Light-induced electron-transfer reactions. Part 2. Kinetics of the intra-molecular redox decomposition of tris(oxalato)-cobaltate(III) by irradiation with visible light of aqueous solution containing tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ion

The rate of the intra-molecular redox decomposition of the tris(oxalato)cobaltate(III) ion [Co(Ox)₃]^3? is greatly accelerated by irradiation with visible light of aqueous acidic solutions containing the tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ion [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺. The rate of the light-induced reaction in hydrochloric acid with an acidity range 0.05–0.18 mol dm^?3 is of zero-order with respect to the [Co(Ox)₃]^3? ion concentration and is proportional to the light-intensity irradiated and also essentially to the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ ion concentration. Moreover, the rate is independent not only of the oxalate ion concentrations, but also of the acidity over the range 0.05–0.18 mol dm^?3 hydrochloric acid. The ionic-strength dependence, as well as temperature dependence, were extremely small. The [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ concentration does not change during the occurrence of the reaction and the tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ion acts as a homogeneous catalyzer. However, a dramatic indication that the situation was rather different was found in the stronger acid solutions of 0.5 or 1.0 mol dm^?3 hydrochloric acid, in which the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ concentration decreased greatly immediately after the initiation of reaction and then increased up to the initial concentration. Such a decrease at the initial stage of the reaction disappeared by addition of oxalate before the start of the reaction. A chain mechanism of reaction is proposed to account for these results.     

COPPER TOXICITY TO SKELETONEMA COSTATUM (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1,2

Copper toxicity to Skeletonema costatum (Grev.) Cleve has been studied in batch cultures of chemically defined culture media. The alga is relatively insensitive to cupric ion activity, demonstrating no effect on growth up to (Cu²⁺) = 10^?8.5 M. Cultures inoculated from stationary phase stocks exhibit a prolongation of the lag phase with increasing copper concentrations near and above the point of precipitation of the copper. The toxicity of copper is a function of the silicic acid concentration in the medium. This effect is observed in a range of Si(OH)₄ concentrations (10^?5 M to 10^?4 M) above known values for the saturation of silicon uptake kinetics, thus suggesting an influence of copper on silicate metabolism.     

SCN− and HSCN transport through lipid bilayer membranes: A model for SCN− inhibition of gastric acid secretion

Diffusion of thiocyanate (SCN?) and thiocyanic acid (HSCN) (pK=?1.8) through lipid bilayer membranes was studied as a function of pH. Membranes were made of egg phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylcholine plus cholesterol (1:1 mol ratio) dissolved in decane or tetradecane. Tracer fluxes and electrical conductances were used to estimate the permeabilities to HSCN and SCN?. Over the pH range 1.0 to 3.3 only HSCN crosses the membrane at a significant rate. The relation between the total SCN flux (JA), concentrations and permeabilities is: 1/JA=1/Pul([A?]+[HA])+1/PHAm[HA], where [A?] and [HA] are the concentrations of SCN? and HSCN, Pul is permeability coefficient of the unstirred layer, and PHAm is the membrane permeability to HSCN. By fitting this equation to the data we find that PHAm = 2.6 cm · s?1 and Pul = 9.0 · 10?4 cm · s?1. Conductance measurements indicate that PA?m is 5 · 10?9 cm · s?1. Addition of cholesterol to phosphatidylcholine (1:1 mol ratio) reduces PHAm by a factor of 0.4 but has no effect on PA?m. SCN? is potent inhibitor of acid secretion in gastric mucosa, but the mechanism of SCN? action is unknown. Our results suggest that SCN? acts by combining with H+ in the mucosal unstirred layer (secretory pits) and diffusing back into the cells as HSCN, thus dissipating the proton gradient across the secretory membrane. A similar mechanism of action is proposed for some other inhibitors of gastric acid secretion, e.g. nitrite (NO2?), cyanate (CNO?) and NH4+.     

Kinetics of the reaction of pentacyanonitrosylferrate(II) with aliphatic amines

The reactions of pentacyanonitrosylferrate(II) with ethyl-, n-propyl-, n-butyl-, cyclohexyl- and benzylamines were studied in dilute aqueous solution at 8.6–9.6 pH and 15–35 °C. Nitrosation, diazotation and deamination processes take place in the reactions resulting in alcohols and N₂ gas as final products. On the basis of spectrophotometric and gasvolumetric experiments the rate law was determined as follows.v = k[RNH₂][Fe(CN)₅NO^2?] The dependence on pH was interpreted by the protonation equilibria of the amines. From the function of the logarithm of rate constants vs. reciprocal temperature, relatively small activation enthalpies (15–70 kJ mol^?1) and extremely high negative activation entropies [(?80) ? (?240) J K^?1 mol^?1] were found. The mechanism was interpreted by the analogy with nitrous acid diazotation.A parallel trend was observed between the rate constants at 25 °C and the basicity constants of the amines.     

Catalysis of hydrolysis and aminolysis of benzylpenicillin mediated by a ternary complex with zinc ion and Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane

It was discovered that the combination of zinc ion and Tris in the pH range 7.5–10 is a very effective true catalyst for hydrolysis and aminolysis (by Tris) of benzylpenicillin. Both Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions were nonreactive in this system. The rate of loss of penicillin from solution was found to be a linear function of zinc ion at concentrations up to 10^?5M, while the dependence upon Tris concentration is maximal at about 0.02–0.03 M at each pH studied. At high penicillin concentrations saturation kinetics was observed. Product assays showed the major product to be a penicilloic acid at low Tris concentrations and N(penicilloyl)-Tris at high Tris concentrations. A mechanism is proposed which suggests that the reaction is mediated by a ternary complex in which the metal ion acts to bring the reactants (penicillin and Tris) into close proximity and to lower the pK_a of a Tris hydroxyl, creating a strong nucleophile. This mechanism also explains the results of the product assays and the lack of reactivity of the other metal ions tested. This reaction may be related to the mechanism for a known zinc-dependent β-lactamase.     

Kinetics of reduction of ferrioxamine B by chromium(II), vanadium(II), and dithionite

Kinetic studies of the reduction of ferrioxamine B (Fe(Hdesf)⁺) by Cr(H₂O)₆²⁺, V(H₂O)₆²⁺, and dithionite have been performed. For Cr(H₂O)₆²⁺ and V(H₂O)₆²⁺, the rate is ?d[Fe(Hdesf)⁺]/dt = k[Fe(Hdesf)⁺][M²⁺]. For Cr(H₂O)₆²⁺, k = 1.19 × 10⁴ M^?1 sec^?1 at 25°C and μ = 0.4 M, and k is independent of pH from 2.6 to 3.5. For V(H₂O)₆²⁺, k = 6.30 × 10² M^?1 sec^?1 at 25°C, μ = 1.0 M, and pH = 2.2. The rate is nearly independent of pH from 2.2 to 4.0. For Cr(H₂O)₆²⁺ and V(H₂O)₆²⁺, the activation parameters are ΔH^≠ = 8.2 kcal mol^?1, ΔS^≠ ?12 eu and ΔH^≠ = 1.7 kcal mol^?1, ΔS^≠ = ?40 eu (at pH 2.2) respectively. Reduction by Cr(H₂O)₆²⁺ is inner-sphere, while reduction by V(H₂O)₆²⁺ is outer-sphere. Reduction by dithionite follows the rate law ?d[Fe(Hdesf)⁺]/dt =kK^{$\text{1}\text{2}$}[Fe(Hdesf)⁺][S₂O₄^2?]^{$\text{1}\text{2}$} where K is the equilibrium constant for dissociation of S₂O₄^2? into SO₂^? radicals. The value of k at 25°C and μ = 0.5 is 2.7 × 10³ M^?1 sec^?1 at pH 5.8, 3.5 × 10³ M^?1 sec^?1 at pH 6.8, and 4.6 × 10³ M^?1 sec^?1 at pH 7.8, and ΔH^≠ = 6.8 kcal mol^?1 and ΔS^≠ = ?19 eu at pH 7.8.     

The binding of Ni2+ to adenylyl-3',5'-adenosine and to poly(adenylic acid)

Studies of the binding of Ni²⁺ to adenylyl-3',5'-adenosine (ApA) at pH 6-0 by ultraviolet spectrophotometry indicate the formation of a 1:1 complex in the presence of a large excess of metal ion. At 25 °C. and ionic strength μ = 0.5 M, the stability constant of Ni(ApA) is evaluated to be K = 2.6 (±0.6) M^?1. The low stability is taken as evidence that the predominant complex species is one in which the ApA acts as a monodentate ligand, mainly through the adenine group. The rate constants for complex formation and dissociation, k_f = 1430 M^?1 s^?1 and k_b = 665 s^?1 (25°C. μ = 0.5M). determined by the temperature-jump relaxation technique, are consistent with this interpretation. The binding strength of Ni²⁺ to poly(adenylic acid) [poly(A)] has been studied at pH 7.0 using murexide as an indicator of the concentration of free Ni²⁺. Within the concentration range [Ni²⁺ = 1 × 10^?5 × 10^?3 M the data can be represented in the form of a linear Scatchard plot. i.e., the process can be described as the binding of Ni²⁺ to one class of independent binding sites. The number of binding sites per monomer is 0.26, and the stability constant K = 8.2×10³ M^?1 (25°C μ = 0.1 M). In kinetic studies of the reaction of Ni²⁺ with poly(A), two relaxation effects due to complex formation were detected, one with a concentration-independent time constant of about 0.4 ms, the other with a concentration-dependent time constant in the millisecond range. The concentration dependence of the longer relaxation time can be accounted for by a three-step mechanism which consists of a fast second-order association reaction followed by two first-order steps. There is evidence, however, that the overall process is more complicated than expressed by the three-step mechanism.     

Pulse radiolytic investigations of the redox system alloxan-dialuric acid: evidence for a radical intermediate

The reduction of alloxan (A) into dialuric acid (AH₂) by^?COO^? radical has been investigated by pulse-radiolysis. A radical intermediate ^?AH is shown to be formed with a rate constant k (^?COO^? + A) = 3.2 × 10⁷ M^?1 s^?1. ^?AH absorption spectrum is given. This radical disappears by disproportionation leading to dialuric acid, with a rate constant 2 k = 1.6 × 10⁸ M^?1s^?1.     

Metal complexes of cyclic diamines,dissociation kinetics of bis(1,5-diazacyclo-octane)nickel(II) in acidic and basic solution,and electrochemical studies

The preparation of the planar yellow [Ni([8]aneN₂)₂](ClO₄)₂ is described. The complex dissociates in basic solution, with rate = k_OH[NiL][OH^?] (L = 1,5-diazacyclo-octane). At 25 °C, k_OH = 4.5 x 10^?2 M^?1 s^?1 and the corresponding activation parameters are ΔH^≠ = 69.2 kJ mol^?1 and ΔS₂₉₈^≠ = ?38.6 J K^?1 mol^?1. Acid catalysed dissociation in quite slow even in strongly acidic solutions. The kinetic data in this case can be fitted to the expression K_obs = k_o + K_H[H⁺], where k_o relates to a solvolytic pathway and k_H to the acid catalysed pathway. At 60 °C, K_o = 2 x 10^?5 s^?1 and k_H is 2 x 10^?5 M^?1 s^?1. Possible mechanisms for these reactions are considered.The Ni(II)/Ni(III) redox couple for NiLⁿ⁺ is irreversible on Pt using MeCN as solvent.     

Kinetics of acid-catalysed dissociation of lead(II) and copper(II) complexes of ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo)tetraacetic acid (EGTA)

The acid-catalysed dissociation rate constants for PbEGTA²⁻ and CuEGTA²⁻ complexes (where EGTA is ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo) tetraacetic acid) were measured in acetic acid-acetate buffer medium (pH: 3.0–4.8) and perchloric acid solutions ([H⁺] = 0.05–0.15 M), respectively, at a constant ionic strength of 0.15 (NaClO₄). The rate laws shown by the lead(II) and copper(II) complexes are of the form, Rate = {k_d + k_H[H⁺]}[complex] and Rate = {k_d + k_H²[H⁺]²}[complex], respectively. Enthalpy and entropy of activation for acid-independent and acid-catalysed pathways for both the complexes were obtained by the temperature-dependence studies of resolved rate constants in the 16–45°C range. The rate of dissociation of PbEGTA²⁻ is not enhanced by increasing the concentration of acetate ion in the buffer, and the amount of total electrolyte in the reaction mixture has no pronounced effect on the dissociation rates of their the lead(II) or copper(II) complex. Attempts to study the kinetics of stepwise ligand unwrapping in the binuclear Cu₂EGTA complex were unsuccessful due to the extremely rapid dissociation of this complex to yield mononuclear CuEGTA²⁻.     

Inhibition studies of soybean (Glycine max) urease with heavy metals,sodium salts of mineral acids,boric acid,and boronic acids

Various inhibitors were tested for their inhibitory effects on soybean urease. The K_i values for boric acid, 4-bromophenylboronic acid, butylboronic acid, and phenylboronic acid were 0.20?±?0.05?mM, 0.22?±?0.04?mM, 1.50?±?0.10?mM, and 2.00?±?0.11?mM, respectively. The inhibition was competitive type with boric acid and boronic acids. Heavy metal ions including Ag⁺, Hg²⁺, and Cu²⁺ showed strong inhibition on soybean urease, with the silver ion being a potent inhibitor (IC₅₀ = 2.3?×?10^?8 mM). Time-dependent inhibition studies exhibited biphasic kinetics with all heavy metal ions. Furthermore, inhibition studies with sodium salts of mineral acids (NaF, NaCl, NaNO₃, and Na₂SO₄) showed that only F^? inhibited soybean urease significantly (IC₅₀ = 2.9?mM). Competitive type of inhibition was observed for this anion with a K_i value of 1.30?mM.     

Reaction of trans-dichlorobis(ethylenediamine)nickel(III) in aqueous hydrochloric acid

Both EPR and electronic absorbance spectroscopy have been used to follow the disappearance of [Ni^III(en)₂Cl₂]⁺ in aqueous HCI solutions. The rate of Ni(III) reduction is influenced by both the H⁺ and Cl^? concentrations, although the rate is not linear with respect to the concentration of either species. A mechanism is proposed in which the first step in the reaction is the proton-induced chelate ring opening which is followed by the reduction of Ni(III) by chloride ions. In the presence of H₂SO₄ the coordinated Cl^? ions are rapidly replaced by HSO_4^? ions and the resulting complex is much more stable, even in a 6 N acid solution.     

Batch and fed-batch fermentation of optically pure D (-) lactic acid from Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) bran residue hydrolysate: growth and inhibition kinetic modeling

Abstract

A low-cost Kodo millet bran residue was utilized as feedstock for the production of D (?) lactic acid (DLA) using Lactobacillus delbrueckii NBRC3202 under anaerobic condition. Data culled from a series of batch fermentation processes with different initial Kodo millet bran residue hydrolysate (KMBRH) and DLA concentrations were used for kinetic model development. Both simulated and experimental data were in good agreement for cell growth, KMBRH utilization, and DLA formation. The values of kinetic constants specific growth rate, (μ_m = 0.17?h^?1); growth (α_P = 0.96?g.g^?1) and non-growth (β_P = 1.19?g.g^?1.h^?1) associated constant for DLA production and the maximum specific KMBRH utilization rate, (q_{G, max} = 1.18?g.g^?1.h^?1) were in good agreement with the literature reports. Kinetic analysis elucidated that L. delbrueckii growth was predominantly influenced by KMBRH limitation and highly sensitive to DLA inhibition. Fed-batch fermentation studies demonstrated the existence of substrate and product inhibition paving the scope for process intensification.     

Simple chemiluminescence determination of ketotifen using tris(1,10 phenanthroline)ruthenium(II)‐ Ce(IV) system

A new method using chemiluminescence (CL) detection has been developed for the simple determination of ketotifen fumarate (KF). The method is based on the catalytic effect of KF in the CL reaction of tris(1,10 phenanthroline)ruthenium(II), Ru(phen)₃²⁺, with Ce(IV) in sulfuric acid medium. The CL response was detected using a lab‐made chemiluminometer. Effects of chemical variables were investigated and under optimum conditions, the CL intensity was proportional to the concentration of the drug over the range 0.34‐34.00 µg mL^?1 KF. The limit of detection (S/N=3) was 0.09 µg mL^?1. Effects of common ingredients were investigated and the method was applied successfully for determining KF in pharmaceutical formulations and human plasma. The percent of relative standard deviation (n=11) at level of 3.4 µg mL^?1 of KF was 4.6% and the minimum sampling rate was 70 samples per hour. The possible CL mechanism is proposed based on the kinetic characteristic of the CL reaction, CL spectrum, UV‐Vis and phosphorescence spectra. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mechanistic flexibility in the reduction of copper(II) complexes of aliphatic polyamines by mercapto amino acids

The reactions of copper(II)-ahphatic polyamine complexes with cysteine, cysteine methyl ester, penicillamine. and glutathione have been investigated, with the goal of understanding the relationship between RS^?-Cu(II) adduct structure and preferred redox decay pathway. Considerable mechanistic flexibility exists within this class of mercapto ammo acid oxidations, as changes in the rate law could be induced by modest variations in reductant concentration (at fixed [Cu(II)]_o), pH, and the structure of the redox partners. With excess cysteine present at 25°C, pH 5 0, I = 0 2 M (NaOAc), decay of 1:1 cys-S^?-Cu(II) transient adducts was found to be first order in both cys-SH and transient. Second-order rate constants characteristic of Cu(dien)²⁺ (6 1 × 10³M^?1sec^?1), Cu(Me₅dien)²⁺ (2.7 × 10³M^?1 sec^?1), Cu(en)₂²⁺ (2.1 × 10³M^?1 sec^?1), and Cu(dien)₂²⁺ (4.7 × 10³ M^?1 sec ^?1) are remarkably similar, considering substantial differences in the composition and geometry of the oxidant first coordination sphere. A mechanism involving attack of cysteine on the coordinated sulfur atom of the transient, giving a disulfide anion radical intermediate, is proposed to account for these results Moderate reactivity decreases in the cysteine-Cu(dien)²⁺, Cu(Me₅dien)²⁺ reactions with increasing [H⁺] (pH 4–6) reflect partial protonation of the polyamine ligands. A very different rate law, second order in the RS^?-Cu(II) transient and approximately zeroth order in mercaptan, applies in the pH 5.0 oxidations of cysteine methyl ester, penicillamine, and glutathione by Cu(dien)²⁺ and Cu(Me₅dien)²⁺. This behavior suggests the mtermediacy of di-μ-mercapto-bridged binuclear Cu(II) species, in which a concerted two-electron change yields the disulfide and Cu(I) products. Similar hydroxo-bridged intermediates are proposed to account for the transition from first- to second-order transient dependence in cysteine oxidations by Cu(dien)²⁺ and Cu(Me₅dien)²⁺ as the pH is increased from 5 to 7. Yet another rate law, second order in transient and first order in cysteine, applies in the pH 5.0 oxidation of cysteine by Cu(Me₆tren)²⁺ (k(25°C) 7.5 × 10⁷ M^?2 sec^?1, I = 0.2 M). Steric rigidity of this trigonal bipyramidal oxidant evidently protects the coordinated sulfur atom from attack in a RSSR^?-forming pathway. Formation of a coordinated disulfide in the rate-determining step is purposed, coupled with attack of a noncoordinated cysteine molecule on a vacated coordination position to stabilize the (Me₆(tren)Cu(I) product.     

Characterization of monovalent ion transport systems in an insect cell line (Manduca sexta embryonic cell line che)

The monovalent ion transport systems of an immortalized insect cell line (CHE) have been investigated. These cells are unusual in that unlike most vertebrate cells, their normal extracellular environment consists of high potassium and low sodium concentrations. CHE cells maintained high intracellular [K⁺] through both a furosemide-inhibitable and a vanadate-inhibitable transport system. Intracellular exchangeable [Na⁺] was slightly lower than the extracellular [Na⁺] and was maintained at this level through a vanadate-sensitive transport system. Na⁺ uptake was also inhibited by furosemide: however, the stoichiometry of furosemide-sensitive Na⁺ uptake when compared with furosemide-sensitive K⁺ uptake indicated that these cations are not cotransported. 4,4′-Diisothiocyano-2,2′-disulfonic acid stilbene (DIDS) inhibited Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl^? uptake. Vanadate and furosemide decreased cytoplasmimic pH, while cytoplasmic pH increased in the presence of DIDS. A model is presented explaining how Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^?, H⁺ and HCO₃ ^? fluxes are regulated in these cells.     

Expression and Effects of Hyaluronan and of the Hyaluronan-Binding Protein Hyaluronectin in Newborn Rat Brain Glial Cell Cultures

Abstract: Hyaluronan (HA) is a polymerized nonsulfated extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan that may be involved in brain development. We have tested the expression of HA and the HA-binding protein hyaluronectin (HN) in glial cell cultures from newborn rat brain. HA was secreted into the culture medium by type 1 astrocytes in the first stages of the primary cultures. The secretion was high during cell proliferation, reached a maximum when they were confluent, and then decreased. HA was not secreted at a detectable level by total O-2A lineage cell- enriched cultures. HA labeled small O-2A progenitor cells (GFA-, A2B5⁺, HA⁺), small O-2A progenitorlike (GFA^?, A2B5^?, HA⁺) cells, and type 2 astrocytes (GFA⁺, A2B5⁺, HA⁺), but not mature oligodendrocytes (Galc⁺, HA^?). In contrast to HA, hyaluronectin labeled oligodendrocyte membranes (i.e., more mature cells) from day 8. A2B5⁺ GFA^? cells were found to be either HA⁺ or HN⁺ at days 7–9, suggesting intermediary stages. The addition of HA to primary cultures and to O-2A progenitor-enriched cultures decreased significantly the increase in the number of O-2A progenitors, of mature (Galc⁺) oligodendrocytes proportionally to the decrease of the O-2A progenitor number, and of BrdU⁺ cells, suggesting that HA acts (directly or indirectly) on O-2A cell proliferation. This effect, which was seen for concentrations as low as 0.1 μg/ml, was HA specific and was not observed with other glycosaminogly- cans. When primary cultures were performed in the presence of hyaluronidase-digested or HA-depleted (by passage on a HN column) fetal calf serum, the total number of O-2A lineage cells was dramatically increased (100%, p<10–⁴) in comparison with control cultures in standard fetal calf serum. Platelet-derived growth factor increased the total number of O-2A lineage cells and of (Galc⁺) oligodendrocytes. This effect was opposed by HA dose dependently. The effect of HA was significantly inhibited by HN (30%, p<10–⁴). HN had, however, no effect when it was added to culture in the presence of hyaluronidase in fetal calf serum, suggesting its effect was only due to its binding to HA. During cell maturation, HA disappears as HN appears. This and the fact that HA and PDGF have opposite effects suggest an effect of these factors, or of their balance, on myelination.     

A laser-T-jump study of the adsorption of dipolar molecules to planar lipid membranes

The adsorption of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as well as of other dipolar molecules to the interface of artificial lipid membranes gives rise to a change of the dipole potential between the membrane interior and water. As a consequence of the adsorption of the neutral species, the conductance of planar membranes, observed in the presence of the macrocyclic ion carriers nonactin or valinomycin, may change by many orders of magnitude. Using this effect in combination with a laser-T-jump technique, the kinetics of the adsorption process were measured and were interpreted on the basis of a Langmuir-isotherm. A partition coefficient (at small concentrations) of _HA =4.7·10^–4 cm, a rate constant of desorption k _HA100 s^-1 and a maximum surface density N _D=7.7·10¹³/cm² were found. The concentration at half saturation is K _HA=2.7·10^-4 M.Using these values the membrane conductance induced by the ion carrier nonactin and the shape of the current-voltage relationship as a function of the ligand concentration in water was analyzed. A maxiumum dipole potential of V _D ^max =-239 m V and a contribution of b=3.1·10^-15V cm² per single adsorbed 2,4-D molecule was found. 74% of the dipole potential acts on the inner membrane barrier separating the two interfacial adsorption planes of nonactin. The remainder (26%) favours interfacial complex formation between nonactin and K⁺ from the aqueous phase. The data hold for membranes formed from dioleoyllecithin in n-decane.     

Water and ion balance in hydrating oocytes of the grey mullet, Mugil cephalus (L.), during hormone-induced final maturation

Sequential changes in water content and inorganic ion concentrations occurring in intra-ovarian oocytes of the grey mullet, Mugil cephalus L., during hormone-induced final maturation are described. Post-vitellogenic oocytes have a water content of 59.4%. During final maturation, oocyte water increases rapidly to a maximum of 84.8% at oviposition. Hydration is accompanied by a relatively small increase in dry matter due to the concurrent uptake of inorganic ions and an apparent uptake of organic matter. Net uptake of Ca²⁺ during hydration is negligible. Net uptake of Mg^{2 +} and Na⁺ occurs in less than equimolar proportions. Net uptake of K⁺ and Cl^? occurs in greater than equimolar proportions prior to ovulation, returning to equimolarity at oviposition. Hence, hydration results in a dilution of intracellular Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Na⁺ to minimum concentrations at oviposition. In contrast, K⁺ and Cl^? concentrations are slightly elevated prior to ovulation, returning to initial levels at oviposition. A 1:1 stoichiometric relationship in net uptake of K ⁺ andCl^? is evident. Intracellular osmotic pressure in post-vitellogenic oocytes is 203.4 ± 18.0 mOsmolkg^?1. Osmotic pressure rises to a peak of 421.3+ 17.3 mOsmol kg^?1 prior to ovulation, then declines to 313.3 ± 15.0 mOsmol kg^?1 at oviposition. This rise in osmotic pressure prior to ovulation cannot be accounted for solely on the basis of inorganic ion uptake and must be attributed to changes in intracellular concentrations of organic solutes as well. An apparent increase in non-ash dry matter during hydration suggests that a net uptake of organic solute is involved. A relatively small organic molecule with high osmotic activity (e.g., amino acids) is implicated.