The transCampus Metabolic Training Programme Explores the Link of SARS-CoV-2 Virus to Metabolic Disease

Currently, we are experiencing a true pandemic of a communicable disease by the virus SARS-CoV-2 holding the whole world firmly in its grasp. Amazingly and unfortunately, this virus uses a metabolic and endocrine pathway via ACE2 to enter our cells causing damage and disease. Our international research training programme funded by the German Research Foundation has a clear mission to train the best students wherever they may come from to learn to tackle the enormous challenges of diabetes and its complications for our society. A modern training programme in diabetes and metabolism does not only involve a thorough understanding of classical physiology, biology and clinical diabetology but has to bring together an interdisciplinary team. With the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic, this prestigious and unique metabolic training programme is facing new challenges but also new opportunities. The consortium of the training programme has recognized early on the need for a guidance and for practical recommendations to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic for the community of patients with metabolic disease, obesity and diabetes. This involves the optimal management from surgical obesity programmes to medications and insulin replacement. We also established a global registry analyzing the dimension and role of metabolic disease including new onset diabetes potentially triggered by the virus. We have involved experts of infectious disease and virology to our faculty with this metabolic training programme to offer the full breadth and scope of expertise needed to meet these scientific challenges. We have all learned that this pandemic does not respect or heed any national borders and that we have to work together as a global community. We believe that this transCampus metabolic training programme provides a prime example how an international team of established experts in the field of metabolism can work together with students from all over the world to address a new pandemic.

Zinc uptake in fish intestinal epithelial model RTgutGC: Impact of media ion composition and methionine chelation

Apical uptake of zinc as ionic Zn(II) or as Zn-methionine (Zn-Met) was studied in RTgutGC cell line in vitro under media compositions mirroring the gut luminal ionic concentration of freshwater (FW) and seawater (SW) acclimated salmonids. Viability of the RTgutGC cells exposed to experimental media preparations showed a time-dependent decrease in SW treated cells, with the effect being significant at 48 h (P < 0.01), but not at 12 h or 24 h. Half effective concentration of Zn exposure over 12 h (EC₅₀, in μM) was not differentially affected by media composition (FW, 59.7 ± 12.1 or SW, 83.2 ± 7.2; mean ± SE, P = 0.43). Zinc (⁶⁵Zn) influx in RTgutGC was not different between FW or SW treated cells, but increased significantly in the presence of methionine (2 mM, L-Met or DL-Met). An interaction effect was observed between Zn concentration and media ionic composition on the impact of Met on apical Zn uptake (L-met, P < 0.001; DL-met, P = 0.02). In the presence of Met, apical Zn uptake in SW medium was significantly lower compared to FW, but only at higher Zn concentrations (12 and 25 μM, P < 0.01). Further, Met facilitated Zn uptake was reduced in cells treated with an amino acid transport system blocker with the effect being more significant and stereospecific in SW ionic conditions. The findings of this study showed that (i) Zn speciation in the presence of Met improved apical Zn uptake in RTgutGC cells and Zn-Met species were possibly taken up through Met uptake system. (ii) The effect was differentially affected by the ionic composition of the medium. Implications and limitations of the observations towards practical Zn nutrition of salmonids are discussed.

Multiphoton luminescence imaging of chemically functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in cells and solid tumors

A simplified scheme showing the non-linear photoluminescence properties of f-MWNTs and their potential use as imaging tools in cells and tumors.

Cerebral gene expression and neurobehavioural responses in mice pups exposed to methylmercury and docosahexaenoic acid through the maternal diet

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental neurotoxicant with adverse effects particularly noted in the developing brain. The main source of MeHg exposure is seafood. However, fish is also an important source of n-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which has neuroprotective effects, and which plays an important role during the prenatal development of the central nervous system. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of DHA and MeHg individually, and in combination, on development using accumulation, behavioural and transcriptomic endpoints in a mammalian model. Analyses were performed on 15 day old mice which had been exposed to varying levels of DHA (8 or 24 mg/kg) and/or MeHg (4 mg/kg) throughout development via the maternal diet. Supplementation of the maternal diet with DHA reduced MeHg accumulation in the brain. An accelerated development of grasping reflex was seen in mice offspring in the 'MeHg+high DHA' group when compared to 'MeHg' and 'control'. Exposure to MeHg and DHA had an impact on cerebral gene expression as assessed by microarray and qPCR analysis. The results from the present study show the potential of DHA for alleviating toxicity caused by MeHg. This information may contribute towards refining risk/benefit assessment of seafood consumption and may enhance understanding of discrepancies between epidemiological studies of MeHg neurodevelopmental toxicity.

Cadmium bound to metal rich granules and exoskeleton from Gammarus pulex causes increased gut lipid peroxidation in zebrafish following single dietary exposure

There has been a growing interest in establishing how the sub-cellular distribution of metals in macro-invertebrate prey affects metal trophic bioavailability and toxicity. In this study, the crustacean Gammarus pulex was exposed to 300mugCdl(-1) spiked with (109)Cd for 13 days, from which the two principal metal containing sub-cellular fractions, the metallothionein-like protein (MTLP) and the metal rich granule and exoskeleton (MRG+exo) were isolated. These fractions were produced at equal metal content, incorporated into gelatin and fed to zebrafish as a single meal; assimilation efficiency (AE), carcass and gut tissue metal concentrations and gut lipid peroxidative damage measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. The AE of cadmium bound to the MTLP fraction was 32.1+/-5.6% which was significantly greater than the AE of MRG+exo bound Cd, 13.0+/-2.1% (p<0.05). Of the metal retained by the fish at 72h post-feeding, 94% of MTLP-Cd had been incorporated into the carcass, whereas a significant proportion (46%) of MRG+exo-Cd, although assimilated, appeared to remain associated with intestinal tissue. However, this did not translate into a gut tissue concentration difference with 6.8+/-1.2ngCdg(-1) in fish fed MTLP-Cd compared to 9.5+/-1.4ngCdg(-1) in fish fed MRG+exo fraction. Both feeds led to significantly increased MDA levels compared to the control group (gelatin only feed), but MRG+exo feed caused significantly more oxidative damage than the MTLP feed (p<0.01). Thus, MTLP-Cd is more bioavailable than the cadmium bound to granules and exoskeleton, but it was the latter fraction, largely considered as having limited bioavailability, that appeared to exert a greater localised oxidative injury to the digestive tract of zebrafish.

Bicarbonate secretion plays a role in chloride and water absorption of the European flounder intestine

Experiments performed on isolated intestinal segments from the marine teleost fish, the European flounder (Platichthys flesus), revealed that the intestinal epithelium is capable of secondary active HCO3(-) secretion in the order of 0.2-0.3 micromol x cm(-2) x h(-1) against apparent electrochemical gradient. The HCO3(-) secretion occurs via anion exchange, is dependent on mucosal Cl(-), results in very high mucosal HCO3(-) concentrations, and contributes significantly to Cl(-) and fluid absorption. This present study was conducted under in vivo-like conditions, with mucosal saline resembling intestinal fluids in vivo. These conditions result in a transepithelial potential of -16.2 mV (serosal side negative), which is very different from the -2.2 mV observed under symmetrical conditions. Under these conditions, we found a significant part of the HCO3(-) secretion is fueled by endogenous epithelial CO2 hydration mediated by carbonic anhydrase because acetazolamide (10(-4) M) was found to inhibit HCO3(-) secretion and removal of serosal CO(2) was found not to influence HCO3(-) secretion. Reversal of the epithelial electrochemical gradient for Cl(-) (removal of serosal Cl(-)) and elevation of serosal HCO3(-) resulted in enhanced HCO3(-) secretion and enhanced Cl(-) and fluid absorption. Cl(-) absorption via an anion exchange system appears to partly drive fluid absorption across the intestine in the absence of net Na(+) absorption.

Physiology and endocrinology of zinc accumulation during the female squirrelfish reproductive cycle

Females of the squirrelfish family (Holocentridae) accumulate higher levels of hepatic zinc than any other studied animal. This accumulation is accompanied by high expression of the zinc-binding protein, metallothionein (MT), and is strongly correlated to the onset of sexual maturity. In an attempt to further characterize the timeframe of this accumulation, and to possibly discern any potential mediators, we examined the physiology and endocrinology of the yearly reproductive cycle of mature female squirrelfish. There are two separate reproductive events during the year in December-January and again in March-April, as evidenced by peaks in ovarian growth, VTG production, steroid levels, zinc accumulation and redistribution. Increased hepatic zinc seems to be preceded by a necessary increase in MT, but this was not clearly correlated to plasma 17beta-estradiol, testosterone, or progesterone levels. The plasma zinc protein vitellogenin (VTG) is one, but probably not the predominant, vehicle for the transport of hepatic zinc to the ovary.

Derivation of a toxicity-based model to predict how water chemistry influences silver toxicity to invertebrates

The effect of altering water chemistry on acute silver toxicity to three invertebrate species, two Daphnids, Daphnia magna and Daphnia pulex, as well as an amphipod Gammarus pulex was assessed. In addition, the physiological basis of Ag(I) toxicity to G. pulex was examined. Daphnia magna and D. pulex were more sensitive than G. pulex and 48 h LC(50) values in synthetic ion poor water were 0.47, 0.65 and 2.1 microg Ag(I) l(-1), respectively. Increasing water [Cl(-)] reduced Ag(I) toxicity in all species, and increasing water [Ca(2+)] from 50 to 1,500 microM reduced Ag(I) toxicity in G. pulex. Whole body Na(+) content, but not K(+) or Ca(2+) was significantly reduced in G. pulex exposed to 6 microg Ag(I) l(-1) for 24 h, but there was no inhibition of whole body Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity. Both increasing water [Cl(-)] and [Ca(2+)] reduced this Ag(I)-induced Na(+) loss. For D. magna, the presence of 10 mg l(-1) humic acid or 0.5 microM 3-mercaptoproprionic acid (3-MPA) increased the 48 h LC(50) values by 5.9 and 58.5-fold, respectively, and for D. pulex the presence of 1 microM thiosulfate increased the 48 h LC(50) value by four-fold. The D. magna toxicity data generated from this study were used to derive a Daphnia biotic ligand model (BLM). Analysis of the measured LC(50) values vs. the predicted LC(50) values for toxicity data from the present and published results where water Cl(-), Ca(2+), Na(+) or humic acid were varied showed that 91% of the measured toxicity data fell within a factor of two of the predicted LC(50) values. However, the daphnid BLM could not accurately predict G. pulex toxicity. Additionally, the Daphnia BLM was under-protective in the presence of the organic thiols 3-MPA or thiosulphate and predicted an increase in the LC(50) value of 114- and 74-fold, respectively. The Daphnia toxicity based BLM derived from the present data set is successful in predicting Daphnia toxicity in laboratory data sets in the absence of sulfur containing compounds, but shows its limitations when applied to waters containing organic thiols or thiosulphate.

Binding and movement of silver in the intestinal epithelium of a marine teleost fish, the European flounder (Platichthys flesus)

The intestine has been indicated as a site of waterborne silver toxicity in marine fish and chronic effects at the intestine have been observed at concentrations far below acutely toxic level. Thus, models of silver toxicity to marine fish need to consider the intestine as a biotic ligand. The present study characterises binding of silver to the intestine of the European flounder (Platichthys flesus). Everted intestinal sacks were prepared and submersed in a solution mimicking the intestinal fluid of the fish at the acclimation salinity (21 per thousand). Silver was added as (110m)AgNO(3) or (110m)AgNO(3)/AgNO(3) mixtures at concentrations ranging from 1.6 to 950 nM total silver. Appearance of (110m)Ag was analysed in mucosal scrapings, muscle layers, and in the plasma saline on the serosal side of the intestine. The latter represented uptake into blood and other extra-intestinal compartments. Mucosal scrapings consisted of both epithelial cells and mucus and, thus contained adsorbed as well as absorbed silver. Most of the silver in mucosal scrapings was bound to mucus. There was no difference in silver binding between the anterior, mid, and posterior regions of the intestine. Concentration-dependency of silver binding was sigmoidal and saturated above 100 nM total silver. The saturable appearance of (110m)Ag in the plasma saline suggest that silver passage across the intestine is transcellular and carrier mediated. Mucus likely influences uptake of silver by altering its speciation from that in the lumen and by serving as physical barrier for silver binding to the brushborder membrane. A biotic ligand model for marine fish to silver may have to consider these interactions.

Intestinal iron uptake in the European flounder (Platichthys flesus)

Iron is an essential element because it is a key constituent of the metalloproteins involved in cellular respiration and oxygen transport. There is no known regulated excretory mechanism for iron, and homeostasis is tightly controlled via its uptake from the diet. This study assessed in vivo intestinal iron uptake and in vitro iron absorption in a marine teleost, the European flounder Platichthys flesus. Ferric iron, in the form 59FeCl3, was reduced to Fe2+ by ascorbate, and the bioavailability of Fe3+ and Fe2+ were compared. In vivo Fe2+ uptake was significantly greater than Fe3+ uptake and was reduced by the iron chelator desferrioxamine. Fe2+ was also more bioavailable than Fe3+ in in vitro studies that assessed the temporal pattern and concentration-dependency of iron absorption. The posterior region, when compared with the anterior and mid regions of the intestine, was the preferential site for Fe2+ uptake in vivo. In vitro iron absorption was upregulated in the posterior intestine in response to prior haemoglobin depletion of the fish, and the transport showed a Q10 value of 1.94. Iron absorption in the other segments of the intestine did not correlate with haematocrit, and Q10 values were lower. Manipulation of the luminal pH had no effect on in vitro iron absorption. The present study demonstrates that a marine teleost absorbs Fe2+ preferentially in the posterior intestine. This occurs in spite of extremely high luminal bicarbonate concentrations recorded in vivo, which may be expected to reduce the bioavailability of divalent cations as a result of the precipitation as carbonates (e.g. FeCO3).

Tissue-specific cadmium accumulation, metallothionein induction, and tissue zinc and copper levels during chronic sublethal cadmium exposure in juvenile rainbow trout

Juvenile rainbow trout, on 3% of body weight daily ration, were exposed to 0 (control) or 3 microg/L Cd (as Cd(NO3)2*4H2O) in moderately hard (140 mg/L as CaCO3), alkaline (95 mg/L as CaCO3, pH 8.0) water for 30 days. Particular attention focused on Cd burden in tissues (gills, liver, kidney, and whole body) and induction of metallothionein (MT) in gills, liver, and kidney during chronic Cd exposure. Mortality in Cd-exposed fish was minimal ( approximately 10%), and no growth effects occurred over the 30-day exposure. Cd accumulated in a time-dependent fashion to 9 times (gills), 3 times (liver), 20 times (kidney), 2 times (carcass), and 2 times (whole body) control levels by 30 days; absolute concentrations were in the order kidney > gill > liver > whole body > carcass. Tissue (gills, liver, and kidney) Zn and Cu burdens were not altered by chronic exposure to 3 microg/L Cd. MT concentrations in all tissues increased over the 30 days of Cd exposure, but the increases were much less than those of Cd on a molar binding site basis. Absolute MT concentrations were in the order liver > kidney > gill, but relative increases were greatest in kidney (fourfold), followed by gills (twofold) and liver (1.3-fold). MT levels were sufficient to bind all Cd in gill, liver, and kidney under control conditions, and after chronic Cd exposure remained sufficient in liver and kidney, but not in gills. Total metal levels (Cd + Zn + Cu) greatly exceeded MT binding capacity in all tissues under all conditions.

The physiological effects of a biologically incorporated silver diet on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Silver was biologically incorporated into a diet by exposing rainbow trout for 7 days to 100 mg/l of waterborne silver as silver thiosulphate. These fish were processed into a fine powder (trout meal) and pelleted to form a nutritionally balanced feed which was then fed to juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish were fed either a diet containing 3.1 microg/g biologically incorporated silver (an environmentally relevant concentration), or one of three control diets containing approximately 0.05 microg/g Ag for 128 days. All dietary treatments were fed to satiation once daily. Dietary silver did not significantly affect mortality, growth, food consumption, or food conversion efficiency. Furthermore, ion regulation (plasma Na(+) levels and Na(+) influx rates), hematological parameters (hematocrit, plasma protein, hemoglobin levels), plasma glucose, metabolism (oxygen consumption, ammonia and urea excretion rates) and intestinal Na/K-ATPase and amylase activities were all unaffected. Based on the physiological parameters investigated here, this dietary silver exposure appeared to be physiologically benign to rainbow trout. However, silver concentrations in the livers of the silver-fed fish were significantly elevated at day 16, and reached a steady-state level of approximately 20 microg/g Ag by day 36. The concentration specific accumulation rate in the livers of fish fed biologically incorporated silver was about 4.6 orders of magnitude greater than when fed dietary silver sulfide, indicating much greater bioavailability. Despite this increase, hepatic metallothionein concentrations remained unchanged, in contrast to waterborne exposures, indicating that bioaccumulated silver behaves differently depending on whether it is taken up from the diet or from the water. Apart from a significant reduction in hepatic Cu at day 16, liver concentrations of Cu and Zn were not affected by dietary silver. Silver concentrations were also significantly elevated (relative to control fish) in the kidneys of the silver-treated fish on days 88 and 126, and in the gills and plasma at day 126.

Acute and chronic physiological effects of silver exposure in three marine teleosts

This study evaluated the physiological effects of waterborne silver (added as AgNO(3)) on seawater fish, using acute (48-72 h) high level exposures (250-650 microg/l Ag) on tidepool sculpins (Oligocottus maculosus), and chronic (up to 21 day) low level exposures (1.5-50 microg/l Ag) on tidepool sculpins, plainfin midshipmen (Porichthys notatus), and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Sculpins were tested at different salinities. Acclimation to lower salinity (18 vs 30 ppt) led to altered physiology, with higher ammonia excretion (J(Amm)), lower oxygen consumption, and lower branchial and intestinal Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activities, but no difference in drinking rate. Short-term exposure to high silver levels tended to stimulate M(O(2)), J(Amm), and drinking rate. However, long-term exposure to low levels of silver depressed both J(Amm) and M(O(2)), and also led to decreased drinking rates. Both inhibition and stimulation of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity occurred, dependent upon length and concentration of exposure, salinity (18 vs 30 ppt), tissue (gill vs intestine), and fish species (sculpin vs midshipmen vs rainbow trout). While the effects were variable, due to differing balances between inhibitory and compensatory responses, chronic silver exposure significantly altered Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity levels in almost all tests. In total, these findings reinforce the view that intestinal osmoregulatory function (drinking, Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity) is an important site of toxic impact for waterborne silver, that gill Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity is also a site of impact, and that chronic exposures at silver concentrations (1.5, 14.5 microg/l Ag) close to current or proposed water quality guidelines (albeit much higher than normal environmental levels), exert a variety of sublethal effects on marine teleosts.

Effects of 17 beta-estradiol on levels and distribution of metallothionein and zinc in squirrelfish

Females of the squirrelfish family (Holocentridae) accumulate higher levels of zinc in the liver than any other known animal. This zinc accumulation is made possible by high expression of the zinc-binding protein, metallothionein (MT). In the present study, the squirrelfish (Holocentrus ascensionis) MT cDNA was cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence was very similar to other teleost MT. The role of estrogens on zinc metabolism was investigated by injecting male and immature female squirrelfish with 17 beta-estradiol (E(2)). E(2) treatment triggered transient increases in plasma zinc and vitellogenin (VTG) levels, and both of these variables showed very similar time courses. These results suggest that E(2) is responsible for the large hepatoovarian translocation of zinc observed in female squirrelfish and that VTG might be a vehicle for zinc. E(2) did not directly alter the levels of zinc or MT mRNA in the liver. However, the hepatic MT protein concentration increased differentially in the nuclear fraction. Thus E(2) is probably responsible for the association of MT with the nuclear fraction previously observed in untreated mature female squirrelfish.

Effects of copper on cortisol receptor and metallothionein expression in gills of Oncorhynchus mykiss

Effects of waterborne Cu (2.4 microM) on the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and metallothionein (MT) in the branchial epithelium of freshwater rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was studied by immunocytochemistry. After 5 days of Cu exposure, the number of GR-immunoreactive (GR-ir) cells in the gill epithelium had decreased, whereas the number of MT-ir cells had increased. Localization of GR in chloride cells was achieved by double staining for Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase; other cell types were identified on the basis of their topology. GRs were present in the chloride cells in both the filaments and lamellae, in respiratory cells in the lamellae, in pavement cells, basal layer cells and undifferentiated cells in the filaments. Co-localization of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and MT revealed chat MT was expressed in chloride cells, both in filaments and lamellae. Occasionally, MT immunoreactivity was found in pavement cells and in undifferentiated cells. By double staining for Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and GR, for Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and MT and for GR and MT, we can conclude that after 5 days of Cu stress there are chloride cells that express GR and MT, GR or MT alone or neither of the two proteins. This apparent functional heterogeneity of branchial chloride cells may reflect a limited window when chloride cell subpopulations show an adaptive response to Cu.

A nose-to-nose comparison of the physiological effects of exposure to ionic silver versus silver chloride in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Physiological mechanisms of silver toxicity (as silver nitrate) to the sensitive rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (96 h LC50: 10.2 µg silver l(-1), in soft, low chloride water) and the more tolerant European eel (Anguilla anguilla)(96 h LC50: 34.4 µg silver l(-1), in the same water) were investigated during acute exposure to silver, using concentrations varying from 3 to 22 µg silver l(-1). Silver was present either predominantly in the form of ionic silver, or in the form of silver chloride complexes (AgCl(aq)). Inhibition of the branchial Na(+),K(+)-ATPase enzyme activity and the active influx of Na(+) leading to net Na(+) loss were the key toxic effect in both species. In the rainbow trout, but not in the European eel, Cl(-) influx was also impaired during silver exposure. However, even under control conditions, Cl(-) influx was negligible in the eel. Water Cl(-) clearly protected against the silver-induced physiological disturbance in rainbow trout, presumably by changing the speciation of silver from ionic silver to AgCl complexes. However, such a protective effect was not observed in the European eel. Differences in whole body Na(+) turnover rates between the two species (1.1% per day in the European eel versus 19% per day in the rainbow trout) together with the lack of effect of silver exposure on Cl(-) homeostasis in the European eel are hypothesized to be the main reasons for the different silver tolerance observed in the two species.

Physiology of acute silver toxicity in the starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) in seawater

Physiological effects of exposure to silver (AgClnn-1; 250 micrograms Ag l-1 or 1000 micrograms Ag l-1) in seawater fish were investigated using adult starry flounders. While all fish survived up to 10 days in 250 micrograms Ag l-1, flounders started to die after day 4 in 1000 micrograms l-1. Dose-dependent increases in plasma and hepatic silver concentrations showed that silver was available for uptake. There were minimal negative effects on hematological parameters, acid-base status, and blood gases. Plasma ammonia showed a pronounced (three- to four-fold), but transient increase in flounders exposed to either 250 micrograms Ag l-1 or 1000 micrograms Ag l-1. Whole body ammonia and acid equivalent efflux measurements indicated that ammonia retention was due to a combination of stimulated production and inhibited excretion. In the 1000-microgram Ag l-1 group there was a similar transient increase in plasma [magnesium], which was restored by day 4. In contrast, plasma chloride and sodium levels increased gradually towards the point when fish began to die. At 250 micrograms Ag l-1, the Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity of the intestine was unaffected but there was a two-fold increase in branchial Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity. The latter effect was interpreted as compensation for an elevated chloride and sodium load. The increases in plasma chloride and sodium concentrations were accompanied by a marked suppression of drinking, thereby indicating that acute silver toxicity was likely caused by a combination of elevated electrolyte concentrations and dehydration.

Increase of metallothionein-immunopositive chloride cells in the gills of brown trout and rainbow trout after exposure to sewage treatment plant effluents

Metallothionein, a biomarker of exposure and toxicity of heavy metals, has been detected in the gills of brown trout (Salmo trutta fario L.) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Richardson) by means of immunohistochemistry. A very prominent labelling of chloride cells was found after exposure to diluted sewage plant effluents. No significant increase was observed in either the number of labelled cells or their labelling intensity after exposure to water of a polluted river compared to fish kept in tap water. These results do not correlate with findings of a histopathological study, suggesting that the metal levels at the sewage treatment plant were too low to produce gross histopathology. A comparison between the species indicated that the rainbow trout showed a generally higher metallothionein expression than the brown trout.

Inhibition of human erythrocyte Ca2+-ATPase by Zn2+

Recent investigations suggest that Ca2(+)-ATPase from fish gills is very sensitive to Zn2+ (Hogstrand et al., 1996. Am. J. Physiol. 270, R1141-R1147). The effect of free Zn2+ ion on the human erythrocyte plasma membrane Ca2(+)-ATPase was investigated to explore the possible extension of this finding to humans. Membrane vesicles were prepared and the Ca2(+)-ATPase activity was measured as Ca2(+)-stimulated ATP hydrolysis and as ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport. The Zn2+ ion inhibited the erythrocyte Ca2(+)-ATPase by reducing Vmax and increasing the K0.5. While in the Ca2+ transport assay only the Vmax was affected at lower Zn2+ concentrations (50-100 pM), reduction of Vmax was always accompanied by an affinity decrease in the ATP hydrolysis assay. The Ca2(+)-ATPase was found to be inhibited by Zn2+ at extremely low concentrations. The IC10 and IC50 for Zn2+, at a Ca2+ concentration of 1.0 microM, were estimated at 4 and 80 pM, respectively. Although the Ca2(+)-ATPase might be more sensitive in vitro than in vivo conditions, the results suggest that physiological concentrations of Zn2+ may reduce the activity of the erythrocyte Ca2(+)-ATPase. Furthermore, disturbance of Ca homeostasis may be a mechanism causing Zn toxicity during exposure.

Covariation in regulation of affinity for branchial zinc and calcium uptake in freshwater rainbow trout

The possible coupling between regulation of the affinities for branchial Zn and Ca influx was investigated in juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss acclimated to relatively hard fresh water ([Ca]=1.0 mmol l-1). The Km for branchial Ca influx was manipulated experimentally by exposing the fish to 2.3 micromol l-1 waterborne Zn for a total of 28 days. This procedure resulted in rapidly increased Km values for both Ca and Zn influx, an effect that remained through the experimental period. There was a significant linear correlation (r=0.88, P&lt;0.02) between Km values for Ca and Zn measured at the same time points. Zn exposure caused progressively increasing maximum rate of transport, Jmax, values for Zn relative to the control value, but there was little, if any, effect on Jmax for Ca. These results support the idea of a shared transport site for Zn and Ca at the apical membrane of the gill epithelium and suggest that there is a certain degree of coregulation of branchial Zn and Ca uptake in rainbow trout. Removal of Ca from the water resulted in a large (six- to 24-fold) increase in affinity (decreased Km) for Zn influx and a modest (1.1- to 1.8-fold) increase in Jmax for Zn. Thus, Ca is a competitive inhibitor of Zn influx. In water lacking Ca, the Km for Zn in Zn-acclimated fish was no different from that of the control fish, suggesting that the Ca2+/Zn2+ transporter was regulated to improve Ca uptake.

Physiological response of juvenile rainbow trout to chronic low level exposures of waterborne silver

The physiological effects of chronic exposure to AgNO3 in moderately hard freshwater were investigated in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum). Two separate 28-day exposures were performed at silver concentrations of 0.5 and 2.0 micrograms/L in flowing Hamilton dechlorinated tap water. Exposure to 0.5 microgram/L Ag resulted in a slight increase (approximately 14.9%) in food consumption, whereas growth rates remained unaltered. Both plasma Na+ and Cl- levels were significantly decreased by 11.8% and 9.3%, respectively at day 16 of the exposure. Hepatic Ag concentrations were elevated approximately 4-fold in 0.5 microgram/L Ag-exposed fish. However, no significant increases in liver metallothionein (MT) concentrations were noted. No mortalities were observed during this 28-day exposure. In comparison, chronic exposure to 2.0 micrograms/L Ag resulted in a 28.8% decrease in food consumption and a 43.0% reduction in growth rate. Plasma [Na+] was decreased by 18.3%, whereas plasma [Cl-] was reduced by 12.2% at day 7. At both concentrations of silver, plasma ion concentrations appeared to recover thereafter. Silver accumulated steadily in the liver up until day 15 when concentrations were 39.7 micrograms/g wet weight (285-fold increase) above control levels. In addition, MT levels were increased by 81.2% at day 7. Silver exposure at 2.0 micrograms/L resulted in approximately 15.0% mortality over the 28-day period.

Structure and function of the axillary organ of the gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta (Goode and Bean)

The structure of the axillary organ of a batrachoidid species, the gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta Goode and Bean 1879), has been examined and several simple experiments designed to elucidate its function performed. Electron microscopy (EM) studies revealed cells and structures suggesting secretory and iono regulatory roles (e.g., abundant intracytoplasmic secretory particles, rough endoplasmic reticulum, sparse Golgi bodies, indented epithelial cells with microvilli, numerous endocytotic vesicles, etc.). Our physiological experiments allowed us to reach several conclusions: the organs do not excrete significant quantities of urea relative to other areas of the fish (head and gills), the organs do not secrete a substance that is toxic to a teleost test fish (Gambusia affinis), the secretions do not induce short-term modifications in locomotory activity of other gulf toadfish (e.g., by pheromonal means) and the secretions do not inhibit the growth of several species of microorganisms in culture. The function of the organ and its secretions remains unknown, representing a fertile area for research on structure and function in comparative physiology.

The physiology of massive zinc accumulation in the liver of female squirrelfish and its relationship to reproduction

It is well known that zinc is an essential micronutrient and, as a rule, organisms keep relatively constant low levels of zinc to maintain cellular functions. The squirrelfish family (Holocentridae) is the only known exception from this rule. Squirrelfish accumulate very high concentrations of zinc in the liver. In the present study, we demonstrate that, while female squirrelfish store large amounts of zinc in the liver and ovaries, the males show zinc levels that are typical for vertebrates. The zinc content of the diet is the same in males and females, and zinc is not lost from the liver during starvation. Thus, the difference between genders in zinc storage is not dependent upon the diet. Rather, there are at least two processes that contribute to the accumulation in females. First, females possess high levels of two major zinc-binding proteins: metallothionein (MT) and a novel female-specific zinc-binding protein (FZnBP). In females, but not in males, almost all MT is present in the hepatocyte nucleus. FZnBP is exclusively found in the hepatocyte cytosol of females. Second, hepatocytes of female squirrelfish have a high capacity to transport zinc across the plasma membrane. In addition to the liver, only the gonads of females showed unusually high concentrations of zinc. Administration of exogenous oestrogen to females decreases the hepatic zinc concentration while there is a matching increase in the zinc content of the ovaries. Thus, oestrogen may trigger a redistribution of zinc from liver to ovaries. Together, our findings suggest that female squirrelfish may be uniquely adapted to detoxify zinc and to utilize it as a macronutrient for processes related to reproduction.

Mechanisms of zinc uptake in gills of freshwater rainbow trout: interplay with calcium transport

The uptake mechanism of Zn2+ through the gill epithelium of freshwater rainbow trout was investigated both in intact animals and in isolated basolateral membranes. Involvement of the apical Ca2+ uptake sites in Zn2+ uptake was examined in vivo by pharmacological manipulation of the apical Ca2+ permeability. The apical entries of Ca2+ and Zn2+, but not Na2+ and Cl-, were inhibited by addition of La to the water. Addition of 1.0 microM La reduced the influxes of Ca2+ and Zn2+ to 22 +/- 3 and 53 +/- 7% (mean +/- SE) of the control value, respectively. Injection of CaCl2 also reduced the branchial influxes of Ca2+ and Zn2+. This treatment decreased the influx of Ca2- to 45 +/- 4% of the control level and the Zn2+ influx to 68 +/- 5%. These results strongly imply that Zn2+ passes across the apical membrane of the chloride cells of the gills via the same pathway as Ca2+. The presence of an active basolateral transporter for Zn2+ was investigated in vitro on isolated basolateral membranes. There was no ATP-dependent or Na2+(-)gradient driven transport of Zn2+ at physiological Zn2+ activities. The same system was used to study potential effects of Zn2+ on the basolateral Ca2+(-)adenosinetri-phosphatase. Zn2+ was found to be a potent blocker of this transporter, causing a mixed inhibitory effect on the ATP driven Ca2+ transport at a free Zn2+ activity of 100 pM.

Ca2+ versus Zn2+ transport in the gills of freshwater rainbow trout and the cost of adaptation to waterborne Zn2+

Previous work suggested that Ca2+ and Zn2+ share a common uptake pathway in rainbow trout gills. We here report on relationships between the kinetic variables for unidirectional Ca2+ influx and unidirectional Zn2+ influx during a 1 month exposure of freshwater rainbow trout to Zn2+ (150 &micro;g l-1=2.3 &micro;mol l-1 as total zinc, Zn). Initial exposure to Zn2+ caused a large competitive inhibition of Ca2+ influx, as indicated by a threefold increase in apparent Km for Ca2+ (measured in the presence of Zn2+). There was also a smaller non-competitive inhibition (50 % decrease in Jmax) of the Ca2+ transport system, which was abolished after 1&shy;2 weeks of exposure. The Km, measured in the absence of Zn2+, decreased dramatically (i.e. elevated affinity) on days 1&shy;4 but increased thereafter; both true and apparent Km finally stabilized significantly above control levels. However, the Km values for Ca2+ (&lt;200 &micro;mol l-1) were low relative to the Ca2+ level in the water (1000 &micro;mol l-1), and therefore the changes did not influence the actual Ca2+ influx of the fish, which tracked Jmax. In contrast, water [Zn2+] (2.3 &micro;mol l-1 as total Zn) was close to the reported apparent Km (3.7 &micro;mol l-1) for Zn2+ influx in the presence of 1000 &micro;mol l-1 Ca2+. Unidirectional Zn2+ influx increased during the first week of exposure to waterborne Zn2+, followed by a persistent reduction to about 50 % of control levels, effects that may be largely explained by the observed changes in true Km for Ca2+. We speculate that the initial response of the fish to elevated [Zn2+] is to compensate for a reduced availability of Ca2+ by markedly increasing the affinity of a dual Ca2+/Zn2+ transporter. Once the Ca2+ influx is 'corrected' by restoration of functional transport sites (Jmax), the system is tuned to limit the influx of Zn2+ by a persistent reduction in the affinities for both ions. The changes in influx characteristics for Ca2+ and Zn2+ were correlated with internal physiological alterations indicative of adaptation to Zn2+ and increased metabolic cost. Depressed plasma [Ca] was corrected within 1 week, and there were no effects on whole-body [Ca] or [Zn]. A slight accumulation of Zn in the gills was associated with increased branchial metallothionein levels. Rates of protein synthesis and degradation in the gills were initially increased and whole-body growth was transiently impaired, effects which were reversed after 18 days of exposure. Sublethal challenge with Zn2+ (at 450 &micro;g l-1=6.9 &micro;mol l-1 as total Zn) always depressed plasma [Ca] in control fish, but by 1 month of exposure to Zn2+ at 150 &micro;g l-1 (as total Zn), experimental fish were resistant to challenge. However, the fish did not acquire increased survival tolerance (LT50) to a lethal concentration of Zn2+ (4 mg l-1=61 &micro;mol l-1 as total Zn).

Pulsatile urea excretion in the ureagenic toadfish Opsanus beta: an analysis of rates and routes

This study focused on the rates and routes of urea-N and ammonia-N excretion in the ureagenic toadfish and on the possibility that urea-N excretion occurs in pulses. Experimental approaches included the following: confinement in small individual containers with automated hourly sampling of water to follow temporal excretion patterns; divided chambers to separate excretion from the anterior and posterior parts of the fish; collection of urine and rectal fluid via chronic indwelling catheters; and gavage with [14C]-labelled polyethylene glycol 4000 to detect regurgitation of gastrointestinal fluids. When a standardized 'crowding' pre-treatment was employed to induce ureotelic behaviour, the fish exhibited significant elevations in the activity of glutamine synthetase in liver, kidney and gills, elevated plasma and bile urea-N levels, but unchanged ammonia-N and urea-N levels in most other body fluids. Unencumbered ureotelic fish confined in small containers excreted 82 % of their waste-N as urea-N and 18 % as ammonia-N; almost all (94 %) of this urea-N excretion occurred in a single pulse of less than 3 h duration about once every 24 h. This daily pulse did not occur by regurgitation of gut fluids, by excretion through prominent pores behind the pectoral fins or by discharge of rectal fluid or urine. Intestinal and urinary excretion accounted for less than 10 % of whole-body urea-N excretion and a negligible fraction of ammonia-N excretion. Pulsatile urea-N excretion occurred at the head end across the gills and/or body surface. Ammonia-N excretion, which was not pulsatile, also occurred largely through the head end. However, once the toadfish had been placed in divided chambers, urea-N excretion became continuous rather than pulsatile, and ammonia-N excretion increased greatly. A severe stress response was indicated by high levels of plasma cortisol, and the skin, which lacks scales, became a significant route of both ammonia-N and urea-N excretion. We speculate that the normal adaptive significance is that ureotelism facilitates cryptic behaviour, allowing the toadfish to virtually eliminate N-waste excretion during long periods while it remains sheltered in burrows. However, during severe stress, the effects of extremely high cortisol levels overwhelm the ammonia and urea retention mechanisms, and both substances leak across the general body surface.

Properties of cod metallothionein, its presence in different tissues and effects of Cd and Zn treatment

One isoform of the low-molecular-weight metal-binding protein metallothionein (MT) has been isolated from the liver of Atlantic cod by size-exclusion and ion-exchange chromatography. Cod MT contained 33% cysteine, no aromatic amino acids or arginine. As is the case for other piscine MTs, the N-terminus of cod MT lacked the asparagine in position 4 which is present in mammalian MTs. In addition, cod MT differed from all other vertebrate MTs described in that the N-terminal methionine was not acetylated. Antibodies were raised in rabbits against hepatic MT from cod by repeated injections of native protein mixed with adjuvant. Anti-cod MT antisera cross reacted with similarly-sized proteins in liver, brain, anterior kidney, posterior kidney, spleen, intestine, gills and ovaries. The putative MT in cod brain migrated differently to that of the other tissues in native gel electrophoresis. Intraperitoneally injected Cd (1 mg/kg) was nearly entirely associated with the MT-peak in hepatic and renal cytosols, whereas a single injection of Zn (10 mg/kg) resulted in increases in all cytosolic Zn pools of the liver and no apparent change in cytosolic Zn, Cu, Ni or Cd in kidney.

Effects of zinc on the kinetics of branchial calcium uptake in freshwater rainbow trout during adaptation to waterborne zinc

The effects of sublethal waterborne Zn2+ (150 micrograms l-1 = 2.3 mumol-1) on the kinetics of unidirectional Ca2+ influx were studied in juvenile freshwater rainbow trout during chronic exposure (60 days) at a water [Ca2+] of 1.0 mmol l-1. An unexposed group held under identical conditions served as control. The presence of Zn2+ in the water increased the apparent Km for Ca2+ influx by up to 300% with only a small inhibitory effect (35% at most) on the maximum rate of uptake (Jmax). These results, in combination with earlier data showing that Ca2+ competitively inhibits Zn2+ uptake, suggest that Zn2+ and Ca2+ compete for the same uptake sites. Acute withdrawal of Zn2+ after 3h of exposure resulted in a 23-fold reduction in Km for Ca2+, but a persistent small depression of Jmax. During prolonged exposure to Zn2+, the apparent Km for Ca2+ remained greatly elevated and Jmax remained slightly depressed. The actual Ca2+ influx in hard water ([Ca2+] = 1.0 mmol l-1) decreased marginally and paralleled the small changes in Jmax. The increases in apparent Km had a negligible influence on the actual Ca2+ influx because Km values (38–230 mumol l-1), even when elevated by Zn2+, remained below the water [Ca2+] (1000 mumol l-1). Rainbow trout exposed to Zn2+ exhibited a slower rate of protein synthesis in the gills (measured on day 23) and an increased tolerance to Zn2+ challenge (measured on both days 27 and 50). Unidirectional Zn2+ influx, measured at the end of the exposure period, was significantly reduced in the Zn2+-exposed fish. There were no changes in hepatic or branchial Zn2+, Cu2+ or metallothionein concentrations. We hypothesize that, during exposure to sublethal [Zn2+] in hard water, the fish may change the Km for a mutual Ca2+/Zn2+ carrier so as to reduce markedly Zn2+ influx without greatly altering Ca2+ influx. This reduced Zn2+ influx, rather than metallothionein induction, may be the basis of adaptation to elevated concentrations of waterborne Zn2+.

Evaluation of differential pulse polarography for the quantification of metallothionein--a comparison with RIA

Two methods to quantify metallothionein (MT), differential pulse polarography (DPP) and radioimmunoassay (RIA), were compared for MT analysis of liver from Zn- and Cd-injected perch (Perca fluviatilis). Nine perch were intraperitoneally injected, twice a week during 2 weeks with ZnSO4 and CdCl2 to yield a total dose of 30 mg Zn and 3 mg Cd per kilogram body weight. Two samples, 100 and 200 mg from each liver, were homogenized separately and further prepared for DPP, RIA, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. MT values obtained by DPP were in good agreement with the MT values determined by RIA (r = 0.92). The relationship between the MT values analyzed with the two methods is described by the formula MTRIA = MTDPP x 0.99-0.048. Analysis of MT was not affected by sample size. MT values from individual liver samples plotted against the Cd and Zn content of the corresponding samples provided a high correlation. The correlation coefficient was 0.86 for MT values obtained by DPP and 0.92 for MT measured by RIA. It is concluded that DPP is a reliable method for analyzing MT in liver.

The importance of metallothionein for the accumulation of copper, zinc and cadmium in environmentally exposed perch, Perca fluviatilis

A field study of the role of metallothionein (MT) in the binding of heavy metals in perch (Perca fluviatilis), exposed to moderate levels of copper, zinc and cadmium, was performed. Perch were sampled at four sites in Sweden in September during two consecutive years. Two sites were located in the vicinity of a brassworks and two outside the emission range. The first year, fish from the two brassworks sites and from one of the uncontaminated sites were collected. The second year, fish from the most contaminated site and from the two uncontaminated sites were caught. The levels of hepatic copper, zinc and cadmium reflected the concentrations of these metals in water and were increased in fish from the two contaminated sites. The level of cadmium in liver was relatively low. MT was induced in liver of perch caught at the most contaminated site. The hepatic MT content in individual livers correlated well to the accumulation of copper (r = 0.85, P less than 0.001) and zinc (r = 0.75, P less than 0.001). There was a low but significant correlation between the levels of MT and cadmium in the liver (r = 0.48, P less than 0.001). The relationship between MT and metals was very similar both years. Subcellular fractionation of the metals in the liver revealed that an induction of MT was followed by an increased amount of copper, zinc and cadmium bound to the protein. The relative fraction of the total hepatic copper and cadmium bound to MT was increased at the most contaminated site, whereas there was no difference in subcellular distribution of zinc between the sites. In perch from the most contaminated site, the portions of hepatic copper, zinc and cadmium found in the cytosolic fraction were 70, 57 and 81%, respectively. Seventy-one % of the copper, 29% of the zinc and 84% of the cadmium found in hepatic cytosol of fish from the same site, eluted together with MT after gel filtration chromatography. The analysis of the subcellular distribution of copper, zinc and cadmium demonstrates that MT is responsible for the binding of a large amount of the total hepatic cellular content of copper and cadmium in perch.

Binding and detoxification of heavy metals in lower vertebrates with reference to metallothionein

1. The metabolism of Cu, Zn, Cd and Hg in lower vertebrates is described, using fish as a model. 2. The main part of this review deals with metallothionein and the role of this protein for the storage and detoxification of these metals. 3. Factors influencing the bioavailability and probable uptake routes are identified. 4. The distribution of the metals within the organism is outlined. The distribution between tissues is described and the subcellular distribution discussed with reference to metallothionein.

A radioimmunoassay for perch (Perca fluviatilis) metallothionein

A sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the measurement of metallothionein (MT) from perch (Perca fluviatilis) has been developed. The method is a double-antibody RIA with rabbit anti-perch MT serum as first antibody, goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G as second antibody, and perch MT conjugated to 125I-labeled Bolton-Hunter reagent as tracer. The rabbit antiserum raised against perch MT recognizes rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) MT, but shows little cross-reactivity with horse MT. At a dilution of 1:2000, the MT antibodies bind 36% of the tracer when no cold ligand is present. The sensitivity of the assay is 15 pg perch MT per tube and the practical working range is 0.15-250 ng perch MT per tube. The RIA allows determination of MT in plasma or lysed blood cells at concentrations as low as 3.0 ng/ml and in tissues at levels above 9.0 ng/g (wet weight). Intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were 6 and 10%, respectively.

Improved separation of perch liver metallothionein by fast protein liquid chromatography

The separation of metallothionein isoforms by Mono-Q column chromatography by fast protein liquid chromatography is described and compared to separation on a DEAE-Sephadex A-25 ion-exchange column. The separation of two isoforms of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) metallothionein was possible by DEAE-Sephadex A-25 chromatography, while only one form of perch (Perca fluviatilis) metallothionein was obtained with this method. However, by applying FPLC on a Mono-Q column it was possible to separate two isoforms of perch metallothionein. When comparing the chromatographic behaviour of rainbow trout and perch metallothioneins it was found that the two isoforms of perch metallothionein were eluted closer together than the two rainbow trout metallothioneins. Both forms of perch and rainbow trout metallothioneins lacked aromatic amino acids and histidine, and had a high cystein content (30 mol%). The molecular weight was estimated to be 6000 for the apothioneins. The results from this study demonstrate the usefulness of FPLC to improve the resolution of metallothionein separations.

Partial development of a radioimmunoassay for horse metallothionein

The partial development and evaluation of a radioimmunoassay for horse metallothionein (MT) with low amounts of antigen is described. Factors that affect the yield of the conjugation reaction between horse MT and bovine IgG are discussed. Dot-blot has been used as a simple, rapid and inexpensive test for antibody screening.