors L-p-bromotetramisole oxalate and ouabain) to both complete and control media. The significance of the cytoplasmic localization of both the two enzymes is discussed with reference to current models of transepithelial ion transportation.

Brain stem innervation of the caudal neurosecretory system

The innervation of the caudal neurosecretory system of Poecilia sphenops (black molly) was studied by use of the retrograde horseradish peroxidase (HRP) method. The structure of the caudal neurosecretory system in this species was well suited for application of HRP procedures. Acrylamide/HRP gel implants were placed in the nucleus of the caudal neurosecretory system. Two neuronal groups which contained HRP filled cells were found in the brains tem. Bilateral projections originate from the dorsal tegmentum of the midbrain and the reticular nucleus of the medulla.

Isolation and amino acid sequence of urotensin I, a vasoactive and ACTH-releasing neuropeptide, from the carp (Cyprinus carpio) urophysis

Urotensin I (UI), a 41-residue mammalian hypotensive and fish or mammalian corticotropin-releasing peptide, isolated from 0.1 N HCI extracts of urophyses of the carp (Cyprinus carpio) was purified and the amino acid sequence was determined to be: H-Asn-Asp-Asp-Pro-Pro-Ile-Ser-Ile-Asp-Leu-Thr-Phe-His-Leu-Leu- Arg-Asn-Met-Ile-Glu-Met-Ala-Arg-Asn-Glu-Asn-Gln-Arg-Glu-Gln-Ala-Gly-Leu-Asn-Arg-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asp-Glu-Val-NH2. When the extraction procedure included heating at 100 degrees C for 15 min, UI was cleaved at a highly acid labile Asp-Pro bond to give the fully active UI (4-41). Urotensin I shows close structural and biological homology with the recently isolated ovine hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and the frog skin peptide sauvagine and thus may be considered an evolutionary prototype of unique mammalian-hypotensive and vertebrate corticotropin-releasing factors.

Sodium dependency of active chloride transport across isolated fish skin (Gillichthys mirabilis)

1. The effects of thiocyanate, ouabain, ion-substituted Ringer solution and electrochemical gradients on Na+ and Cl- transport were examined using the isolated skin of the marine teleost, Gillichthys mirabilis. 2. Bilateral replacement of Na+ with choline in the bathing solutions reduces net Cl- flux by 93%, indicating that active Cl- transport by the skin is Na-dependent. 3. Thiocyanate inhibits short-circuit current with an ED50 of 6.4 x 10(-4)M, and, at 10(-2)M, decreases Cl-efflux, influx, net flux and short-circuit current by 68, 33, 74 and 81%, respectively. 4. Ouabain (10(-5)M) reduces Cl- efflux and net flux by 56 and 86%, respectively, indicating that the Cl- transport requires Na,K-ATPase. 5. Subsequent addition of thiocyanate to ouabain-treated skin reduces Cl- efflux, net flux and short-circuit current, suggesting that the two agents operate at different sites involved in Cl- transport. 6. Unilateral substitution of gluconate for Cl- on the serosal side does not affect Cl- influx, indicating that Cl- passive transport is via Fickean diffusion, not Cl-Cl exchange diffusion. 7. The addition of NaCl to the mucosal side, which mimics the in vivo sea-water condition, increases Cl- influx and transepithelial potential and decreases tissue resistance. The net flux (secretion) of Cl- with hypertonic saline on the mucosal side (0.51 +/- 0.06 muequiv/cm2 . hr) demonstrates that the skin could secrete Cl- in vivo. 8. Na+ fluxes across the skin are passive, as the observed flux ration (efflux/influx) is similar to that predicted by the Ussing-Teorell equation under both closed- and open-circuit conditions. 9. The permeability ratio (PNa:PCl) in approximately 5.4:1.0, indicating that the skin is more permeable to Na+, and that at least part of the serosa-positive transepithelial potential may be a Na+ diffusion potential. 10. The results suggest that Cl- secretion by Gillichthys skin is secondary active transport involving Na,K-ATPase and serosal Na+.