Stimulation of sodium transport and fluid secretion by ouabain in an insect malpighian tubule

Epithelial Function in the Drosophila Malpighian Tubule: An In Vivo Renal Model

The insect renal (Malpighian) tubule has long been a model system for the study of fluid secretion and its neurohormonal control, as well as studies on ion transport mechanisms. To extend these studies beyond the boundaries of classical physiology, a molecular genetic approach together with the 'omics technologies is required. To achieve this in any vertebrate transporting epithelium remains a daunting task, as the genetic tools available are still relatively unsophisticated. Drosophila melanogaster, however, is an outstanding model organism for molecular genetics. Here we describe a technique for fluid secretion assays in the D. melanogaster equivalent of the kidney nephron. The development of this first physiological assay for a Drosophila epithelium, allowing combined approaches of integrative physiology and functional genomics, has now provided biologists with an entirely new model system, the Drosophila Malpighian tubule, which is utilized in multiple fields as diverse as kidney disease research and development of new modes of pest insect control.

The effect of cold acclimation on active ion transport in cricket ionoregulatory tissues

Cold-acclimated insects defend ion and water transport function during cold exposure. We hypothesized that this is achieved via enhanced active transport. The Malpighian tubules and rectum are likely targets for such transport modifications, and recent transcriptomic studies indicate shifts in Na+-K+ ATPase (NKA) and V-ATPase expression in these tissues following cold acclimation. Here we quantify the effect of cold acclimation (one week at 12°C) on active transport in the ionoregulatory organs of adult Gryllus pennsylvanicus field crickets. We compared primary urine production of warm- and cold-acclimated crickets in excised Malpighian tubules via Ramsay assay at a range of temperatures between 4 and 25°C. We then compared NKA and V-ATPase activities in Malpighian tubule and rectal homogenates from warm- and cold-acclimated crickets via NADH-linked photometric assays. Malpighian tubules of cold-acclimated crickets excreted fluid at lower rates at all temperatures compared to warm-acclimated crickets. This reduction in Malpighian tubule excretion rates may be attributed to increased NKA activity that we observed for cold-acclimated crickets, but V-ATPase activity was unchanged. Cold acclimation had no effect on rectal NKA activity at either 21°C or 6°C, and did not modify rectal V-ATPase activity. Our results suggest that an overall reduction, rather than enhancement of active transport in the Malpighian tubules allows crickets to maintain hemolymph water balance during cold exposure, and increased Malpighian tubule NKA activity may help to defend and/or re-establish ion homeostasis.

Early-life inflammation, immune response and ageing

Age-related diseases are often attributed to immunopathology, which results in self-damage caused by an inappropriate inflammatory response. Immunopathology associated with early-life inflammation also appears to cause faster ageing, although we lack direct experimental evidence for this association. To understand the interactions between ageing, inflammation and immunopathology, we used the mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor as a study organism. We hypothesized that phenoloxidase, an important immune effector in insect defence, may impose substantial immunopathological costs by causing tissue damage to Malpighian tubules (MTs; functionally equivalent to the human kidney), in turn accelerating ageing. In support of this hypothesis, we found that RNAi knockdown of phenoloxidase (PO) transcripts in young adults possibly reduced inflammation-induced autoreactive tissue damage to MTs, and increased adult lifespan. Our work thus suggests a causative link between immunopathological costs of early-life inflammation and faster ageing. We also reasoned that if natural selection weakens with age, older individuals should display increased immunopathological costs associated with an immune response. Indeed, we found that while old infected individuals cleared infection faster than young individuals, possibly they also displayed exacerbated immunopathological costs (larger decline in MT function) and higher post-infection mortality. RNAi-mediated knockdown of PO response partially rescued MTs function in older beetles and resulted in increased lifespan after infection. Taken together, our data are consistent with a direct role of immunopathological consequences of immune response during ageing in insects. Our work is also the first report that highlights the pervasive role of tissue damage under diverse contexts of ageing and immune response.

Secretion of Na(+), K(+) and fluid by the Malpighian (renal) tubule of the larval cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The Malpighian (renal) tubules play important roles in ionic and osmotic homeostasis in insects. In Lepidoptera, the Malpighian tubules are structurally regionalized and the concentration of Na(+) and K(+) in the secreted fluid varies depending on the segment of tubule analyzed. In this work, we have characterized fluid and ion (Na(+), K(+), H(+)) transport by tubules of the larval stage of the cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni; we have also evaluated the effects of fluid secretion inhibitors and stimulants on fluid and ion transport. Ramsay assays showed that fluid was secreted by the iliac plexus but not by the yellow and white regions of the tubule. K(+) and Na(+) were secreted by the distal iliac plexus (DIP) and K(+) was reabsorbed in downstream regions. The fluid secretion rate decreased>50% after 25μM bafilomycin A1, 500μM amiloride or 50μM bumetanide was added to the bath. The concentration of K(+) in the secreted fluid did not change, whereas the concentration of Na(+) in the secreted fluid decreased significantly when tubules were exposed to bafilomycin A1 or amiloride. Addition of 500μM cAMP or 1μM 5-HT to the bath stimulated fluid secretion and resulted in a decrease in K(+) concentration in the secreted fluid. An increase in Na(+) concentration in the secreted fluid was observed only in cAMP-stimulated tubules. Secreted fluid pH and the transepithelial electrical potential (TEP) did not change when tubules were stimulated. Taken together, our results show that the secretion of fluid is carried out by the upper regions (DIP) in T. ni Malpighian tubules. Upper regions of the tubules secrete K(+), whereas lower regions reabsorb it. Stimulation of fluid secretion is correlated with a decrease in the K(+)/Na(+) ratio.

Intracellular Na+, K+ and Cl- activities in Acheta domesticus Malpighian tubules and the response to a diuretic kinin neuropeptide

The mechanism of primary urine production and the activity of a diuretic kinin, Achdo-KII, were investigated in malpighian tubules of Acheta domesticus by measuring intracellular Na(+), K(+) and Cl(-) activities, basolateral membrane voltage (V(b)), fluid secretion and transepithelial ion transport. Calculated electrochemical gradients for K(+) and Cl(-) across the basolateral membrane show they are actively transported into principal cells, and basolateral Ba(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels do not contribute to net transepithelial K(+) transport and fluid secretion. A basolateral Cl(-) conductance was revealed after the blockade of K(+) channels with Ba(2+), and a current carried by the passive outward movement of Cl(-) accounts for the hyperpolarization of V(b) in response to Ba(2+). Ion uptake via Na(+)/K(+)/2Cl(-) cotransport, driven by the inwardly directed Na(+) electrochemical gradient, is thermodynamically feasible, and is consistent with the actions of bumetanide, which reduces fluid secretion and both Na(+) and K(+) transport. The Na(+) gradient is maintained by its extrusion across the apical membrane and by a basolateral ouabain-sensitive Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase. Achdo-KII has no significant effect on the intracellular ion activities or V(b). Electrochemical gradients across the apical membrane were estimated from previously published values for the levels of Na(+), K(+) and Cl(-) in the secreted fluid. The electrochemical gradient for Cl(-) favours passive movement into the lumen, but falls towards zero after stimulation by Achdo-KII. This coincides with a twofold increase in Cl(-) transport, which is attributed to the opening of an apical Cl(-) conductance, which depolarises the apical membrane voltage.

The Drosophila NKCC Ncc69 is required for normal renal tubule function

Epithelial ion transport is essential to renal homeostatic function, and it is dysregulated in several diseases, such as hypertension. An understanding of the insect renal (Malpighian) tubule yields insights into conserved epithelial ion transport processes in higher organisms and also has implications for the control of insect infectious disease vectors. Here, we examine the role of the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) (NKCC) cotransporter Ncc69 in Drosophila tubule function. Ncc69 mutant tubules have decreased rates of fluid secretion and K(+) flux, and these phenotypes were rescued by expression of wild-type Ncc69 in the principal cells of the tubule. Na(+) flux was unaltered in Ncc69 mutants, suggesting Na(+) recycling across the basolateral membrane. In unstimulated tubules, the principal role of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase is to generate a favorable electrochemical gradient for Ncc69 activity: while the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase inhibitor ouabain decreased K(+) flux in wild-type tubules, it had no effect in Ncc69 mutant tubules. However, in the presence of cAMP, which stimulates diuresis, additional Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase-dependent K(+) transport pathways are recruited. In studying the effects of capa-1 on wild-type and Ncc69 mutant tubules, we found a novel antidiuretic role for this hormone that is dependent on intact Ncc69, as it was abolished in Ncc69 mutant tubules. Thus, Ncc69 plays an important role in transepithelial ion and fluid transport in the fly renal tubule and is a target for regulation in antidiuretic states.

Recent experiments towards a model for fluid secretion in Rhodnius Upper Malpighian Tubules (UMT)

Three different methods have been used to improve a model for fluid secretion in Upper Malpighian Tubules (UMT) of the blood sucking insect Rhodnius prolixus. (I) In the first, UMT double perfusions in 5th instar Rhodnius were used to measure their fluid secretion rate. They were stimulated to secrete with 5-HT. Double perfusions allowed access separately to the basolateral and the apical cell membranes with pharmacological agents known to block different ion transport functions, namely ATPases, cotransporters and/or countertransporters and ion and water channels: ouabain, bafilomycin A1, furosemide, bumetanide, SITS, acetazolamide, amiloride, DPC, BaCl(2), pCMBS and DTT. The basic assumption is that changes in water movement reflect changes in ion transport mechanisms. (II) Intracellular Na(+) concentrations were measured with a fluorometric method in dissected R. prolixus UMT, under several experimental conditions. (III) ATPase activities were measured in R. prolixus UMT. A tentative model for the function of the UMT cell is presented. We find that (a) at the basolateral cell membrane, fundamental is a Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter; of intermediate importance are the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and a ouabain-insensitive Na(+)-ATPase, ion channels and Rp-MIP water channels. (b) At the apical cell membrane, most important are a V-H(+)-ATPase; and a K(+) and/or Na(+)-H(+) exchanger.

Too much of a good thing: how insects cope with excess ions or toxins in the diet

Much of our understanding of the ionoregulatory and excretory physiology of blood-feeding insects can be traced to a series of papers by Simon Maddrell and colleagues in the 1970s and 1980s. These studies of the Malpighian (renal)tubules of Rhodnius prolixus revealed a number of physiological adaptations to the short-term and long-term stresses associated with blood feeding. More recent electrophysiological studies using voltage- and ion-selective microelectrodes have extended our understanding of the mechanisms and control of ion transport by the secretory and reabsorptive segments of the Rhodnius Malpighian tubule. The discovery that the rates of transport of organic anions, urates and Ca2+ are synchronized to coincide with the appearance of the products of blood meal digestion in the haemolymph of Rhodnius has stimulated parallel studies in Drosophila. This recent research has examined how excretory mechanisms for organic cations and organic anions are altered by exposure to such compounds in the diet. These studies also show that the Drosophila Malpighian tubule provides a useful model for analysis of the roles of transporters such as P-glycoproteins and multidrug resistance-associated proteins in the excretion of toxins.

Insights into the Malpighian tubule from functional genomics

Classical physiological study of the Malpighian tubule has led to a detailed understanding of fluid transport and its control across several species. With the sequencing of the Drosophila genome, and the concurrent development of post-genomic technologies such as microarrays,proteomics, metabolomics and systems biology, completely unexpected roles for the insect Malpighian tubule have emerged. As the insect body plan is simpler than that of mammals, tasks analogous to those performed by multiple mammalian organ systems must be shared out among insect tissues. As well as the classical roles in osmoregulation, the Malpighian tubule is highly specialized for organic solute transport, and for metabolism and detoxification. In Drosophila, the adult Malpighian tubule is the key tissue for defence against insecticides such as DDT; and it can also detect and mount an autonomous defence against bacterial invasion. While it is vital to continue to set insights obtained in Drosophila into the context of work in other species, the combination of post-genomic technologies and physiological validation can provide insights that might not otherwise have been apparent for many years.

Differential actions of diuretic factors on the Malpighian tubules of Rhodnius prolixus

The effects of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-related (ZooneDH), calcitonin (CT)-related (RhoprDH(31)) and kinin-related (leucokinin I) peptides on the ion composition of fluid secreted by upper Rhodnius prolixus Malpighian tubules and on KCl reabsorption by the lower tubules were assessed. ZooneDH stimulated fluid secretion while increasing the [Na(+)] of secreted fluid at the expense of [K(+)]. Upper tubules responded to ZooneDH with a characteristic triphasic change in the transepithelial potential (TEP), reminiscent of the response to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT). RhoprDH(31) produced a small (~9 mV) lumen-positive shift in TEP of the upper tubule but had no effect on the rate of fluid secretion or ion composition of the secreted fluid. In contrast to 5HT, both peptides failed to activate KCl reabsorption by the lower tubule. Leucokinin I had no effect on the ion composition of fluid secreted by whole or upper Malpighian tubules. We propose that: (1) 5HT and a native CRF-related peptide similar to ZooneDH activate the same second messenger systems and ion transporters in the upper tubule cells; (2) CRF-related peptide is utilized to maintain high rates of fluid secretion during the post-feeding diuresis and is additionally used at times when KCl reabsorption is unnecessary or detrimental. The differential actions of multiple diuretic factors allows for intricate control of ionic and osmotic balance in R. prolixus.

The endocrine control of salt balance in insects

An overview is given of the role of Malpighian (renal) tubules and the hindgut (ileum and rectum) in the excretory process of insects. The review focuses on the mechanism of primary urine production by Malpighian tubules and its control by neurohormones, which includes serotonin and neuropeptides resembling mammalian corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and calcitonin. Particular emphasis is given to in vitro studies of the effect of neurohormones on Malpighian tubule ion transport and a consideration of their likely role in the regulation of salt balance in vivo.

A Model for Fluid Secretion in Rhodnius Upper Malpighian Tubules (UMT)

We have measured fluid secretion rate in Rhodnius prolixus upper Malpighian tubules (UMT) stimulated to secrete with 5-OH-tryptamine. We used double perfusions in order to have access separately to the basolateral and to the apical cell membranes. Thirteen pharmacological agents were applied: ouabain, Bafilomycin A(1), furosemide, bumetanide, DIOA, Probenecid, SITS, acetazolamide, amiloride, DPC, BaCl(2), pCMBS and DTT. These agents are known to block different ion transport functions, namely ATPases, co- and/or counter-transporters and ion and water channels. The basic assumption is that water movement changes reflect changes in ion transport mechanisms, which we localize as follows: (i) At the basolateral cell membrane, fundamental are a Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter and a Cl(-)-HCO(3) (-) exchanger; of intermediate importance are the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, Cl(-) channels and Rp-MIP water channels; K(+) channels play a lesser role: (ii) At the apical cell membrane, most important are a K(+)-Cl(-) cotransport that is being located for the first time, a V-H(+)-ATPase; and a Na(+)-H(+) exchanger; a urate-anion exchanger and K(+) channels are less important, while Cl(-) channels are not important at all. A tentative model for the function of the UMT cell is presented.

Resolution of the insect ouabain paradox

Many insects are highly resistant to plant toxins, such as the cardiac glycoside ouabain. How can the epithelia that must handle such toxins, also be refractory to them? In Drosophila, the Malpighian (renal) tubule contains large amounts of Na(+),K(+) ATPase that is known biochemically to be exquisitely sensitive to ouabain, yet the intact tissue is almost unaffected by even extraordinary concentrations. The explanation is that the tubules are protected by an active ouabain transport system, colocated with the Na(+),K(+) ATPase, thus preventing ouabain from reaching inhibitory concentrations within the basolateral infoldings of principal cells. These data show that the Na(+),K(+) ATPase, previously thought to be unimportant, may be as vital in insect tissues as in vertebrates, but can be cryptic to conventional pharmacology.

Expression of an Aedes aegypti cation-chloride cotransporter and its Drosophila homologues

Insects maintain haemolymph homeostasis under different environmental conditions by modulating the concentrations of Na+, K+ and Cl- ions. One group of proteins involved in ion transport across cell membranes consists of cation-chloride cotransporters that form a family of structurally similar proteins. Although much is known about these proteins in mammalian systems, our understanding of them in insects is lacking. The recent sequencing of two insect genomes, Drosophila and Anopheles, enabled us to identify globally members of the family of cation chloride cotransporters in these insects. Using RT-PCR we monitored the transcription of members of this family in development and in several tissues. Our analyses showed that transcription of these genes differ considerably from the ubiquitously and highly expressed CG5594 gene to the almost silent gene CG31547. Comparison of Drosophila CG12773 and its Aedes homologue AaeCG12773 showed that they have similar transcript expression profiles. Immunohistochemical analysis of AaeCG1277 gene expression revealed that it is highly expressed in the gut of larvae and female adults but not in Malpighian tubules. A more detailed analysis showed that this protein is localized predominantly in the basolateral membrane of these tissues. This expression pattern confirmed the results of RT-PCR analysis. We also created a mutant for one of the genes, CG10413, in Drosophila using P-element excision. Analysis of this mutant showed this protein does not appear to be essential for development.

K(+) transport in Malpighian tubules of Tenebrio molitor L: a study of electrochemical gradients and basal K(+) uptake mechanisms

Malpighian tubules of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor were isolated for intracellular measurement of basolateral (V(bl)) and, indirectly, apical (V(ap)) membrane potentials. In control Ringer (50 mmol l(-1) K(+), 140 mmol l(-1) Na(+)), V(bl) was 24 mV, cell negative, and V(ap) was 48 mV, cell negative with reference to the lumen. Ion substitution experiments involving K(+) and Na(+) indicated that both V(bl) and V(ap) were sensitive to the bathing K(+) concentration, with the change in V(ap) being 60-77% that of V(bl). A 10-fold drop in bath [K(+)] irreversibly decreased fluid secretion rates from 6.38+/-0.95 nl x min(-1) (mean +/- S.E.M.) to 1.48+/-0.52 nl x min(-1) (N=8). In the presence of 6 mmol l(-1) Ba(2+), a blocker of basal K(+) channels, fluid secretion rates reversibly decreased and the hyperpolarization of both V(bl) and V(ap) seen in 50 mmol l(-1) and 140 mmol l(-1) K(+) indicated a favourable electrochemical gradient for basal K(+) entry. In 5 mmol l(-1) K(+), Ba(2+) induced two different responses: V(bl) either hyperpolarized by approximately 10 mV or depolarised by approximately 14 mV, according to the electrochemical gradient for K(+), which was either inward or outward in low bath [K(+)]. Rubidium, a 'permeant' potassium substitute, caused a hyperpolarization of V(bl), indicating the specificity of K(+) channels found in Tenebrio tubule cells. Other possible K(+) uptake mechanisms located in the basolateral membrane were investigated. Blocking of the putative electroneutral Na(+)/K(+)/2Cl(-) cotransporter by 10 micromol l(-1) bumetanide reversibly decreased fluid secretion rates, with no detectable change in membrane potentials. Ouabain (1 mmol l(-1)), an Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibitor, irreversibly decreased fluid secretion rates but had no effect on electrical potential differences either in the absence or presence of Ba(2+). The results implicate K(+) channels, the Na(+)/K(+)/2Cl(-) contransporter and the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in basal K(+) and fluid transport of Tenebrio tubule cells.

K(+) transport in Malpighian tubules of Tenebrio molitor L: is a K(ATP) channel involved?

The presence of ATP-regulated K(+) (K(ATP)) channels in Tenebrio molitor Malpighian tubules was investigated by examining the effect of glibenclamide on both fluid secretion and basolateral membrane potentials (V(bl)). Glibenclamide, a K(ATP) channel blocker, slowed fluid secretion of Tenebrio tubules. In low bath K(+) concentration (5 mmol l(-1)), glibenclamide either hyperpolarized or depolarized V(bl), resembling the effect seen with Ba(2+). Subsequent addition of 6 mmol l(-1) Ba(2+) caused a further hyper- or depolarization of V(bl). In control Ringer (50 mmol l(-1) KCl, 90 mmol l(-1) NaCl), glibenclamide had no visible effect on V(bl). The effect of ouabain was investigated in low bath [K(+)] in the presence of Ba(2+). V(bl) responded by a small but significant hyperpolarization from -51+/-4 mV to -56+/-4 mV (n=16, P<0.001) in response to 1 mmol l(-1) ouabain. Repeating the experiments in the presence of both glibenclamide and Ba(2+) resulted in a depolarization of V(bl) when ouabain was added. In low bath [K(+)] (high Na(+)), the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase is expected to function at a high rate. In the presence of Ba(2+), replacing Na(+) by K(+) rapidly depolarized V(bl), but this was followed by a repolarization. Repeating the experiments in the presence of glibenclamide markedly reduced the depolarizing effect and abolished the repolarization, with a gradual decrease in the sensitivity of V(bl) to the surrounding [K(+)]. These results suggest the presence of K(ATP) channels in the basolateral membrane. Glibenclamide had no visible effect on V(bl) in high K(+) or in the absence of Ba(2+), indicating that other highly conductive K(+) channels may mask the effect on K(ATP) channels. This is the first demonstration of the presence of K(ATP) channels in an insect epithelium.

Intracellular ion activities in Malpighian tubule cells ofRhodnius prolixus: evaluation of Na+-K+-2Cl-cotransport across the basolateral membrane

Intracellular ion activities (aion) and basolateral membrane potential (Vbl) were measured in Malpighian tubule cells of Rhodnius prolixus using double-barrelled ion-selective microelectrodes. In saline containing 103mmoll-1Na+, 6mmoll-1 K+ and 93mmoll-1Cl-, intracellular ion activities in unstimulated upper Malpighian tubules were 21, 86 and 32mmoll-1, respectively. In serotonin-stimulated tubules, aCl was unchanged, whereas aNa increased to 33mmoll-1 and aK declined to 71mmoll-1. Vbl was -59mV and -63mV for unstimulated and stimulated tubules, respectively. Calculated electrochemical potentials(Δμ/F) favour passive movement of Na+ into the cell and passive movement of Cl- out of the cell in both unstimulated and serotonin-stimulated tubules. Passive movement of K+ out of the cell is favoured in unstimulated tubules. In stimulated tubules, Δμ/F for K+ is close to 0 mV.

The thermodynamic feasibilities of Na+-K+-2Cl-, Na+-Cl-and K+-Cl- cotransporters were evaluated by calculating the net electrochemical potential (Δμnet/F) for each transporter. Our results show that a Na+-K+-2Cl- or a Na+-Cl- cotransporter but not a K+-Cl- cotransporter would permit the movement of ions into the cell in stimulated tubules. The effects of Ba2+ and ouabain on Vbl and rates of fluid and ion secretion show that net entry of K+ through ion channels or the Na+/K+-ATPase can be ruled out in stimulated tubules. Maintenance of intracellular Cl- activity was dependent upon the presence of both Na+ and K+ in the bathing saline. Bumetanide reduced the fluxes of both Na+ and K+. Taken together, the results support the involvement of a basolateral Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter in serotonin-stimulated fluid secretion by Rhodnius prolixus Malpighian tubules.

Energizing epithelial transport with the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase

The Ussing model has long provided the conceptual foundation for understanding epithelial transport mechanisms energized by the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase. Plasma membranes may also use the vacuolar (V-type) H(+)-ATPase as the primary energy source of membrane and epithelial transport. A pure electrogenic pump, the V-type H(+)-ATPase energizes not only membranes it inhabits but also other transport pathways via electrical coupling.

Sodium pumps in the Malpighian tubule of Rhodnius sp

Malpighian tubule of Rhodnius sp. express two sodium pumps: the classical ouabain-sensitive (Na+ + K+)ATPase and an ouabain-insensitive, furosemide-sensitive Na+-ATPase. In insects, 5-hydroxitryptamine is a diuretic hormone released during meals. It inhibits the (Na+ + K+)ATPase and Na+ -ATPase activities indicating that these enzymes are involved in fluid secretion. Furthermore, in Rhodnius neglectus, proximal cells of Malpighian tubule exposed to hyperosmotic medium, regulate their volume through a mechanism called regulatory volume increase. This regulatory response involves inhibition of the (Na+ + K+)ATPase activity that could lead to accumulation of active osmotic solute inside the cell, influx of water and return to the normal cell volume. Adenosine, a compound produced in stress conditions, also inhibits the (Na+ + K+)ATPase activity. Taken together these data indicate that (Na+ + K+)ATPase is a target of the regulatory mechanisms of water and ions transport responsible for homeostasis in Rhodnius sp.

Adenosine modulates the (Na(+)+K(+))ATPase activity in malpighian tubules isolated from Rhodnius prolixus

The role of adenosine on regulation of the (Na(+)+K(+))ATPase activity present in the Malpighian tubules isolated from Rhodnius prolixus was investigated. Adenosine decreases the (Na(+)+K(+)) ATPase specific activity by 88%, in a dose-dependent manner, with maximal effect at a concentration of 10(-9) M. This effect was mimicked by N(6)-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) at 10(-8) M, an agonist for A(1) adenosine receptor, and was reversed by 10(-9) M 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), an antagonist for A(1) adenosine receptor. On the other hand, 5'-N-ethyl-carboxamide adenosine (NECA), an agonist for A(2) adenosine receptor, used in the range of 10(-9)-10(-5) M, did not change the (Na(+)+K(+))ATPase specific activity. In the same way, 10(-8) M 3, 7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX), an antagonist for A(2) adenosine receptor, did not modify the inhibitory effect of adenosine. These data suggest that the inhibitory effect of adenosine on the (Na(+)+K(+))ATPase specific activity present in Malpighian tubules from Rhodnius prolixus is mediated by A(1) adenosine receptor activation. Arch.

Contributions of K+:Cl- cotransport and Na+/K+-ATPase to basolateral ion transport in malpighian tubules of Drosophila melanogaster

Mechanisms of Na+ and K+ transport across the basolateral membrane of isolated Malpighian tubules of Drosophila melanogaster were studied by examining the effects of ion substitution and putative inhibitors of specific ion transporters on fluid secretion rates, basolateral membrane potential and secreted fluid cation composition. Inhibition of fluid secretion by [(dihydroindenyl)oxy]alkanoic acid (DIOA) and bumetanide (10(-)4 mol l-1) suggested that a K+:Cl- cotransporter is the main route for K+ entry into the principal cells of the tubules. Differences in the effects of bumetanide on fluxes of K+ and Na+ are inconsistent with effects upon a basolateral Na+:K+:2Cl- cotransporter. Large differences in electrical potential across apical (>100 mV, lumen positive) and basolateral (<60 mV, cell negative) cell membranes suggest that a favourable electrochemical gradient for Cl- entry into the cell may be used to drive K+ into the cell against its electrochemical gradient, via a DIOA-sensitive K+:Cl- cotransporter. A Na+/K+-ATPase was also present in the basolateral membrane of the Malpighian tubules. Addition of 10(-)5 to 10(-)3 mol l-1 ouabain to unstimulated tubules depolarized the basolateral potential, increased the Na+ concentration of the secreted fluid by 50-73 % and increased the fluid secretion rate by 10-19 %, consistent with an increased availability of intracellular Na+. We suggest that an apical vacuolar-type H+-ATPase and a basolateral Na+/K+-ATPase are both stimulated by cyclic AMP. In cyclic-AMP-stimulated tubules, K+ entry is stimulated by the increase in the apical membrane potential, which drives K+:Cl- cotransport at a faster rate, and by the stimulation of the Na+/K+-ATPase. Fluid secretion by cyclic-AMP-stimulated tubules was reduced by 26 % in the presence of ouabain, suggesting that the Na+/K+-ATPase plays a minor role in K+ entry into the tubule cells. Malpighian tubules secreted a Na+-rich (150 mmol l-1) fluid at high rates when bathed in K+-free amino-acid-replete saline (AARS). Secretion in K+-free AARS was inhibited by amiloride and bafilomycin A1, but not by bumetanide or hydrochlorothiazide, which inhibit Na+:Cl- cotransport. There was no evidence for a Na+ conductance in the basolateral membrane of unstimulated or cyclic-AMP-stimulated tubules. Possible mechanisms of Na+ entry into the tubule cells include cotransport with organic solutes such as amino acids and glucose.

Insect Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase

Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (sodium/potassium pump) is a P-type ion-motive ATPase found in the plasma membranes of animal cels. In vertebrates, the functions of this enzyme in nerves, heart and kidney are well characterized and characteristics a defined by different isoforms. In contrast, despite different tissue distributions, insects possess a single isoform of the alpha-subunit. A comparison of insect and vertebrate Na(+)/K(+)-ATPases reveals that although the mode of action and structure are very highly conserved, the specific roles of the enzyme in most tissues varies. However, the enzyme is essential for the function of nerve cells, and in this respect Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase appears to be fundamental in metazoan evolution.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the B subunit of a vacuolar H(+)-ATPase from the midgut and Malpighian tubules of Helicoverpa virescens

Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) a 0.8-kb product was amplified from cDNA made from the midgut and Malpighian tubules of fifth instar larvae of Helicoverpa virescens. This 0.8-kb PCR product was then used to isolate a clone of the B subunit of the V-type ATPase from a cDNA library made from the same tissues. The cDNA clone encodes for a protein of 55 kDa which shows very high amino acid homology to other known B subunits of V-type ATPases. The transcript size of the B subunit in the midgut of H. virescens was 2.3 kb, and a transcript of identical size was also detected in the Malpighian tubules. Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of a homologous transcript of 2.6 kb in the midgut of Manduca sexta and PCR analysis also confirmed the presence of such a transcript in the Malpighian tubules and the nervous system of M. sexta, and in the midgut Malpighian tubules of Culex quinquefasciatus. The presence of the V-type ATPase in the Malpighian tubules of lepidopteran insects suggests that the transport of ions across the cell membrane in this tissue is also probably driven by a similar process as that observed in the midgut of these insects.