Transcellular and paracellular pathways of transepithelial fluid secretion in Malpighian (renal) tubules of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti

Isolated Malpighian tubules of the yellow fever mosquito secrete NaCl and KCl from the peritubular bath to the tubule lumen via active transport of Na(+) and K(+) by principal cells. Lumen-positive transepithelial voltages are the result. The counter-ion Cl(-) follows passively by electrodiffusion through the paracellular pathway. Water follows by osmosis, but specific routes for water across the epithelium are unknown. Remarkably, the transepithelial secretion of NaCl, KCl and water is driven by a H(+) V-ATPase located in the apical brush border membrane of principal cells and not the canonical Na(+), K(+) -ATPase. A hypothetical cation/H(+) exchanger moves Na(+) and K(+) from the cytoplasm to the tubule lumen. Also remarkable is the dynamic regulation of the paracellular permeability with switch-like speed which mediates in part the post-blood-meal diuresis in mosquitoes. For example, the blood meal the female mosquito takes to nourish her eggs triggers the release of kinin diuretic peptides that (i) increases the Cl(-) conductance of the paracellular pathway and (ii) assembles V(1) and V(0) complexes to activate the H(+) V-ATPase and cation/H(+) exchange close by. Thus, transcellular and paracellular pathways are both stimulated to quickly rid the mosquito of the unwanted salts and water of the blood meal. Stellate cells of the tubule appear to serve a metabolic support role, exporting the HCO(3)(-) generated during stimulated transport activity. Septate junctions define the properties of the paracellular pathway in Malpighian tubules, but the proteins responsible for the permselectivity and barrier functions of the septate junction are unknown.

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.

Leucokinin and the modulation of the shunt pathway in Malpighian tubules

Transepithelial secretion in Malpighian tubules of the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) is mediated by active transport of Na(+) and K(+) through principal cells and passive Cl(-) transport through the shunt. Permeation through the shunt was assessed by measuring transepithelial halide diffusion potentials in isolated perfused Malpighian tubules, after first inhibiting active transport with dinitrophenol. Diffusion potentials were small under control conditions, revealing Eisenman selectivity sequence I (I(-)>Br(-)>Cl(-)>F(-)) which is the halide mobility sequence in free solution. Accordingly, electrical field strengths of the shunt are small, selecting halides for passage on the basis of hydrated size. Leucokinin-VIII (LK-VIII) significantly increased the shunt conductance from 57.1 µS/cm to 250.0 µS/cm. In parallel, the shunt selectivity sequence shifted to Eisenman sequence III (Br(-)>Cl(-)>I(-)>F(-)), revealing increased electrical field strengths in the shunt, now capable of selecting small, dehydrated halides for passage. High concentrations of peritubular F(-) (142.5 mM) duplicated the effects of LK-VIII on shunt conductance and selectivity, suggesting a role for G-protein. In the presence of LK-VIII (or F(-)), coulombic interactions between the shunt and I(-) and F(-) may be strong enough to cause binding, thereby blocking the passage of Cl(-). Thus, LK-VIII increases both shunt conductance and selectivity, presumably via G-protein.

Chloride channels in apical membrane patches of stellate cells of Malpighian tubules of Aedes aegypti

Stellate cells of Aedes aegypti Malpighian tubules were investigated using patch-clamp methods to probe the route of transepithelial Cl(−) secretion. Two types of Cl(−) channel were identified in excised, inside-out apical membrane patches. The first Cl(−) channel, type I, had a conductance of 24 pS, an open probability of 0.816+/−0.067, an open time of 867+/−114 ms (mean +/− s.e.m., four patches) and the selectivity sequence I(−)>Cl(−)(much greater than) isethionate>gluconate. The I(−)/Cl(−)>>isethionate>gluconate. The I(−)Cl(−) permeability ratio was 1.48, corresponding to Eisenman sequence I. The type I Cl(−) channel was blocked by 2,2′-iminodibenzoic acid (DPC) and niflumic acid (2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)anilo]nicotinic acid). The removal of Ca(2+) from the Ringer's solution on the cytoplasmic side had no effect on channel activity. The second Cl(−) channel, type II, had a conductance of 8 pS, an open probability of 0.066+/−0.021 and an open time of 7.53+/−1.46 ms (mean +/− s.e.m., four patches). The high density and halide selectivity sequence of the type I Cl(−) channel is consistent with a role in transepithelial Cl(−) secretion under control conditions, but it remains to be determined whether these Cl(−) channels also mediate transepithelial Cl(−) secretion under diuretic conditions in the presence of leucokinin.

Voltage clamping single cells in intact malpighian tubules of mosquitoes

Principal cells of the Malpighian tubule of the yellow fever mosquito were studied with the methods of two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC). Intracellular voltage (V(pc)) was -86.7 mV, and input resistance (R(pc)) was 388.5 kOmega (n = 49 cells). In six cells, Ba(2+) (15 mM) had negligible effects on V(pc), but it increased R(pc) from 325.3 to 684.5 kOmega (P < 0.001). In the presence of Ba(2+), leucokinin-VIII (1 microM) increased V(pc) to -101.8 mV (P < 0.001) and reduced R(pc) to 340.2 kOmega (P < 0.002). Circuit analysis yields the following: basolateral membrane resistance, 652. 0 kOmega; apical membrane resistance, 340.2 kOmega; shunt resistance (R(sh)), 344.3 kOmega; transcellular resistance, 992.2 kOmega. The fractional resistance of the apical membrane (0.35) and the ratio of transcellular resistance and R(sh) (3.53) agree closely with values obtained by cable analysis in isolated perfused tubules and confirm the usefulness of TEVC methods in single principal cells of the intact Malpighian tubule. Dinitrophenol (0.1 mM) reversibly depolarized V(pc) from -94.3 to -10.7 mV (P < 0.001) and reversibly increased R(pc) from 412 to 2,879 kOmega (P < 0.001), effects that were duplicated by cyanide (0.3 mM). Significant effects of metabolic inhibition on voltage and resistance suggest a role of ATP in electrogenesis and the maintenance of conductive transport pathways.

Renal handling of magnesium in fish: from whole animal to brush border membrane vesicles

Of all known vertebrate tissues, the kidneys of fish are the champions of Mg transport. They can switch from Mg conservation in fresh water to Mg wasting in seawater. High rates of tubular transport and the ability to alternate between Mg reabsorption and secretion make fish kidneys the model of choice investigating the mechanisms of transepithelial and membrane Mg transport and its regulation by extracellular hormones and intracellular messengers. Studies in isolated proximal tubules indicate active transepithelial Mg transport that requires metabolic energy for both tubular reabsorption and secretion. Whether active transport is primary and mediated by a Mg-pump, or secondary and mediated via cotransport or antiport, is unknown. In fresh water fish, the active transport pathway appears to include a Mg-channel located in brush-border membranes of proximal tubules. Although plasma Mg concentrations are well protected, a primary hormone controlling Mg balance has yet to be identified in any animal. Moreover, the mechanisms of intracellular Mg homeostasis, especially in epithelial cells with high Mg throughput, are unknown. New methods, including Mg imaging and genetic/molecular approaches promise to unravel Mg transport mechanisms in teleost renal tubules.

Central role of the apical membrane H+-ATPase in electrogenesis and epithelial transport in Malpighian tubules

The effects of bafilomycin A(1), a blocker of V-type H(+)-ATPases, were investigated in Malpighian tubules of Aedes aegypti. Bafilomycin A(1) reduced rates of transepithelial fluid secretion and the virtual short-circuit current (vI(sc)) with an IC(50) of approximately 5 micromol l(−)(1). As vI(sc) decreased, the electrical resistance increased across the whole epithelium and across the apical membrane, indicating effects on electroconductive pathways. Bafilomycin A(1) had no effect when applied from the tubule lumen, pointing to the relative impermeability of the apical membrane to bafilomycin A(1). Thus, bafilomycin A(1) must take a cytoplasmic route to its blocking site in the proton channel of the H(+)-ATPase located in the apical membrane of principal cells. The inhibitory effects of bafilomycin A(1) were qualitatively similar to those of dinitrophenol in that voltages across the epithelium (V(t)), the basolateral membrane (V(bl)) and the apical membrane (V(a)) depolarized towards zero in parallel. Moreover, V(bl)always tracked V(a), indicating electrical coupling between the two membranes through the shunt. Electrical coupling allows the H(+)-ATPase to energize not only the apical membrane, but also the basolateral membrane. Furthermore, electrical coupling offers a balance between electroconductive entry of cations across the basolateral membrane and extrusion across the apical membrane to support steady-state conditions during transepithelial transport.

Natriuretic peptides and the acclimation of aglomerular toadfish to hypo-osmotic media

Since the aglomerular toadfish (Opsanus tau) experiences a natriuresis following transfer to 10% seawater, we examined the role of natriuretic peptides in the acclimation of toadfish to hypo-osmotic media. Gel filtration chromatography of acid extracts of toadfish heart and kidney identified a broad peak of atrial natriuretic peptide-like immunoreactivity in both tissues, with maximal immunoreactivity in fractions coeluting with human alpha-atrial natriuretic peptide. Using a homologous bioassay to measure changes in aortic ring tension, both vasorelaxing and, surprisingly, vasoconstricting bioactivities were identified in gel fractions of heart extract. No significant vasorelaxing activity was identified in kidney extract or fractions. Instead, a potent vasoconstricting activity was observed, with maximal activity in gel fractions with an estimated MW greater than 1000 Da. Levels of atrial natriuretic peptide immunoreactivity in plasma from the caudal vein were very low in seawater toadfish and were unchanged 12 h after transfer of toadfish to 10% seawater. We conclude, that natriuretic peptides are present in the heart and kidney of toadfish. However, atrial natriuretic peptide-like peptides of cardiac origin circulating to the kidney via the caudal vein do not appear responsible for the natriuresis that ensues upon the transfer of toadfish to 10% seawater. In the absence of glomeruli, this tubular natriuresis may be regulated by natriuretic peptides present in the kidney.

The concentration-dependence of CRF-like diuretic peptide: mechanisms of action

The mechanism of action of synthetic CCRF-DP, the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-related diuretic peptide of the salt marsh mosquito Culex salinarius, was investigated in isolated Malpighian tubules of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. A low concentration of CCRF-DP (10(-9)mol l-1) caused a small but insignificant increase in transepithelial secretion of NaCl and fluid, but significantly reduced transepithelial voltage and resistance without a change in short-circuit current, pointing to the stimulation of passive Cl- transport through the paracellular pathway as the principal mechanism of a mild diuresis. Significant changes in voltage and resistance but not in short-circuit current were duplicated by the ionophore A23187 (0.4 micromol l-1), suggesting Ca2+ as a second messenger at 10(-9)mol l-1 CCRF-DP. A high concentration of CCRF-DP (10(-7)mol l-1) significantly increased transepithelial secretion of NaCl and fluid and significantly increased short-circuit current, pointing to the stimulation of active Na+ transport through the transcellular pathway as the mechanism of a strong diuresis. This effect was mimicked by dibutyryl-cAMP, suggesting cAMP as a second messenger at 10(-7)mol l-1 CCRF-DP. Dibutyryl-cGMP had no effects. These results suggest dose-dependent, receptor-mediated effects of CCRF-DP that target discrete transport pathways via discrete second messengers: low concentrations of CCRF-DP cause a mild diuresis, apparently via Ca2+-mediated effects on paracellular Cl- transport, and high concentrations cause a strong diuresis via cAMP-mediated effects on active transcellular Na+ transport in addition to the effects on the paracellular pathway.

Dose-dependent effects of CRF-like diuretic peptide on transcellular and paracellular transport pathways

The mechanism of action of synthetic Culex corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-like diuretic peptide (CCRF-DP) was investigated in isolated, perfused Malpighian tubules of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Low concentrations of CCRF-DP (10(-10) and 10(-9) M) caused depolarizing oscillations of the lumen-positive transepithelial voltage (Vt) in Malpighian tubules, whereas high concentrations (10(-8) and 10(-7) M) first depolarized and then transiently hyperpolarized Vt; CCRF-DP always lowered transepithelial resistance (Rt), regardless of voltage depolarization or hyperpolarization. The short-circuit current (Isc), an electrical estimate of active transepithelial transport of Na and K, remained unchanged at low concentrations of CCRF-DP, but Isc more than doubled at high concentrations. These effects of CCRF-DP suggest dose-dependent sites of action: low concentrations of CCRF-DP affect the paracellular pathway, and high concentrations affect both paracellular and transcellular pathways.

Identification of Mg-transporting renal tubules and cells by ion microscopy imaging of stable isotopes

Sites of renal Mg transport were identified in seawater killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) using a Cameca model IMS-3f ion microscope. Killifish were given an intraperitoneal injection of the stable isotope 26Mg (99.5% enrichment) to stimulate and trace renal Mg excretion. We identified two sites of 26Mg transport in frozen freeze-dried cryosections of kidney: the proximal tubule, known to secrete Mg, and the collecting duct, heretofore not known to handle Mg. In epithelial cells of the proximal tubule, the punctate distribution of injected 26Mg suggests transcytotic excretion of Mg in bound form. In collecting ducts, a subpopulation of Mg/Ca-rich cells was identified with high accumulations of injected 26Mg. Here, the punctate distribution of 26Mg decreased from the apical to the basal region of the cells, revealing a transcytotic gradient of apparently bound Mg. Since proximal tubules of fish are implicated with Mg secretion, Mg/Ca-rich cells in the collecting duct may reabsorb Mg, thereby providing the usual two-step of renal regulation, now also for Mg.

Mechanism of fluid secretion common to aglomerular and glomerular kidneys

Isolated renal proximal tubules of sea water fish net secrete fluid in vitro. The principal electrolytes in secreted fluid are Na, Cl, Mg and S. Transepithelial voltages may be lumen-negative or -positive by a few millivolts, and transepithelial resistances are low partly due to high paracellular Na and Cl permeabilities. Transepithelial electrochemical potentials indicate secretion of Mg into the tubule lumen by active transport. As Mg concentration in secreted fluid rises, Na concentration falls. Surprisingly, these observations of fluid secretion are made in glomerular and aglomerular proximal tubules, suggesting a fundamental mechanism common to both. Central to this commonality appears to be their behavior as open Donnan systems. Mg actively secreted into the tubule lumen from which it cannot diffuse back into the peritubular medium causes the transepithelial secretion of diffusible Na and Cl. Water follows by osmosis. Since there is flow out of the distal end of the tubule Donnan equilibrium is not attained. Instead, a dynamic Donnan system is maintained, driven by active transport of Mg. A mathematical model of tubular electrolyte and fluid secretion confirms the operation of this open, dynamic Donnan system in aglomerular and glomerular proximal tubules.

Electrodiffusive transport of Mg across renal membrane vesicles of the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

The mechanism of tubular Mg transport was investigated in membrane vesicles (MV) of trout kidneys prepared by differential centrifugation with sucrose. MV consisted largely of brush-border membranes, as indicated by high enrichments of brush-border membrane enzymes. Although measured transport of 28 Mg included a binding component, most membrane transport was into or out of an osmotically active space. There was no evidence for amiloride-sensitive Na/Mg exchange, nor was Mg uptake affected by the carboxyl group reagents trimethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate, glycine methyl ester.HCl-1-ethyl-3- (3-dimethyl-aminopropyl)carbodiimide, and N,N'-dicyclohexyl carbodiimide or the Ca channel modulators D-600, verapamil, diltiazem, and BAY K 8644. However, Mg uptake increased in the presence of inside-negative voltages generated by inward gradients of the permeant anions NO3, SCN, and Cl or by outward gradients of K (plus valinomycin). Alkaline-earth cations displayed the selectivity sequence VII (Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba) for cis-inhibition of 28 Mg uptake. Mg efflux was trans-inhibited by La and Gd, and Mg uptake was cis-inhibited by Mn. The sulfhydryl group reagents p- chloromercuribenzoic acid and p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonate stimulated Mg uptake and efflux. These results reveal an electrodiffusive pathway for Mg transport in trout renal MV.

Na-D-glucose cotransport in renal brush-border membrane vesicles of an early teleost (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) enriched with alkaline phosphatase (8.1-fold) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (11.5-fold) were prepared from the rainbow trout kidney. D-[3H]glucose uptake was stimulated by inward Na gradients but not by K, choline, Li, N-methyl-D-glucamine, or mannitol gradients. Na-dependent glucose uptake displayed overshoot in voltage-polarized vesicles (VPV; negative inside) but not in short-circuited vesicles (SCV). Recognition of carbons 2 and 3 of the glucopyranose ring was essential for glucose uptake. Phlorizin inhibited Na-dependent D-glucose uptake with an inhibition constant of 11.4 microM. The Michaelis-Menten constant of glucose was 0.58 mM in VPV and increased to 1.49 mM in SCV, whereas that for sodium was 193 mM in VPV and similar in SCV. Maximum velocity of Na was reduced in SCV. The Hill coefficient was 1 for both Na and glucose in VPV and SCV. Our studies indicate a single Na-D-glucose cotransporter that transports Na and glucose with a 1:1 stoichiometry and voltage-dependent kinetics. The transporter shares functional properties with both mammalian transporters SGLT1 and SGLT2.

Culekinin depolarizing peptide: a mosquito leucokinin-like peptide that influences insect Malpighian tubule ion transport

A peptide termed culekinin depolarizing peptide (CDP) was isolated from approximately 1.2 million mosquitos (94% Culex salinarius). The peptide was isolated on the basis of a rapid myotropic assay that utilized a hindgut preparation from Leucophaea maderae and a transepithelial voltage assay that used mosquito Malpighian tubules from Aedes aegypti. A 15% trifluoroacetic acid extraction from the mosquitos, two solid phase extraction steps, and six HPLC steps resulted in the isolation of 9.7 nmol of CDP. This value corresponds to approximately 8 fmol/mosquito. Edman degradation indicated the following sequence for CDP: Asn-Pro-Phe-His-Ser-Trp-Gly-NH2. The sequence was confirmed as the suspected C-terminal amide form of the peptide, since native and synthetic CDP had identical chemical and biological properties. CDP is a member of the leucokinin family of neuropeptides. The leucokinins have been found in three other insect species (Leucophaea maderae, Acheta domesticus and Locusta migratoria) where these peptides were isolated by their myotropic properties alone. CDP shares a C-terminal sequence homology (i.e., Phe-X-Ser-Trp-Gly-NH2) with the rest of the leucokinins. CDP corresponds to the strongest tubule depolarizing activity in the C. salinarius extract. These findings agree with previous structure-activity studies that suggest that mosquitos would contain a leucokinin-like factor that had Phe-His-Ser-Trp-Gly-NH2 as the C-terminal pentapeptide. This is the first leucokinin isolated from blood feeding or holometabolous insects.

Regulation of epithelial shunt conductance by the peptide leucokinin

Isolated Malpighian tubules of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti spontaneously secrete NaCl, KCl and water across an epithelium of modest transepithelial resistance (40-80 omega cm2) and high transepithelial voltage (30-70 mV, lumen positive). Transepithelial electrochemical potentials indicate that Na and K are secreted by active and Cl by passive transport mechanisms. The addition of synthetic leucokinin-VIII (LK-VIII, insect myotropic peptide) to the peritubular bath significantly increases the rates of transepithelial NaCl, KCl and water secretion. In parallel, LK-VIII depolarizes the transepithelial voltage from 59.3 to 5.7 mV, decreases the transepithelial resistance from 57.7 to 9.9 omega cm2, and renders the basolateral and apical membrane voltages nearly equipotential (approximately -90 mV). Unilateral step changes of the [Cl] in the peritubular bath or tubule lumen elicit small transepithelial Cl diffusion potentials in the absence of LK-VIII but large transepithelial Cl diffusion potentials, up to 85% of Nernst equilibrium potentials, in the presence of LK-VIII. In Malpighian tubules treated with dinitrophenol for estimates of the shunt resistance Rsh, LK-VIII reduces Rsh from 52.5 to 5.8 omega cm2. Bilateral reductions of the Cl concentration in tubule lumen and peritubular bath fully restore Rsh to 55.8 omega cm2 in the presence of LK-VIII. LK-VIII has no effects when presented from the luminal side. These results suggest that LK-VIII increases the Cl conductance of the epithelial shunt via a receptor located at the basolateral side of the epithelium.

Unique electrophysiological effects of dinitrophenol in Malpighian tubules

In the course of electrophysiological studies of Malpighian tubules of the mosquito Aedes aegypti, we have found unusual effects of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) that offer new insights into the electrogenic and conductive properties of the tubule. DNP (10(-4)M) depolarized the basolateral membrane voltage from -58.0 to -3.3 mV, and it depolarized the apical membrane voltage from 110.6 to 8.9 mV. In parallel the transepithelial electrical resistance increased from 11.4 to 16.8 k omega.cm, and the fractional resistance of the apical membrane increased from 0.32 to 0.57. On the assumption that measures of transepithelial resistance in the presence of DNP approach the shunt resistance, the experimental results indicate the following characteristics for the equivalent circuit of the tubule: 1) a shunt resistance that is approximately one-half the transcellular resistance, 2) low and high electromotive forces, respectively, at the basolateral and apical membranes of principal cells, 3) an electrogenic pump at the apical membrane, and 4) a basolateral membrane voltage that is due mostly to the voltage developed by current flow across the basolateral membrane resistance.

Secretory renal proximal tubules in seawater- and freshwater-adapted killifish

A population of proximal tubules when isolated from the glomerular kidneys of seawater-adapted (SW) and freshwater-adapted (FW) killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) spontaneously secrete fluid. Regardless of SW or FW adaptation, Na and Cl are the dominant electrolytes in secreted fluid. Mg concentrations in fluid secreted by both tubules are significantly greater than those in the peritubular bath, and Mg concentrations are inversely related to Na concentrations. Proximal tubules from either SW or FW fish exhibit low transepithelial voltage (-1 to -2 mV) and low transepithelial resistances (20-30 omega.cm2) typical of other vertebrate proximal tubules. Transepithelial diffusion potentials for Na, Cl, Mg, and SO4 suggest that the paracellular pathway is Na selective and impermeable to divalent ions. Consideration of transepithelial electrochemical potential differences for Na, Cl, Mg, and SO4 suggests active transport of Mg, SO4, and Cl in proximal tubules isolated from SW- and FW-adapted fish. The similarities in the functional properties of secretory proximal tubules isolated from SW- and FW-adapted killifish are striking and raise questions about the in vivo role of these tubules in the renal adaptations to seawater and freshwater.

Dibutyryl cAMP activates bumetanide-sensitive electrolyte transport in Malpighian tubules

The effects of dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (DBcAMP) and bumetanide (both 10(-4) M) on transepithelial Na+, K+, Cl-, and fluid secretion and on tubule electrophysiology were studied in isolated Malpighian tubules of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. Peritubular DBcAMP significantly increased Na+, Cl-, and fluid secretion but decreased K+ secretion. In DBcAMP-stimulated tubules, bumetanide caused Na+, Cl-, and fluid secretion to return to pre-cAMP control rates and K+ secretion to decrease further. Peritubular bumetanide significantly increased Na+ secretion and decreased K+ secretion so that Cl- and fluid secretion did not change. In bumetanide-treated tubules, the secretagogue effects of DBcAMP are blocked. In isolated Malpighian tubules perfused with symmetrical Ringer solution, DBcAMP significantly hyperpolarized the transepithelial voltage (VT) and depolarized the basolateral membrane voltage (Vbl) with no effect on apical membrane voltage (Va). Total transepithelial resistance (RT) and the fractional resistance of the basolateral membrane (fRbl) significantly decreased. Bumetanide also hyperpolarized VT and depolarized Vbl, however without significantly affecting RT and fRbl. Together these results suggest that, in addition to stimulating electroconductive transport, DBcAMP also activates a nonconductive bumetanide-sensitive transport system in Aedes Malpighian tubules.

Cation channels in the apical membrane of collecting duct principal cell epithelium in culture

The apical cell membrane of cultured monolayers of collecting duct principal cells was investigated with the patch-clamp technique to study single ion channels. A broad spectrum of channel events was observed which complicated the analysis. Although principal cells absorb mainly Na+ ions and although most patches must have contained an Na+ conductance as evidenced by asymmetric clamp currents in the presence of amiloride, single Na+ channel events could not be identified with certainty, possibly because single-channel conductance was too low (less than or equal to 5 pS). Instead, non-selective cation channels of 21.2 +/- 4.0 pS were frequently observed. They were impermeable to choline and anions but did not discriminate between Na+ and K+. These channels, however, do not appear to participate in active Na+ absorption. Different types of K+ channels were observed: a high-conductance Ca2(+)-activated K+ channel and a bursting low-conductance K+ channel. Since the former channel has been denied a role in K+ secretion/absorption in native collecting ducts, the latter might be involved. In addition three types of Cl- channels have been observed which will be described separately. At least one of those, a 30-pS outwardly rectifying Cl- channel appears to allow small amounts of Cl- ions to be absorbed across principal cells.

Leucokinins, a new family of ion transport stimulators and inhibitors in insect Malpighian tubules

Leucokinins are octapeptides isolated from heads of the cockroach Leucophaea maderae. In the cockroach they increase motility of the isolated hindgut. Surprisingly, synthetic leucokinins have biological activity in a different insect and in a different tissue. In isolated Malpighian tubules of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti, leucokinins depolarize the transepithelial voltage. This effect on voltage is dependent on extracellular Cl. One leucokinin, LK-8, the effects of which were studied further in isolated Malpighian tubules, was found to inhibit transepithelial fluid secretion at low concentrations (10(-11) M threshold), and to stimulate fluid secretion at high concentrations (3.5 x 10(-9) M threshold). Together, the depolarizing effects on voltage and the stimulation of fluid secretion suggest that leucokinins increase the Cl permeability of the tubule wall thereby increasing the availability of Cl for secretion with Na, K and water. Structure-function comparisons of the seven leucokinins studied suggest that the active region of the octapeptide is segregated to the C-terminal pentapeptide. In view of the known effects of leucokinins on hindgut motility in the cockroach, our finding of effects in mosquito Malpighian tubules suggests that leucokinins may be widely distributed in insects where they may have diverse functions in a variety of organs.

The everted renal tubule: a methodology for direct assessment of apical membrane function

A technique is described whereby it is possible to evert a 0.5- to 1.0-mm segment of an amphibian renal tubule and perfuse it in vitro. Consequently, the apical membranes of an intact nephron fragment are directly accessible for electrophysiological study. Viability of the cells of everted diluting segments taken from Ambystoma kidney was indicated by 1) failure of the cells to take up trypan blue and 2) the existence of an apical membrane voltage (average 66 mV, cell negative), which decreased predictably in the presence of either 5 mM barium or elevated potassium in the luminal bathing solution. The utility of the everted tubule to patch clamp studies was tested. A large conductance channel that appeared to be selective for potassium could be demonstrated in a cell-attached patch of the apical membrane of an everted initial collecting tubule. The everted tubule preparation not only provides large quantities of apical membrane for patch clamp studies but, more importantly, allows the investigator to control the solutions bathing each membrane surface independently. The application of patch clamp techniques to perfused, everted tubules may then serve to more completely describe the role of the apical membrane in transcellular ion transport.

Fluid secretion in glomerular renal proximal tubules of freshwater-adapted fish

Tubular secretion by renal proximal tubules, as a mechanism for delivering fluid and electrolytes to the urine, has received little attention in modern conceptions of renal function in vertebrates even though it is the mechanism for urine production in aglomerular fish. This report demonstrates that some proximal tubules of glomerular kidneys of freshwater-adapted euryhaline fish spontaneously secrete fluid. The fluid consists primarily of Na (138 mM) and Cl (160 mM). NaCl and fluid secretion can be stimulated by adenosine 3',5-cyclic monophosphate, suggesting that tubular fluid secretion is under hormonal control. Fluid secretion driven by NaCl secretion in glomerular proximal tubules of fish that already filter NaCl and water suggests that secretion of fluid and NaCl may play a fundamental role in vertebrate renal function beyond a preadaptation for aglomerular urine formation.

Hormone-controlled cAMP-mediated fluid secretion in yellow-fever mosquito

Evidence is presented for hormone-controlled adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated NaCl diuresis in Malpighian tubules of the blood-feeding yellow-fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. Studies in isolated Malpighian tubules reveal that cAMP added to the peritubular bath selectively stimulates NaCl secretion and not KCl secretion by increasing the Na conductance of the basolateral membrane of primary cells. These effects are duplicated by forskolin and theophylline in parallel with increased intracellular concentrations of endogenous cAMP. Two natriuretic peptides that we have isolated by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods from mosquito heads also increase NaCl and fluid secretion in isolated Malpighian tubules together with increased intracellular levels of cAMP. These results are consistent with a mechanism of NaCl diuresis in which the natriuretic peptides and cAMP are respectively the primary and secondary messengers that couple the ingestion of a blood meal to the excretion of the unwanted salt and water fraction of the meal. This hypothesis is supported by in vivo studies that reveal elevated intracellular cAMP levels in Malpighian tubules at the time of maximum NaCl diuresis.

Diuresis in Mosquitoes: Role of a Natriuretic Factor

When a mosquito takes in a blood meal that is twice its body weight, flying and easy maneuvering become a problem. To get rid of the extra water, the mosquito produces a copious flow of urine that begins even before the meal has been completed. How is this diuresis controlled?

High-conductance K+ channel in apical membranes of principal cells cultured from rabbit renal cortical collecting duct anlagen

Using the patch clamp technique, one type of K+ channel was identified in the apical cell membrane of cultured principal cells of rabbit renal collecting ducts in the cell-attached or excised-patch configuration. The channel was highly selective for K+ over Na+ (typically 30-70-fold) and had a conductance of 180, SD +/- 39 pS (n = 6), referred to a situation of 140 mmolar K+-Ringer solution present on either surface of the patch membrane. Channel activity was completely blocked by Ba2+ (5 mmol/l) and partially inhibited by Na+. The latter was evidenced by a deviation from Goldman rectification at high cytoplasm-positive membrane potentials, which was observed when Na+ competed with K+ for channel entrance from the cytoplasmic surface. Channel open probability depended strongly on membrane voltage and cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration. Open-close kinetics exhibited double exponential behaviour, with a strong voltage dependence of the slow open time constant. Infrequently also a substate conductance level was identified. The voltage and calcium dependence suggest that the channel plays a role in adjusting K+ secretion to Na+ absorption in the fine regulation of cation excretion in renal collecting ducts.

Secretory NaCl and volume flow in renal tubules

This review attempts to give a retrospective survey of the available evidence concerning the secretion of NaCl and fluid in renal tubules of the vertebrate kidney. In the absence of glomerular filtration, epithelial secretory mechanisms, which to this date have not been elucidated, are responsible for the renal excretion of NaCl and water in aglomerular fish. However, proximal tubules isolated from glomerular fish kidneys of the flounder, killifish, and the shark also have the capacity to secrete NaCl and fluid. In shark proximal tubules, fluid secretion appears to be driven via secondary active transport of Cl. In another marine vertebrate, the sea snake, secretion of Na (presumably NaCl) and fluid is observed in freshwater-adapted and water-loaded animals. Proximal tubules of mammals can be made to secrete NaCl in vitro together with secretion of aryl acids. An epithelial cell line derived from dog kidney exhibits secondary active secretion of Cl when stimulated with catecholamines. Tubular secretion of NaCl and fluid may serve a variety of renal functions, all of which are considered here. The occurrence of NaCl and fluid secretion in glomerular proximal tubules of teleosts, elasmobranchs, and reptiles and in mammalian renal tissue cultures suggests that the genetic potential for NaCl secretion is present in every vertebrate kidney.

Renal proximal tubule of flounder II. Transepithelial Mg secretion

The kinetics of transepithelial Mg secretion were studied in isolated perfused proximal tubule II of the flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus. To detect measurable changes of luminal [Mg] as a function of bath [Mg], the lumen had to be perfused at subnanoliter rates. Transepithelial Mg secretion did not obey first-order reaction kinetics; hence values for half saturation of transport (0.22 mM) and transport maximum (1.5 pmol X min-1 X mm-1) are apparent and suggest a high-affinity low-capacity transport system. Because all experiments were done in the absence of bath SO4, the independence of Mg transport from SO4 transport is established. In the absence of perfusion, when tubules secrete fluid spontaneously, secreted fluid contained Cl (156 +/- 3 mM), Na (130 +/- 6 mM), and Mg (27 +/- 5 mM), all significantly different from the bath. Rates of Cl, Na, and Mg secretion were all positively correlated with fluid secretion, but Na and Mg concentrations in secreted fluid were inversely proportional. The results indicate that NaCl secretion provides basal rates of fluid secretion, and when MgCl2 is secreted in addition, fluid secretion increases with the effect of generating inverse relationships between luminal Na and Mg concentrations.

Renal proximal tubule of flounder. I. Physiological properties

The proximal segment of the winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, was investigated. Isolated tubules net secrete fluid, although at low rates, 37 pl X min-1 X mm-1. The dominant ions in secreted fluid are Na and Cl, with [Cl] significantly higher than in the bath. Mg and SO4 concentrations in secreted fluid are more than 10-fold greater than in the bath. The transepithelial voltage (-1.9 mV) and resistance (26 omega X cm2) indicate an electrically leaky epithelium, and transepithelial diffusion potentials suggest the Na selectivity of the paracellular pathway. Transepithelial electrochemical potentials point to active transport of Mg, SO4, and probably also Cl and to transepithelial equilibrium of Na. Failure to observe any secretory transport in tubules perfused in vitro at the commonly used perfusion rates illustrates the necessity of low, preferably subnanoliter, perfusion rates in detecting and studying low-capacity epithelial transport systems by the method of Burg.

Peptide nature of two mosquito natriuretic factors

High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) of saline extracts of Aedes aegypti heads yields three fractions (from a total of 108) that affect transepithelial voltage and/or fluid secretion in isolated Aedes Malpighian tubules. In this study we investigated the physical and chemical nature of the active materials in these fractions. Gel-filtration chromatography revealed that the molecular weights of the three fractions were between 1,900 and 2,700. To test their thermostability the fractions were repeatedly frozen and thawed over a period of 110 days without loss of biological activity. Boiling at 100 degrees C for 5 min failed to significantly reduce their biological effects in isolated Malpighian tubules. In contrast, treatment with the proteolytic enzyme mixture, pronase, destroyed activity in all three. Fraction I no longer depolarized the transepithelial voltage of in vitro perfused Malpighian tubules, and fractions II and III completely lost their ability to stimulate fluid secretion and to affect transepithelial voltage. We conclude that our HPLC isolation yields a heterogeneous group of three polar low-molecular weight peptides. Expression of their biological activities in Malpighian tubules depends on intact peptide bonds.

Mechanism of fluid secretion in isolated shark renal proximal tubules

Renal proximal tubules from the glomerular Squalus acanthias were studied for evidence of fluid secretion by closing one end of isolated tubules and leaving the other end open so that secreted fluid could be collected. When tubules were bathed in shark Ringer, fluid secretion rate was 27.6 +/- 3.9 (SE) pl X min-1 X mm-1 (21 tubules). Dibutyryl cAMP stimulated fluid secretion 50% (P less than 0.02, n = 14), furosemide inhibited fluid secretion 50% (P less than 0.01, n = 6), and metabolic inhibitors blocked fluid secretion nearly 100%. Secreted fluid was slightly hyperosmotic to peritubular bath (P less than 0.01, n = 7) but Na, Cl, S, K, and Ca concentrations were not significantly different from bath concentrations (wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy, electron probe analysis). cAMP had no effect on secreted fluid composition, and in some tubules cAMP did not stimulate fluid secretion. In conjunction with previous data we propose that spontaneous fluid secretion is driven by secretion of NaCl. However, finding the mechanism of NaCl and fluid secretion in glomerular renal tubules offers new perspectives of some previously inexplicable phenomena in the renal physiology of fish.

Preliminary isolation of mosquito natriuretic factor

A natriuretic factor that triggers diuresis in isolated Malpighian tubules of the mosquito was isolated from the head of the yellow-fever mosquito Aedes aegypti by passing a saline extract of mosquito heads through low-pressure and then high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns. Three fractions with biologic activity eluted during a reverse-phase HPLC linear acetonitrile gradient run. Fraction I depolarized the transepithelial voltage (Vt) of isolated perfused Malpighian tubules but did not not stimulate fluid secretion in the Ramsay assay (J. A. Ramsay, J. Exp. Biol. 31: 104-113, 1954). Fraction II depolarized and fraction III hyperpolarized Vt, and both stimulated fluid secretion three- to fourfold. Even though the effects of fractions II and III on Vt differed, both stimulated fluid secretion by increasing the rate of NaCl secretion without affecting K secretion. The selective stimulation of active secretory Na transport by fraction III is mimicked by cyclic AMP (cAMP), suggesting the second messenger role of cAMP in the effects of fraction III. Because fraction III stimulates a NaCl-rich, as opposed to KCl-rich, fluid, the term mosquito natriuretic factor is proposed for this active fraction.

Dibutyryl-cAMP increases basolateral sodium conductance of mosquito Malpighian tubules

Dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) stimulates fluid secretion in isolated Malpighian tubules of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. In the present study the effects of cAMP on the basolateral membrane were studied with conventional microelectrodes. Membrane conductances were evaluated from the changes of the basolateral membrane potential (Vbl) consequent to ion changes in the bath. Under control conditions, Vbl measured -65.2 +/- 1.5 mV [83 impalements, 67 tubules]. A fivefold decrease in the bath Na concentration hyperpolarized Vbl by 10.2 +/- 0.6 mV [7], whereas a 4.4-fold increase in the bath K concentration depolarized Vbl by 7.9 +/- 1.0 mV [9]. In the presence of cAMP (10(-4) M) Vbl depolarized to -24.8 +/- 2.7 mV [9]. Vbl now hyperpolarized by 22.7 +/- 1.5 mV [7] for the bath Na change and depolarized by only 3.8 +/- 1.1 mV [6] for the bath K change. Thus the dominant effect of cAMP is the increase of the basolateral membrane Na conductance. This increase is consistent with 1) the depolarization of Vbl and 2) the hyperpolarization of the transepithelial voltage, the decrease of the transepithelial resistance, and the increase of Na and fluid secretion observed previously. Spontaneous oscillations of Vbl were observed and could not be attributed to cyclical changes of the basolateral membrane Na conductance.

Electrophysiological evidence for Cl secretion in shark renal proximal tubules

The electrophysiology of shark proximal tubules (Squalus acanthias) was investigated using conventional microelectrodes and cable analysis. Under in vitro perfusion with symmetrical Ringer solutions, tubule transepithelial resistance was 36.3 +/- 2.3 omega X cm2 (means +/- SE, n = 44). Other electrophysiological variables varied widely under control conditions. In unstimulated tubules (n = 16) the transepithelial voltage (VT,o) was lumen positive (1.2 +/- 0.2 mV), the basolateral membrane potential (Vbl,x) was -61.3 +/- 1.6 mV, and the fractional resistance of the apical membrane (fRa) was 0.67 +/- 0.02. Spontaneously stimulated tubules (n = 28) had lumen-negative VT,o values (-1.5 +/- 0.4 mV), low Vbl,x values (-41.3 +/- 1.7 mV), and low fRa values (0.30 +/- 0.02). The stimulated state can be induced in unstimulated tubules via treatment with cAMP. Multiple microelectrode impalements in a single tubule revealed epithelial cells sharing similar electrophysiological properties. Selective ion substitutions in the tubule lumen and peritubular bath uncovered an increased Cl conductance in the apical membrane of spontaneously and cAMP-stimulated tubules. Anthracene-9-carboxylic acid tended to reverse the stimulated state, and furosemide hyperpolarized Vbl,x. These results constitute the first evidence for secretory Cl transport in a renal proximal tubule. The electrophysiological responses to ion substitutions, stimulators, and inhibitors are strikingly similar to those of known Cl-transporting epithelia.

Comparative physiology of the renal proximal tubule

The comparative physiology of the renal proximal tubule (PT) is reviewed in the context of vertebrate evolution and vertebrate strategies of salt and water balance. Though extrarenal mechanisms of salt and water balance contribute importantly to extracellular fluid (ECF) homeostasis in the lower vertebrates, the kidney acquires these functions with evolutionary progress and becomes the dominant organ of ECF homeostasis in mammals. In acquiring the major responsibility over the ECF compartment the kidney favored filtration-reabsorption as the preferred mechanism for the rapid turnover of ECF with the advantage of providing quick renal regulatory responses. In spite of this specialization the structure and function of the PT do not appear to have undergone major evolutionary changes. In present-day vertebrates the PT remains as an immensely diverse transport epithelium with impressive capacities for both reabsorptive and secretory work, as exemplified by the mammalian PT with mostly reabsorptive functions and the PT of aglomerular kidneys with mostly secretory functions. The recent evidence for NaCl and fluid secretion in the PT of, unexpectedly, glomerular kidneys is consistent with the functional diversity and the conservative nature of evolution in the case of the PT.

Single-channel currents in renal tubules

Patch-clamp techniques were used to study isolated renal cortical collecting ducts of rabbits. Gigaohm seals of the native apical membranes of the principal cells were obtained from tissues superfused with a Ringer solution. No enzymatic or other pretreatment of the tissues was required. The patches studied were primarily of the on-cell type, although excised patches could be obtained. Unitary currents in a range of tenths of picoamperes were observed at holding voltages between +/- 100 mV. Since the apparent reversal potential was at a holding voltage at or near 0 eatment of the tissues was required. The patches studied were primarily of the on-cell type, although excised patches could be obtained. Unitary currents in a range of tenths of picoamperes were observed at holding voltages between +/- 100 mV. Since the apparent reversal potential was at a holding voltage at or near 0 eatment of the tissues was required. The patches studied were primarily of the on-cell type, although excised patches could be obtained. Unitary currents in a range of tenths of picoamperes were observed at holding voltages between +/- 100 mV. Since the apparent reversal potential was at a holding voltage at or near 0 mV and since the current-voltage relationship was markedly nonlinear, the unitary currents are most likely due to K+ . Na+-channel current fluctuations, if present, could not be uniquely identified in the presence or absence of amiloride.

Water-permeable and -impermeable barriers of snake distal tubules

Isolated perfused snake distal tubules transport Na from lumen bath via an amiloride-sensitive transport pathway. Elevation of the luminal Na concentration from 16 to 150 mM leads to non-steady-state electrical behavior and cell swelling. To elucidate the mechanism of cell swelling, the water permeabilities of the epithelium and its apical and basolateral membrane were assessed. Distal tubules were found to be virtually impermeable to transepithelial water flow. Hydraulic conductivity measured 1.2 X 10(-7) cm3 X s-1 X cm-2 X atm-1 in the absence or presence of vasopressin. Effects of transepithelial osmotic pressure gradients on epithelial cell volume revealed the luminal membrane as the water-impermeable cellular barrier and the basolateral membrane as a barrier that is freely permeable to water. Epithelial cell swelling was blocked during perfusion with 150 mM Na when the perfusate also contained amiloride (10(-5) M). These results support the hypothesis that, in the case of transepithelial transport in the presence of high luminal Na concentrations, Na entry across the apical membrane exceeds Na extrusion across the basolateral membrane. Hence, the cells accumulate solute: Na from the apical side and some anion from the apical and/or serosal side. Concomitantly, the epithelial cells swell as water enters across the highly permeable basolateral membrane.

Perfusion of isolated tubules of the shark rectal gland. Electrical characteristics and response to hormones

Both the mammalian thick ascending limb of Henle's loop and the shark rectal gland actively transport Cl against an electrochemical gradient by mechanisms involving hormone-sensitive NaCl transport. In contrast to mammalian renal tubules, individual tubules of the shark rectal gland previously have not been perfused in vitro. Using a combination of renal slice and microdissection techniques we were able to isolate and perfuse single rectal gland tubules without the use of enzyme treatment. Single tubules consistently generated lumen-negative transepithelial voltages (Vt) of -1.8 mV when perfused and bathed with identical shark Ringer's solution. The addition of cyclic AMP, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and adenosine to the bath increased Vt to -7.5, -9.0, and -4.3 mV, respectively (all P less than 0.02 compared with paired controls). Each stimulation could be reversed by addition by furosemide to the bath. The adenosine response was inhibited by theophylline, a specific inhibitor of adenosine receptors. The tubules had a low transepithelial electrical resistance of 12-26 omega X cm2 and exhibited a transepithelial permselectivity for small cations. These results indicate that tubules of the rectal gland can be perfused in vitro and have receptors for VIP and adenosine. Cyclic AMP and secretagogues hyperpolarize the membrane consistent with electrogenic chloride transport, and these effects are reversed by furosemide, an inhibitor of coupled sodium-potassium-chloride co-transport. The response of Vt to cyclic AMP and furosemide, the transepithelial electrical resistance, and the cation selective permeability of tubules are remarkably similar to measurements in perfused mammalian thick ascending limbs.

Taurine transport by isolated flounder renal tubules

Previous in vivo clearance studies (Schrock et al., '82) have revealed that taurine is secreted by marine fish kidneys. In the present study taurine secretion by the flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) renal tubule was investigated by assaying the transport of 14C-taurine in vitro. Collections from isolated fluid-secreting flounder tubules confirmed the presence of a tubular mechanism for taurine secretion. The flounder renal tubule concentrated taurine in the lumen at a lumen/bath ratio of 25, with the movement across the peritubular membrane identified as the concentrating step of taurine transport. Studies with teased flounder renal tubules identified transport as Na+ and C1- dependent. Taurine transport was inhibited by beta alanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and hypotaurine. In a study of the hormonal control of taurine transport, only the adrenal steroid dexamethasone stimulated taurine uptake by the flounder renal tubules. Transport was not affected by the second messengers adenosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphate, guanosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphate, adenosine, or Ca++ ionophore (A12384).

Electrical characteristics of snake distal tubules: studies of I-V relationships

Distal tubules of Thamnophis spp. were perfused in vitro with Ringer solution containing either 16 or 150 mM Na and bathed with 150 mM Na Ringer. Current-voltage relationships were obtained by injecting pulses of constant current, Io, into the tubule lumen and recording changes in voltage, delta Vo, at the proximal end of the perfused tubule segment. The Io-Vo plots showed a distinct break at a voltage E1 (approximately 85 mV) that was greater than the open-circuit voltage, VToc, and similar to values of ENa, the transepithelial driving force for Na transport estimated by other methods. The resistance of the shunt pathway, Rs, was estimated from the values of the transepithelial resistance after luminal addition of 10(-5) M amiloride, which caused a rapid fall of the VToc to 0 mV with concurrent increases of the transepithelial resistance. These estimates of Rs were the same as the values of E1/I1 obtained from the Io-Vo plots. The VToc, RT, and Rs were independent of the bath [Na] and were not influenced by the addition of amiloride to the bath. As in frog skin and toad urinary bladder, the ENa and Rs of the snake distal tubule can be estimated from studies of their Io-Vo plots, and the E1 appears to be independent of the transepithelial chemical potential for Na.

Luminal Na concentration and the electrical properties of the snake distal tubule

In previous studies of isolated perfused distal tubules of Thamnophis spp., elevation of luminal [Na] from 16 to 150 mM resulted in a transient hyperpolarization of the open-circuit voltage, VToc. To characterize further this response, studies were done to examine the concurrent changes of the transepithelial resistance, RT. After elevation of luminal [Na] from 16 to 150 mM. the VToc increased sharply from a mean of 38.5 to 61.2 mV and the RT decreased from a mean of 22.3 to 15.8 k omega x cm. Thereafter, the VToc declined slowly below control values, and the RT increased well above control values. The short-circuit current calculated as VToc/RT changed in parallel with the VToc, increasing at first (from 1.8 to 4.1 microA/cm) and then falling to about 0.2 microA/cm. Luminal addition of 10(-5) M amiloride caused th VToc leads to 0 and the RT to increase during control and all phases of the transient. On the assumption that RT during amiloride perfusion is the same as the shunt resistance, Rs, the values of the transepithelial driving force, ENa, and its series resistance, RNa, were calculated. An analysis of the data in this way indicated that the principal changes in the epithelium could be attributed to alterations of the RNa and not the ENa or Rs.

Generation of transepithelial potentials by isolated perfused reptilian distal tubules

Transepithelial potentials were measured in the most distal segments of garter snake (Thamnophis spp.) distal tubles perfused in vitro. The segments generated high lumen-negative potentials when sodium was in the lumen. The size of the potentials was a saturable function of luminal sodium concentrations between 0 and 32 mM. The potentials were stable with time only when sodium concentrations in the lumen were less than 30 mM. Perfusion with high sodium concentrations resulted in transient potentials. Stable potentials changed markedly when the lumen sodium concentration or the bath potassium concentration was altered suddenly, but they were independent of lumen potassium concentrations and bath sodium concentrations. Amiloride stimulated or inhibited the potentials, ouabain partially depressed them, and ethacrynic acid and cyanide inhibited them slowly and often irreversibly. We conclude that distal transepithelial potentials reflect sodium transport from lumen to bath across a tight asymmetric epithelium which differs from other sodium-transporting epithelia in that stable transepithelial potentials are maintained only with luminal sodium concentrations less than 30 mM.

The unreliability of mammalian glomerular markers in teleostean renal studies

1. The assumption that (3H) methoxy inulin, (14C) polyethylene glycol (PEG) and (125) iothalamate (glofil) are reliable volume and glomerular markers in teleosts was tested. 2. PEG occupied smaller volumes than inulin and glofil in sea-water-adapted Salmo gairdneri. Ureteral clearances of PEG were about 22% higher than those of inulin and glofil, and urine-to-plasma ratios were significantly greater for PEG than for the other two markers. 3. After introduction into the urinary bladder the three macro-molecules appeared in the plasma, PEG at the lowest rates. 4. These observations indicate that mammalian glomerular markers can penetrate the bladder and possibly the ureters and renal tubules. Therefore, their clearances may not give a true measure of glomerular filtration rates in teleosts.

Kidney and urinary bladder functions of the rainbow trout in Mg and Na excretion

Magnesium concentration in the urinary bladder of marine teleosts is high and [Na] is low. The inverse relationship may be due to the coupling of Mg secretion to Na reabsorption through a common tubular transport system or coupling may be indirect. Unanesthetized sea-water-adapted Salmo gairdneri were infused with saline or MgCl2, and ureteral urine was collected. Over a wide range of Mg excretion rates, tubular Mg secretion and Na reabsorption show no clear correlation as might be expected from an obligatory tubular Mg/Na exchange. Instead ureteral Mg and Na concentrations and excretion rates are positively correlated. These data are not consistent with the presence of a tubular exchange system. When ureteral urine was allowed to remain in the urinary bladder before being analyzed the inverse relationship between [Mg] and [Na] developed because the bladder reabsorbed Na and H2O, thereby concentrating Mg. Hence, tubular Mg/Na exchanges do not produce the inverse Mg/Na relationship in bladder urine. Instead, Mg is secreted in the nephron, while Na and H2O are reabsorbed from the bladder.