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Kovac A, Goss GG. Cellular mechanisms of ion and acid-base regulation in teleost gill ionocytes. J Comp Physiol B 2024:10.1007/s00360-024-01560-6. [PMID: 38761226 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-024-01560-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The mechanism(s) of sodium, chloride and pH regulation in teleost fishes has been the subject of intense interest for researchers over the past 100 years. The primary organ responsible for ionoregulatory homeostasis is the gill, and more specifically, gill ionocytes. Building on the theoretical and experimental research of the past, recent advances in molecular and cellular techniques in the past two decades have allowed for substantial advances in our understanding of mechanisms involved. With an increased diversity of teleost species and environmental conditions being investigated, it has become apparent that there are multiple strategies and mechanisms employed to achieve ion and acid-base homeostasis. This review will cover the historical developments in our understanding of the teleost fish gill, highlight some of the recent advances and conflicting information in our understanding of ionocyte function, and serve to identify areas that require further investigation to improve our understanding of complex cellular and molecular machineries involved in iono- and acid-base regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Kovac
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.
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2
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Lee CE, Charmantier G, Lorin-Nebel C. Mechanisms of Na + uptake from freshwater habitats in animals. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1006113. [PMID: 36388090 PMCID: PMC9644288 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1006113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Life in fresh water is osmotically and energetically challenging for living organisms, requiring increases in ion uptake from dilute environments. However, mechanisms of ion uptake from freshwater environments are still poorly understood and controversial, especially in arthropods, for which several hypothetical models have been proposed based on incomplete data. One compelling model involves the proton pump V-type H+ ATPase (VHA), which energizes the apical membrane, enabling the uptake of Na+ (and other cations) via an unknown Na+ transporter (referred to as the "Wieczorek Exchanger" in insects). What evidence exists for this model of ion uptake and what is this mystery exchanger or channel that cooperates with VHA? We present results from studies that explore this question in crustaceans, insects, and teleost fish. We argue that the Na+/H+ antiporter (NHA) is a likely candidate for the Wieczorek Exchanger in many crustaceans and insects; although, there is no evidence that this is the case for fish. NHA was discovered relatively recently in animals and its functions have not been well characterized. Teleost fish exhibit redundancy of Na+ uptake pathways at the gill level, performed by different ion transporter paralogs in diverse cell types, apparently enabling tolerance of low environmental salinity and various pH levels. We argue that much more research is needed on overall mechanisms of ion uptake from freshwater habitats, especially on NHA and other potential Wieczorek Exchangers. Such insights gained would contribute greatly to our general understanding of ionic regulation in diverse species across habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Eunmi Lee
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Guy Charmantier
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
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3
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Clifford AM, Tresguerres M, Goss GG, Wood CM. A novel K + -dependent Na + uptake mechanism during low pH exposure in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio): New tricks for old dogma. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2022; 234:e13777. [PMID: 34985194 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM To determine whether Na+ uptake in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to acidic water adheres to traditional models reliant on Na+ /H+ Exchangers (NHEs), Na+ channels and Na+ /Cl- Cotransporters (NCCs) or if it occurs through a novel mechanism. METHODS Zebrafish were exposed to control (pH 8.0) or acidic (pH 4.0) water for 0-12 hours during which 22 Na+ uptake ( J Na in ), ammonia excretion, net acidic equivalent flux and net K+ flux ( J H net ) were measured. The involvement of NHEs, Na+ channels, NCCs, K+ -channels and K+ -dependent Na+ /Ca2+ exchangers (NCKXs) was evaluated by exposure to Cl- -free or elevated [K+ ] water, or to pharmacological inhibitors. The presence of NCKXs in gill was examined using RT-PCR. RESULTS J Na in was strongly attenuated by acid exposure, but gradually recovered to control rates. The systematic elimination of each of the traditional models led us to consider K+ as a counter substrate for Na+ uptake during acid exposure. Indeed, elevated environmental [K+ ] inhibited J Na in during acid exposure in a concentration-dependent manner, with near-complete inhibition at 10 mM. Moreover, J H net loss increased approximately fourfold at 8-10 hours of acid exposure which correlated with recovered J Na in in 1:1 fashion, and both J Na in and J H net were sensitive to tetraethylammonium (TEA) during acid exposure. Zebrafish gills expressed mRNA coding for six NCKX isoforms. CONCLUSIONS During acid exposure, zebrafish engage a novel Na+ uptake mechanism that utilizes the outwardly directed K+ gradient as a counter-substrate for Na+ and is sensitive to TEA. NKCXs are promising candidates to mediate this K+ -dependent Na+ uptake, opening new research avenues about Na+ uptake in zebrafish and other acid-tolerant aquatic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M. Clifford
- Department of Zoology University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
- Marine Biology Research Division Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California San Diego La Jolla California USA
| | - Martin Tresguerres
- Marine Biology Research Division Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California San Diego La Jolla California USA
| | - Greg G. Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Chris M. Wood
- Department of Zoology University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
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4
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Chang YM, Zhao XF, Liew HJ, Sun B, Wang SY, Luo L, Zhang LM, Liang LQ. Effects of Bicarbonate Stress on Serum Ions and Gill Transporters in Alkali and Freshwater Forms of Amur Ide ( Leuciscus waleckii). Front Physiol 2021; 12:676096. [PMID: 34594232 PMCID: PMC8476968 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.676096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Amur ide (Leuciscus waleckii) is a fish in the Cyprinidae family. Compared with other Amur ide living in freshwater ecosystems, the Amur ide population in Lake Dali Nor of China is famous for its high tolerance to the alkaline conditions of 54 mM (pH 9.6). Yet, surprisingly, the ionoregulatory mechanism responsible for this remarkable alkaline adaptation remains unclear. Therefore, this study sought to investigate how bicarbonate affects the acid-base balancing and ionoregulatory responses of this animal. Here, using a comparative approach, the alkali form of Amur ide and its ancestral freshwater form living in other freshwater basins were each exposed to 50 mM (pH 9.59 ± 0.09), a level close to the alkalinity of Lake Dali Nor, and their physiological (AE1) adjustment of ions and acid-base regulation were investigated. This study highlighted differences in blood pH and serum ions (e.g., Na+, K+, Cl−, and Ca2+), Na+/K+ ATPase (NKA) activity and its mRNA level, and mRNA expression of gill transporters (Na+/H+ exchanger member 2 and/or 3, Na+/HCO3- cotransporter (NBC1), Cl−/HCO3- exchanger, Na+/Cl− cotransporter (NCC), Na+/K+/2Cl− (NKCC1), SLC26A5, and SLC26A6) for alkalinity adaptation between the two forms of Amur ide differing in alkalinity tolerance. Specifically, close relationships among the serum Na+ and mRNA levels of NCC, NKCC1, and NHE, and also NKA and NBC1, in addition to serum Cl− and bicarbonate transporters (e.g., SLC26A5 and SLC26A6), characterized the alkali form of Amur ide. We propose that this ecotype can ensure its transepithelial Cl− and Na+ uptake/base secretions are highly functional, by its basolateral NKA with NBC1 and apical ionic transporters, and especially NCC incorporated with other transporters (e.g., SLC26). This suggests an evolved strong ability to maintain an ion osmotic and acid-base balance for more effectively facilitating its adaptability to the high alkaline environment. This study provides new insights into the physiological responses of the alkaline form of the Amur ide fish for adapting to extreme alkaline conditions. This information could be used as a reference to cultivating alkaline-tolerant fish species in abandoned alkaline waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Mei Chang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Freshwater Fish Breeding, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Xue Fei Zhao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Freshwater Fish Breeding, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, China.,College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Hon Jung Liew
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Freshwater Fish Breeding, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, China.,Higher Institution of Center Excellence, Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - Bo Sun
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Freshwater Fish Breeding, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Shuang Yi Wang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Freshwater Fish Breeding, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, China.,College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Luo
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Freshwater Fish Breeding, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Li Min Zhang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Freshwater Fish Breeding, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Li Qun Liang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Freshwater Fish Breeding, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, China
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5
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Zimmer AM, Goss GG, Glover CN. Reductionist approaches to the study of ionoregulation in fishes. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 255:110597. [PMID: 33781928 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2021.110597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying ionoregulation in fishes have been studied for nearly a century, and reductionist methods have been applied at all levels of biological organization in this field of research. The complex nature of ionoregulatory systems in fishes makes them ideally suited to reductionist methods and our collective understanding has been dramatically shaped by their use. This review provides an overview of the broad suite of techniques used to elucidate ionoregulatory mechanisms in fishes, from the whole-animal level down to the gene, discussing some of the advantages and disadvantages of these methods. We provide a roadmap for understanding and appreciating the work that has formed the current models of organismal, endocrine, cellular, molecular, and genetic regulation of ion balance in fishes and highlight the contribution that reductionist techniques have made to some of the fundamental leaps forward in the field throughout its history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M Zimmer
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW 405, Biological Sciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW 405, Biological Sciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Chris N Glover
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW 405, Biological Sciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; Faculty of Science and Technology and Athabasca River Basin Research Institute, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3, Canada
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6
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Zimmer AM, Mandic M, Yew HM, Kunert E, Pan YK, Ha J, Kwong RWM, Gilmour KM, Perry SF. Use of a carbonic anhydrase Ca17a knockout to investigate mechanisms of ion uptake in zebrafish ( Danio rerio). Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 320:R55-R68. [PMID: 33085911 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00215.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In fishes, branchial cytosolic carbonic anhydrase (CA) plays an important role in ion and acid-base regulation. The Ca17a isoform in zebrafish (Danio rerio) is expressed abundantly in Na+-absorbing/H+-secreting H+-ATPase-rich (HR) cells. The present study aimed to identify the role of Ca17a in ion and acid-base regulation across life stages using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. However, in preliminary experiments, we established that ca17a knockout is lethal with ca17a-/- mutants exhibiting a significant decrease in survival beginning at ∼12 days postfertilization (dpf) and with no individuals surviving past 19 dpf. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that ca17a-/- mutants would display alterations in ion and acid-base balance and that these physiological disturbances might underlie their early demise. Na+ uptake rates were significantly increased by up to 300% in homozygous mutants compared with wild-type individuals at 4 and 9 dpf; however, whole body Na+ content remained constant. While Cl- uptake was significantly reduced in ca17a-/- mutants, Cl- content was unaffected. Reduction of CA activity by Ca17a morpholino knockdown or ethoxzolamide treatments similarly reduced Cl- uptake, implicating Ca17a in the mechanism of Cl- uptake by larval zebrafish. H+ secretion, O2 consumption, CO2 excretion, and ammonia excretion were generally unaltered in ca17a-/- mutants. In conclusion, while the loss of Ca17a caused marked changes in ion uptake rates, providing strong evidence for a Ca17a-dependent Cl- uptake mechanism, the underlying causes of the lethality of this mutation in zebrafish remain unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M Zimmer
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milica Mandic
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hong Meng Yew
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma Kunert
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yihang K Pan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jimmy Ha
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raymond W M Kwong
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Steve F Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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7
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Shaughnessy CA, Breves JP. Molecular mechanisms of Cl
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transport in fishes: New insights and their evolutionary context. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 335:207-216. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.2428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason P. Breves
- Department of Biology Skidmore College Saratoga Springs New York USA
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8
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Parker JJ, Zimmer AM, Perry SF. Respirometry and cutaneous oxygen flux measurements reveal a negligible aerobic cost of ion regulation in larval zebrafish ( Danio rerio). J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb226753. [PMID: 32709624 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.226753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Fishes living in fresh water counter the passive loss of salts by actively absorbing ions through specialized cells termed ionocytes. Ionocytes contain ATP-dependent transporters and are enriched with mitochondria; therefore ionic regulation is an energy-consuming process. The purpose of this study was to assess the aerobic costs of ion transport in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio). We hypothesized that changes in rates of Na+ uptake evoked by acidic or low Na+ rearing conditions would result in corresponding changes in whole-body oxygen consumption (ṀO2 ) and/or cutaneous oxygen flux (JO2 ), measured at the ionocyte-expressing yolk sac epithelium using the scanning micro-optrode technique (SMOT). Larvae at 4 days post-fertilization (dpf) that were reared under low pH (pH 4) conditions exhibited a higher rate of Na+ uptake compared with fish reared under control conditions (pH 7.6), yet they displayed a lower ṀO2 and no difference in cutaneous JO2 Despite a higher Na+ uptake capacity in larvae reared under low Na+ conditions, there were no differences in ṀO2 and JO2 at 4 dpf. Furthermore, although Na+ uptake was nearly abolished in 2 dpf larvae lacking ionocytes after morpholino knockdown of the ionocyte proliferation regulating transcription factor foxi3a, ṀO2 and JO2 were unaffected. Finally, laser ablation of ionocytes did not affect cutaneous JO2 Thus, we conclude that the aerobic costs of ion uptake by ionocytes in larval zebrafish, at least in the case of Na+, are below detection using whole-body respirometry or cutaneous SMOT scans, providing evidence that ion regulation in zebrafish larvae incurs a low aerobic cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian J Parker
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1N 6N5
| | - Alex M Zimmer
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1N 6N5
| | - Steve F Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1N 6N5
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9
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Zimmer AM, Perry SF. The Rhesus glycoprotein Rhcgb is expendable for ammonia excretion and Na + uptake in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2020; 247:110722. [PMID: 32437959 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.110722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In zebrafish (Danio rerio), the ammonia-transporting Rhesus glycoprotein Rhcgb is implicated in mechanisms of ammonia excretion and Na+ uptake. In particular, Rhcgb is thought to play an important role in maintaining ammonia excretion in response to alkaline conditions and high external ammonia (HEA) exposure, in addition to facilitating Na+ uptake via a functional metabolon with the Na+/H+-exchanger Nhe3b, specifically under low Na+ conditions. In the present study, we hypothesized that CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of rhcgb would reduce ammonia excretion and Na+ uptake capacity, particularly under the conditions listed above that have elicited increases in Rhcgb-mediated ammonia excretion and/or Na+ uptake. Contrary to this hypothesis, however, larval and juvenile rhcgb knockout (KO) mutants showed no reductions in ammonia excretion or Na+ uptake under any of the conditions tested in our study. In fact, under control conditions, rhcgb KO mutants generally displayed an increase in ammonia excretion, potentially due to increased transcript abundance of another rh gene, rhbg. Under alkaline conditions, rhcgb KO mutants were also able to maintain ammonia excretion, similar to wild-type fish, and stimulation of ammonia excretion after HEA exposure also was not affected by rhcgb KO. Surprisingly, ammonia excretion and Na+ uptake were unaffected by rhcgb or nhe3b KO in juvenile zebrafish acclimated to normal (800 μmol/L) or low (10 μmol/L) Na+ conditions. These results demonstrate that Rhcgb is expendable for ammonia excretion and Na+ uptake in zebrafish, highlighting the plasticity and flexibility of these physiological systems in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M Zimmer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Steve F Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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10
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Dave PH, Kwong RWM. Cadmium exposure reduces the density of a specific ionocyte subtype in developing zebrafish. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 244:125535. [PMID: 32050336 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined the effects of waterborne cadmium (Cd) exposure on ionic balance and ionocyte density in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) (0-4 days post-fertilization). Fish exposed to 1 or 10 μg Cd/L exhibited an increase in whole body Cd level. Exposure to 10 μg Cd/L also significantly reduced whole body content of Ca2+, but not other major ions (e.g., Na+, K+ and Mg2+). Such reduction was accompanied by a decrease in the density of Ca2+-transporting ionocytes, the Na+/K+-ATPase-rich cells (NaRCs). However, the densities of other ionocyte subtypes (e.g., Na+-transporting ionocytes) remained unchanged after exposure to 10 μg Cd/L. The potential interactive effects between water chemistry and Cd exposure on ionocyte density were examined further in Cd-exposed larvae acclimated to different water NaCl or Ca2+ levels. The results demonstrated that NaRC density increased in fish acclimated to low Ca2+ water, presumably increasing Ca2+ uptake for maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis. However, Cd exposure completely abolished the increased NaRC density in low water Ca2+ environments. The increased NaRCs over development was also reduced in Cd-exposed larvae. In conclusion, our study suggested that Cd exposure reduces the density of NaRCs and suppresses the compensatory regulation of NaRCs during acclimation to low water Ca2+ level. These inhibitory effects by Cd exposure ultimately disrupt Ca2+ balance in the early life stages of zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti H Dave
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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JavadiEsfahani R, Kwong RWM. The sensory-motor responses to environmental acidosis in larval zebrafish: Influences of neurotransmitter and water chemistry. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 235:383-390. [PMID: 31271998 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.06.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The sensory-motor function in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) following exposure to low water pH was investigated. The results suggested that acid exposure (pH 4.0-5.0; control: pH 7.4) significantly reduced the touch-evoked escape response of larval zebrafish at 3 days post fertilization (dpf). A significant number of pH 4.0-exposed larvae also exhibited a lack of escape response. Treatment with neurotransmitters showed that serotonin or acetylcholine, but not dopamine, reduced the adverse effects of acid exposure on the escape response of larvae. Co-exposure to serotonin and acetylcholine did not further improve the escape response of acid-exposed larvae, suggesting no additive effect by these neurotransmitters. Interestingly, the negative effects of acid exposure on the escape response could be completely rescued by elevating the water levels of Ca2+, but not NaCl. Collectively, these results suggested that acid-induced disruption in Ca2+ balance suppressed the serotonin- and acetylcholine-mediated neuronal signaling, thereby affecting the sensory-motor function and escape response of larval zebrafish. Findings from the present study may have important implication for the survival (e.g., escape from adverse conditions) of larval fish in acid-impacted environments, particularly during early development when they are still incapable of spontaneous swimming.
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12
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Zimmer AM, Shir-Mohammadi K, Kwong RWM, Perry SF. Reassessing the contribution of the Na+/H+ exchanger Nhe3b to Na+ uptake in zebrafish (Danio rerio) using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. J Exp Biol 2019; 223:jeb.215111. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.215111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Freshwater fishes absorb Na+ from their dilute environment using ion-transporting cells. In larval zebrafish (Danio rerio), Na+ uptake is coordinated by (1) Na+/H+-exchanger 3b (Nhe3b) and (2) H+-ATPase-powered electrogenic uptake in H+-ATPase-rich (HR) cells and by (3) Na+-Cl−-cotransporter (Ncc) expressed in NCC cells. The present study aimed to better understand the roles of these 3 proteins in Na+ uptake by larval zebrafish under ‘normal’ (800 µmol/L) and ‘low’ (10 µmol/L) Na+ conditions. We hypothesized that Na+ uptake would be reduced by CRISPR/Cas9 knockout (KO) of slc9a3.2 (encoding Nhe3b), particularly in low Na+ where Nhe3b is believed to play a dominant role. Contrary to this hypothesis, Na+ uptake was sustained in nhe3b KO larvae under both Na+ conditions, which led to the exploration of whether compensatory regulation of H+-ATPase or Ncc was responsible for maintaining Na+ uptake in nhe3b KO larvae. mRNA expression of the genes encoding H+-ATPase and Ncc were not altered in nhe3b KO. Moreover, morpholino knockdown of H+-ATPase, which significantly reduced H+ flux by HR cells, did not reduce Na+ uptake in nhe3b KO larvae, nor did rearing larvae in chloride-free conditions, thereby eliminating any driving force for Na+-Cl−-cotransport via Ncc. Finally, simultaneously treating nhe3b KO larvae with H+-ATPase morpholino and chloride-free conditions did not reduce Na+ uptake under normal or low Na+. These findings highlight the flexibility of the Na+ uptake system and demonstrate that Nhe3b is expendable to Na+ uptake in zebrafish and that our understanding of Na+ uptake mechanisms in this species is incomplete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M. Zimmer
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Steve F. Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Zimmer AM, Dymowska AK, Kumai Y, Goss GG, Perry SF, Kwong RWM. Assessing the role of the acid-sensing ion channel ASIC4b in sodium uptake by larval zebrafish. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2018; 226:1-10. [PMID: 29913320 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Na+ uptake in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) is coordinated by three mechanisms: Na+/H+-exchanger 3b (NHE3b) expressed in H+-ATPase-rich (HR) cells, an unidentified Na+ channel coupled to electrogenic H+-ATPase expressed in HR cells, and Na+-Cl--cotransporter (NCC) expressed in NCC cells. Recently, acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) were proposed to be the putative Na+ channel involved in H+-ATPase-mediated Na+ uptake in adult zebrafish and rainbow trout. In the present study, we hypothesized that ASICs also play this role in Na+ uptake in larval zebrafish. In support of this hypothesis, immunohistochemical analyses revealed that ASIC4b was expressed in HR cells on the yolk sac skin at 4 days post-fertilization (dpf). However, neither treatment with the ASIC-specific blocker 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) nor morpholino knockdown of ASIC4b reduced Na+ uptake in circumneutral conditions at 4 dpf. However, because ASIC4b knockdown led to significant increases in the mRNA expression of nhe3b and ncc and a significant increase in HR cell density, it is possible that Na+ influx was sustained by increased participation of non-ASIC4b pathways. Moreover, when fish were reared in acidic water (pH = 4), ASIC4b knockdown led to a stimulation of Na+ uptake at 3 and 4 dpf, results which also were inconsistent with an essential role for ASIC-mediated Na+ uptake, even under conditions known to constrain Na+ uptake via NHE3b. Thus, while ASIC4b clearly is expressed in HR cells, the current functional experiments cannot confirm its involvement in Na+ uptake in larval zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M Zimmer
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Agnieszka K Dymowska
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; College of Marine Sciences, University of South Florida, Saint Petersburg, USA
| | - Yusuke Kumai
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Steve F Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raymond W M Kwong
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Lewis L, Kwong RWM. Zebrafish as a Model System for Investigating the Compensatory Regulation of Ionic Balance during Metabolic Acidosis. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1087. [PMID: 29621145 PMCID: PMC5979485 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become an important model for integrative physiological research. Zebrafish inhabit a hypo-osmotic environment; to maintain ionic and acid-base homeostasis, they must actively take up ions and secrete acid to the water. The gills in the adult and the skin at larval stage are the primary sites of ionic regulation in zebrafish. The uptake of ions in zebrafish is mediated by specific ion transporting cells termed ionocytes. Similarly, in mammals, ion reabsorption and acid excretion occur in specific cell types in the terminal region of the renal tubules (distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct). Previous studies have suggested that functional regulation of several ion transporters/channels in the zebrafish ionocytes resembles that in the mammalian renal cells. Additionally, several mechanisms involved in regulating the epithelial ion transport during metabolic acidosis are found to be similar between zebrafish and mammals. In this article, we systemically review the similarities and differences in ionic regulation between zebrafish and mammals during metabolic acidosis. We summarize the available information on the regulation of epithelial ion transporters during acidosis, with a focus on epithelial Na⁺, Cl- and Ca2+ transporters in zebrafish ionocytes and mammalian renal cells. We also discuss the neuroendocrine responses to acid exposure, and their potential role in ionic compensation. Finally, we identify several knowledge gaps that would benefit from further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lletta Lewis
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada.
| | - Raymond W M Kwong
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada.
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15
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Brannen M, Gilmour KM. Carbonic anhydrase expression in the branchial ionocytes of rainbow trout. J Exp Biol 2018; 221:jeb.164582. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.164582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to acid-base challenges activate branchial mechanisms for the excretion of acid-base equivalents. Current models of branchial acid-base excretion in freshwater rainbow trout propose two main ionocyte types; the peanut lectin agglutinin-positive (PNA+) mitochondrion-rich cell or ionocyte is believed to secrete HCO3− in exchange for Cl−, whereas H+ secretion is thought to occur across PNA− ionocytes in exchange for Na+. Both HCO3− and H+ are supplied by intracellular hydration of CO2 catalyzed by cytosolic carbonic anhydrase (CAc). Immunohistochemical approaches revealed that under control conditions, CAc was detectable in 92.3±1.0% (N=11) of PNA− ionocytes, and the abundance of PNA− ionocytes increased in response to systemic acidosis elicited by 72 h exposure to water of low pH (nominally pH 4.5), hypercapnia (1% CO2, nominally 7.6 Torr) or hyperoxia (achieved by gassing water with pure O2), as did the abundance of PNA− ionocytes that exhibited immunofluorescence for CAc. However, just 4.3 ± 0.6% (N=11) of PNA+ ionocytes expressed detectable CAc under control conditions. Marked increases in the abundance of CAc-positive PNA+ ionocytes were detected following exposure of trout to a base load via recovery from hypercapnia, or base infusion (72 h infusion with 140 mmol L−1 NaHCO3). The percentage of CAc-positive PNA+ ionocytes also was increased in trout treated with cortisol (10 mg kg−1 hydrocortisone 21-hemisuccinate daily for 7 d). These results suggest that regulation of CA within PNA+ ionocytes and/or the abundance of CAc-positive PNA+ ionocytes plays a role in activating base secretion in response to systemic alkalosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brannen
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Breves JP, Keith PLK, Hunt BL, Pavlosky KK, Inokuchi M, Yamaguchi Y, Lerner DT, Seale AP, Grau EG. clc-2c is regulated by salinity, prolactin and extracellular osmolality in tilapia gill. J Mol Endocrinol 2017; 59:391-402. [PMID: 28974537 PMCID: PMC5660657 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Teleosts inhabiting fresh water (FW) depend upon ion-absorptive ionocytes to counteract diffusive ion losses to the external environment. A Clc Cl- channel family member, Clc-2c, was identified as a conduit for basolateral Cl- transport by Na+/Cl- cotransporter 2 (Ncc2)-expressing ionocytes in stenohaline zebrafish (Danio rerio). It is unresolved whether Clc-2c/clc-2c is expressed in euryhaline species and how extrinsic and/or intrinsic factors modulate branchial clc-2c mRNA. Here, we investigated whether environmental salinity, prolactin (Prl) and osmotic conditions modulate clc-2c expression in euryhaline Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). Branchial clc-2c and ncc2 mRNAs were enhanced in tilapia transferred from seawater (SW) to FW, whereas both mRNAs were attenuated upon transfer from FW to SW. Next, we injected hypophysectomized tilapia with ovine prolactin (oPrl) and observed a marked increase in clc-2c from saline-injected controls. To determine whether Prl regulates clc-2c in a gill-autonomous fashion, we incubated gill filaments in the presence of homologous tilapia Prls (tPrl177 and tPrl188). By 24 h, tPrl188 stimulated clc-2c expression ~5-fold from controls. Finally, filaments incubated in media ranging from 280 to 450 mosmol/kg for 3 and 6 h revealed that extracellular osmolality exerts a local effect on clc-2c expression; clc-2c was diminished by hyperosmotic conditions (450 mosmol/kg) compared with isosmotic controls (330 mosmol/kg). Our collective results suggest that hormonal and osmotic control of branchial clc-2c contributes to the FW adaptability of Mozambique tilapia. Moreover, we identify for the first time a regulatory link between Prl and a Clc Cl- channel in a vertebrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Breves
- Department of BiologySkidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA
| | - Paige L K Keith
- Department of BiologySkidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA
| | - Bethany L Hunt
- Department of BiologySkidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA
| | - K Keano Pavlosky
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine BiologyUniversity of Hawai'i, Kaneohe, Hawaii, USA
| | - Mayu Inokuchi
- Department of Life SciencesToyo University, Itakura, Gunma, Japan
| | - Yoko Yamaguchi
- Department of Biological ScienceShimane University, Matsue, Shimane, Japan
| | - Darren T Lerner
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine BiologyUniversity of Hawai'i, Kaneohe, Hawaii, USA
- Sea Grant College ProgramUniversity of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Andre P Seale
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine BiologyUniversity of Hawai'i, Kaneohe, Hawaii, USA
- Department of Human NutritionFood and Animal Sciences, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - E Gordon Grau
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine BiologyUniversity of Hawai'i, Kaneohe, Hawaii, USA
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