Studies on the contractile vacuole of Poterioochromonas malhamensis Peterfi. II. Antimonate stains the contractile vacuole of Poterioochromonas

Fixation of the chrysophycean flagellate Poterioochromonas malhamensis in the presence of potassium (pyro) antimonate have been carried out. Intense antimonate deposits are characteristic of the various elements of the contractile vacuole as well as a portion of the plasma membrane adjacent to the contractile vacuole. Neither pretreatment of the cells with EGTA or EDTA nor the treatment of sections with these chelators is successful in removing the antimonate precipitates. Despite this, X-ray microanalyses of these deposits indicate the presence of calcium.     

Ultrastructural localization of calcium ions in ram spermatozoa before and after cold shock as demonstrated by a pyroantimonate technique

Ram spermatozoa were subjected to cold shock before fixation in pyroantimonate-osmium. Ultrathin sections revealed an electron-dense particulate precipitate in association with the cells. The precipitate was shown to be related to the presence of calcium by exposure of the material to EGTA which reduced or completely eliminated the deposits. In the acrosome region, very little precipitate was evident when the plasma membrane was intact. Cold shock resulted in the disruption of the plasma membrane. When the acrosome remained intact, precipitate was concentrated just anterior to the equatorial segment, but many cells also had acrosomal disruption and then a more even distribution of precipitate was seen on the outer acrosomal membrane. Precipitate was rarely visible within or beneath the acrosome. Post-acrosomally, calcium pyroantimonate deposits were frequently present in the dense lamina beneath the plasma membrane and these became more intense after cold shock. Midpiece sections revealed a few large granules beneath the plasma membrane and a fine particulate precipitate within mitochondria. Similarly, the fine precipitate was also associated with the outer dense fibres in midpieces and tails. Cold shock did not apparently increase the extent or intensity of precipitates in these sites.     

Cell division in Dictyostelium with special emphasis on actomyosin organization in cytokinesis

This study focuses on the dynamic reorganization of actin and myosin ("conventional" myosin, or myosin-II) during cytokinesis in D. discoideum. This is the first study identifying the birefringence of the spindle microtubules as well as three sets of microfilamentous structure in Dictyostelium. The change of organization in these fibrillar structures was followed in real-time with video microscopy, using a Universal Polarizing Microscope equipped with polarized-light (POL) and differential interference contrast (DIC) optics combined with digital image processing. High-frequency mitotic cells were obtained by semi-synchronous culture, and high-resolution observations were made by utilizing the agar-overlay method (Yumura et al.: Journal of Cell Biology 99:894-899, 1984). The molecular identity of the birefringent structures was determined by fluorescence microscopy. Through-focus observations were performed with an axial resolution of 0.3 micron depth of field. The actomyosin fibrils show a dramatic reorganization throughout mitosis. The fibrils at the leading lamellipodia disappear, and there is a striking assembly of the cortical actomyosin in pro-metaphase, which is accompanied by a decrease in cell volume. The cortical actomyosin gradually increases through anaphase. After late anaphase, very active polar lamellipodia, with an average life of less than 1 minute, are formed. We confirmed that the polar lamellipodia include actin, but not myosin-II. At the cleavage furrow, the microfilaments form two distinctive structures: circular contractile ring at the equator, and a cortical filament array parallel to the polar axis. Myosin is localized in the contractile ring, but not associated with the axial array of F-actin. Actomyosin in the contractile ring gradually transforms into cortical network at the posterior region of daughter cells. The constriction of the furrow is accompanied by a drastic efflux of water as evidenced by highly active contractile vacuole formation and turbulent motion of minute vesicles connected to the furrow. This study demonstrates the presence of a new microfilament structure, as well as the dynamic property of the contractile ring, and sheds new light on the contractile mechanisms underlying cytokinesis.     

Pinocytosis and locomotion of amoebae. XIX. Immunocytochemical demonstration of actin and myosin in Amoeba proteus

The spatial distribution of cytoplasmic actin and myosin in 1. normal locomoting, 2. immobilized, and 3. pinocytosing Amoeba proteus was demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. In orthotactic and polytactic cells fixed during normal locomotion actin is mainly located in a cortical layer delineating the granuloplasm from the peripheral hyaloplasm. In cell areas lacking a hyaloplasmic sheet the actin layer immediately borders the plasma membrane. The amount of actin within the continuous layer seems to increase from the advancing front to the middle cell region and to decrease again toward the uroid. The distribution of myosin is largely congruent to the display of actin, with the exception that the myosin-based fluorescence of the cortical layer gradually increases from the front to the uroid. A considerable amount of actin and myosin is also distributed around the nucleus and the contractile vacuole. In immobilized cells contracted by the external application of 10(-4)M procaine hydrochloride the cortical layer distinctly increases in thickness. In contrast to normal locomoting cells actin and myosin show a uniform distribution within the cell cortex along the entire surface. In pinocytosing cells, up to three cortical layers conspicuously rich in actin are produced during the process of channel formation. One of these layers is located in close proximity to the plasma membrane of the pinocytotic channels and the vacuoles. The immunocytochemical results are discussed with respect to earlier observations on the distribution of actin and myosin in Amoeba proteus as obtained by other methods.     

Association of calmodulin and an unconventional myosin with the contractile vacuole complex of Dictyostelium discoideum

mAbs specific for calmodulin were used to examine the distribution of calmodulin in vegetative Dictyostelium cells. Indirect immunofluorescence indicated that calmodulin was greatly enriched at the periphery of phase lucent vacuoles. The presence of these vacuoles in newly germinated (non-feeding) as well as growing cells, and the response of the vacuoles to changes in the osmotic environment, identified them as contractile vacuoles, osmoregulatory organelles. No evidence was found for an association of calmodulin with endosomes or lysosomes, nor was calmodulin enriched along cytoskeletal filaments. When membranes from Dictyostelium cells were fractionated on equilibrium sucrose density gradients, calmodulin cofractionated with alkaline phosphatase, a cytochemical marker for contractile vacuole membranes, at a density of 1.156 g/ml. Several high molecular weight calmodulin-binding proteins were enriched in the same region of the gradient. One of the calmodulin-binding polypeptides (molecular mass approximately 150 kD) cross-reacted with an antiserum specific for Acanthamoeba myosin IC. By indirect immunofluorescence, this protein was also enriched on contractile vacuole membranes. These results suggest that a calmodulin-binding unconventional myosin is associated with contractile vacuoles in Dictyostelium; similar proteins in yeast and mammalian cells have been implicated in vesicle movement.     

THE CONTRACTILE VACUOLE AS AN ENDOCYTIC ORGANELLE OF THE CHLAMYDOMONAD FLAGELLATE GLOEOMONAS KUPFFERI (VOLVOCALES,CHLOROPHYTA)1

The endomembrane system of the chlamydomonad flagellate, Gloeomonas kupfferi Skuja, consists of a complex network of endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi bodies, and various vacuoles. One of the more distinct vacuolar components is the contractile vacuole (CV) complex, which consists of two anterior contractile vacuoles that expand/contract approximately every 30 s. In this study, experimental cytochemical labeling was performed to help elucidate possible endocytic/membrane recycling mechanisms in Gloeomonas and the possible role of the contractile vacuole in this process. When incubated with 0.5 mg · mL^?1 cationic ferritin for short periods of time (2–60 min), labeling follows this route: inner membrane of CV, globular deposits in the CV and associated vesicles, and ultimately the terminal trans face cisternae of the Golgi apparatus (GA). Similar incubations with Lucifer yellow and concanavalin A—gold conjugates support distinct uptake of exogenous ligands by the CV and associated vesicles. Our results suggest that the contractile vacuole may be a site of endocytosis and that the trans GA loci may be a key site of membrane recycling.     

The Permanence of the Infraciliature in Suctoria: An Electronmicroscopic Study of Pattern Formation in Tokophrya infusionum*

SYNOPSIS. The adult Tokophrya infusionum does not possess cilia, but has 20–30 barren basal bodies arranged in 6 short rows adjacent to the contractile vacuole pore. During reproduction, which is by internal budding, the contractile vacuole sinks into the parent along with the invaginating membranes that form the embryo and the wall of the brood pouch. The 6 rows of basal bodies radiate away from the pore and elongate to form 5 long ciliary rows, that encircle the anterior half of the embryo, and 1 short row at the posterior end. The contractile vacuole pore, along with several barren basal bodies, remains in the parent when the embryo is completed. The pore rises to the surface when the embryo is born. New basal bodies are then formed in the parent to replace those which were incorporated into the embryo, and formation of another embryo may begin. The cilia of the embryo are partially resorbed 10 min after the start of metamorphosis, with depolymerization of the ciliary microtubules. Later, the cilia and most of the basal bodies disappear completely, except for a group of barren basal bodies near the embryo's contractile vacuole pore, which form 6 rows and serve as an anlage for the basal bodies and cilia that arise during embryogenesis. There is, therefore, an organized infraciliature in Suctoria throughout their life cycle, and a distinct continuity of basal bodies across the generations.     

Tetrahymena calmodulin. Characterization of an anti-tetrahymena calmodulin and the immunofluorescent localization in Tetrahymena

A rabbit antiserum specific for Tetrahymena calmodulin was prepared and characterized: In Ouchterlony's immunodiffusion test, the antiserum gave rise to a single precipitin line only with calmodulin in the reaction with crude Tetrahymena extract and the antiserum cross-reacted with a calmodulin fraction from Paramecium, but not with several calmodulin fractions, from higher organisms. Calmodulins from the ciliates appear to share some antigenic determinants which are absent in calmodulins from higher organisms. The intracellular localization of calmodulin was investigated by indirect immunofluorescent method using anti-Tetrahymena calmodulin antibody purified on an antigen-Sepharose affinity column. Immunofluorescence was localized in the oral apparatus, cilia, basal bodies, the anterior end of the cell, and the contractile vacuole pores. The localization suggested involvement of calmodulin in food vacuole formation (nutrient uptake), excretion of contractile vacuole contents (regulation of osmotic pressure), and in ciliary movement (reversal). The suggestion was supported by the observation that trifluoperazine markedly suppressed food vacuole formation and excretion of contractile vacuole contents and affected the ciliary motion.     

红色伪角毛虫的形态学重描述及与相近种的比较(纤毛门,腹毛目)

利用活体观察、蛋白银染色技术对1种海水腹毛目纤毛虫-红色伪角毛虫Pseudokeronopsis rubra的青岛种群之活体形态和纤毛图式做了研究.其特征如下:虫体呈长带状,尾钝圆,身体柔软,高度可曲;皮层颗粒棕黄色,主要呈玫瑰花形分布,其余散布;表膜下具另1种无色、双面凹形颗粒.口围带小膜数为48～55;左、右缘棘毛各1列,中腹棘毛排成典型的锯齿状并延伸至横棘毛附近;额棘毛无明确分化,呈冠状排布并与中腹棘毛列相连续;口棘毛1根,额前棘毛2根;背触毛4列.大核90～140枚.伸缩泡位于体后左侧1/3处.经比较表明,尽管纤毛图式高度相似,P.rubra仍可以很容易地依据体色、伸缩泡的位置、皮层颗粒的大小、颜色、排布等活体特征与相近种区分.说明活体观察在纤毛虫种类鉴定中具有十分重要的作用.     

Nuclear and Cortical Regulation in Doublets of Paramecium: II. When and How do Two Cortical Domains Reorganize to One?

Homopolar doublets with twofold rotational symmetry were generated in Paramecium tetraurelia and in P. undecaurelia by electrofusion or by arrested conjugation. These doublets underwent a complex cortical reorganization over time, which led to their reversion to singlets. This reorganization involved a reduction in number of ciliary rows, a progressive inactivation and loss of one oral meridian, and a reduction and eventual disappearance of one cortical surface (semicell) situated between the two oral meridians. The intermediate steps of this reorganization included some processes that resemble those previously described in regulating doublets of other ciliates, and others that are peculiar to members of the "P. aurelia" species-group and some of its close relatives. The former included a disappearance of one cortical landmark (a contractile vacuole meridian) and transient appearance of another (a third cytoproct) within the narrower semicell. The latter included a reorganization of the paratene zone and the associated invariant (non-duplicating) region to occupy the entire narrower semicell and a redistribution of zones of most active basal-body proliferation within the opposite, wider semicell. The final steps of reorganization involved anterior displacement, invagination, and resorption of one of the two oral apparatuses and eventual disappearance of the associated oral meridian. An oral meridian deprived of its oral apparatus, either by spontaneous resorption or microsurgical removal, could persist for some time in "incomplete doublets" before regulating to the singlet condition. The phylogenetically widespread events encountered in the regulation of doublets to singlets suggest that Paramecium shares some of the global regulatory properties that are likely to be ancestral in ciliates. The more specific events are probably associated with the complex cytoskeletal architecture of this organism and with the frequent occurrence of autogamy that was described in the preceding study (Prajer et al. 1999).     

Contraction of protoplasm. I. Cinematographic analysis of the anodally stimulated contraction of Spirostomum ambiguum

Electrically stimulated contraction of Spirostomum ambiguum was investigated by high speed cinematography (up to 6,000 pps). Contraction is completed in about 4 msec following a latent period of up to 30 msec. Reduction in length during contraction followed a sigmoid curve, and final length was about 50% of the original length. Contraction always started at the end of the animal directed towards the anode. When the length of each half was measured separately, it was found that the cathodal end lagged about 1 msec in all cases observed. Rate of contraction was increased when the external calcium contraction was increased, and was decreased in Ca-free and K-free solutions, but was unchanged in K-rich solutions. These results are interpreted in terms of contraction being associated with a relative increase of calcium bound to the contractile protein. The differential migration of potassium and calcium ions in an electric current would result in a temporary lowering of K⁺ at the anodal end of the animal, hence a relative rise would take place in the Ca⁺⁺ available for binding. The results of experiments using changed calcium and potassium concentrations can be explained by this hypothesis which is in general agreement with modern work on muscle contraction and relaxation.     

温度逆境交叉适应对葡萄叶片膜脂过氧化和细胞钙分布的影响

 研究了高温锻炼对低温胁迫下和低温锻炼对高温胁迫下葡萄(Vitis vinifera)叶片中丙二醛（MDA）、谷胱甘肽(GSH)和抗坏血酸(AsA)含量变化以及细胞中Ca2+分布的影响。结果表明: 高（低）温胁迫使正常生长的叶片丙二醛含量升高, GSH和AsA含量下降,低（高）温锻炼预处理能减少MDA含量,提高GSH和AsA含量,抑制了由于温度胁迫引起MDA含量升高和GSH和AsA下降趋势。常温下葡萄叶肉细胞的Ca2+主要分布于液泡、细胞间隙中;高温胁迫和低温胁迫后,细胞质中聚集大量Ca2+沉淀颗粒,液泡中和细胞间隙Ca2+沉淀颗粒减少,叶绿体超微结构被破坏,Ca2+稳态平衡遭到破坏。高温锻炼后细胞质出现大量的Ca2+沉淀颗粒,主要来源于细胞间隙,低温锻炼后细胞质也出现大量的Ca2+沉淀颗粒,主要来源于液泡,两者的叶绿体超微结构都完整;高温锻炼的叶片经过低温胁迫和低温锻炼的叶片经过高温胁迫后,细胞间隙和液泡内Ca2+沉淀颗粒增加,细胞质中Ca2+沉淀颗粒很少,叶绿体较完整,Ca2+稳态平衡得以维持。推测高低温锻炼能够通过Ca2+启动抗逆基因表达和维持细胞中Ca2+稳态平衡来交叉适应低高温的胁迫。     

Sustained expression of osteopontin is closely associated with calcium deposits in the rat hippocampus after transient forebrain ischemia

The present study was designed to evaluate the extent and topography of osteopontin (OPN) protein expression in the rat hippocampus 4 to 12 weeks following transient forebrain ischemia, and to compare OPN expression patterns with those of calcium deposits and astroglial and microglial reactions. Two patterns of OPN staining were recognized by light microscopy: 1) a diffuse pattern of tiny granular deposits throughout the CA1 region at 4 weeks after ischemia and 2) non-diffuse ovoid to round deposits, which formed conglomerates in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer over the chronic interval of 8 to 12 weeks. Immunogold-silver electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis demonstrated that OPN deposits were indeed diverse types of calcium deposits, which were clearly delineated by profuse silver grains indicative of OPN expression. Intracellular OPN deposits were frequently observed within reactive astrocytes and neurons 4 weeks after ischemia but rarely at later times. By contrast, extracellular OPN deposits progressively increased in size and appeared to be gradually phagocytized by microglia or brain macrophages and some astrocytes over 8 to 12 weeks. These data indicate an interaction between OPN and calcium in the hippocampus in the chronic period after ischemia, suggesting that OPN binding to calcium deposits may be involved in scavenging mechanisms.     

Calcium distribution in fertile and sterile anthers of thermosensitive male-sterile wheat

Calcium distribution in fertile and sterile anthers of a thermosensitive male-sterile wheat genotype was investigated using an antimonate precipitation method. During fertile anther development, before meiosis of the microspore mother cells, calcium precipitates were apparent in tapetal cells of the anther wall. After meiosis, precipitates were detected in the early microspores and accumulated in the large vacuole of late microspores. After microspore division, following decomposition of the large vacuole, precipitates decreased in the bicellular pollen. The earliest abnormality in calcium precipitate distribution detected during sterile pollen development was the greater accumulation of precipitates in the cytoplasm and nucleus of late microspores. The sterile microspore can divide to form bicellular pollen, but the large vacuole of sterile bicellular pollen did not decompose and greater abundance of precipitates was retained in the large vacuole. Abnormal distribution of calcium precipitates in sterile pollen precedes structural changes, suggesting that abnormal calcium metabolism is associated with pollen abortion.     

草鱼鳃上寄生毛管虫一新种——变异毛管虫的研究

吸管亚纲(Subclass suctoria)中,多数种类具有或长或短的炳,附着它物上营固着生活。寄生在鱼类体表、鳃丝内的毛管虫(Trichophrya)和簇管虫(Erastophrya)的种类中,至今未见报道有固着柄的代表。       

Characterization of vacuolar calcium-binding proteins

The vacuole plays a major structural and biochemical role in the higher plant cell. Among the most studied properties of the vacuole have been transport activities. One important aspect of vacuolar function is its participation in the regulation of cytosolic calcium levels. To identify the molecular entities involved in calcium regulation, a study of vacuole-associated, calcium-binding proteins (CaBs) was initiated. A competition assay was used, and it was observed that the majority of the total cellular membrane-associated, calcium-binding activity resided in low-density fractions enriched in vacuole membranes. Much of that calcium-binding activity was inactivated by a 0.5 m KI wash, and of the remaining activity, 77% was estimated to be peripherally associated with vacuolar membranes, whereas 23% was integrally associated with the vacuolar membrane. Calcium-ligand blots were used, and four major CaBs, with apparent molecular masses of 64, 58, 55, and 42 kD, were detected in purified vacuole membrane fractions. Two of these, the 58- and the 55-kD polypeptide, also appear to be present in significant amounts in endoplasmic reticulum-enriched fractions. However, the 64- and the 42-kD polypeptide are found primarily in vacuolar fractions. It is interesting that expression of the 42-kD polypeptide appears to be restricted to the heavily vacuolated cortical tissues (i.e. it is not found in vascular tissues). The localization of CaBs in the vacuole is consistent with the presence of calcium uptake (H⁺/Ca²⁺ antiport) and release mechanisms (inositol trisphosphate sensitive) on vacuolar membranes. These vacuole-associated CaBs, which may play a role in calcium buffering, together with the calcium transport systems, could mediate the vacuolar component of cellular calcium homeostasis.     

Zn对荇菜叶片保护酶活性、渗透调节物质含量和Ca2+定位分布的影响

本文以不同浓度Zn（0、5、10、15、20mg/L）处理9d的荇菜(Nymphoides peltatum (Gmel.)O. Kuntze)为实验材料,分析了Zn对叶片超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）和过氧化物酶（POD）活性、渗透调节物质（脯氨酸和可溶性糖）含量的影响,并用焦锑酸钙沉淀的细胞化学方法观察了Zn胁迫条件下叶肉细胞内Ca2+水平和分布的动态变化,以揭示水生植物对Zn胁迫的应答机制。研究结果表明,Zn明显抑制了SOD活性和刺激POD活性上升;脯氨酸和可溶性糖积累显著。电镜观察发现,正常条件下叶细胞中的Ca2+主要定位在胞间隙和液泡中,细胞基质和细胞核中较少。添加Zn后,胞间隙和液泡中的Ca2+逐渐进入细胞质,使细胞质中Ca2+浓度明显升高,特别是在质膜内侧和细胞核中出现大量较大的呈圆环状的钙沉淀颗粒。作者认为与保护酶活性紊乱相比,脯氨酸和可溶性糖在荇菜对Zn胁迫的适应中发挥更大的作用。同时细胞内Ca2+水平的增加,可能与许多生理生化过程的改变有关,其在质膜和细胞核等局部区域的大量分布,将会引发对植物的伤害,直至最终死亡。由此可见,荇菜体内多种防御系统同时对Zn胁迫做出反应,包括诱导胁迫相关酶（POD）活性,增加渗透调节物质（脯氨酸和可溶性糖）合成或含量以及改变疏松结合钙的亚细胞分布和含量等。     

低温胁迫下董棕（Garyota urens L.）幼苗叶肉细胞内Ca2+水平及细胞超微结构的变化

用焦锑酸钙沉淀的电镜细胞化学方法,研究了低温胁迫下董棕（Garyota urensL.） 幼苗叶肉细胞内Ca2+水平的变化。研究结果表明,未经低温处理的董棕幼苗叶肉细胞,焦锑 酸钙沉淀颗粒大量出现在液泡和细胞间隙中,细胞壁中也可见少量沉淀,而细胞基质中则看 不到焦锑酸钙沉淀;经2 ℃ 48 h低温处理后,细胞基质和细胞膜上焦锑酸钙沉淀增加,而液泡和细胞间隙中的焦锑酸钙沉淀则显著减少,并且超微结构已初步显示出寒害的特征,叶绿体外膜部分破损,类囊体片层稀疏且排列不规则,光合速率明显下降等;经2℃ 120 h低温处理后,细胞间隙内的焦锑酸钙沉淀极少,有的也紧贴在细胞外壁上,而细胞基质和细胞膜上则分布有非常多的焦锑酸钙沉淀,在核基质和液泡中也可见到少量的焦锑酸钙沉淀,并且超微结构遭到了显著破坏,叶绿体结构完全被破坏,核膜与液泡膜严重破损,内部结构模糊,细胞只表现为呼吸作用,不进行光合作用。表明Ca2+的区域性分布的变化与植物抗寒性存在一定关系。     

Immunohistochemical investigation of amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) in the brain of aged cats

To clarify the immunohistochemical features of amyloid deposits and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), the distribution of the amyloid beta-protein subtypes Abeta40, Abeta42, Abeta43 and Abeta precursor protein (APP) were examined in the brains of fourteen aged cats (7.5-21 year-old). Two types of plaques were detected. The first type was characterized by Ass positive antigenic material and detected in the cortical layers of the frontal and parietal lobes of all examined cats. The second type was characterized by diffuse positive immune staining representing diffuse plaques, which were detected only in the very aged cats (17-21 years old) and distributed throughout the cortical layers of the parietal lobes. Vascular amyloid and the amyloid deposits were strongly positive-stained with the antibody Abeta42. APP was exhibited in neurons and axons while the staining was stronger in the very aged cats (17-21 years old). Our findings suggest that the feline forms a spontaneous model for understanding the early changes of normal brain aging and the early stage of amyloid beta-protein deposition.     

The ionic composition of the contractile vacuole fluid of Paramecium mirrors ion transport across the plasma membrane

In vivo K+, Na+, Ca2+, Cl- and H+ activities in the cytosol and the contractile vacuole fluid, the overall cytosolic osmolarity, the fluid segregation rate per contractile vacuole and the membrane potential of the contractile vacuole complex of Paramecium multimicronucleatum were determined in cells adapted to 24 or 124 mosm l(-1) solutions containing as the monovalent cation(s): 1) 2 mmol l(-1) K+; 2) 2 mmol l(-1) Na+; 3) 1 mmol l(-1) K+ plus 1 mmol l(-1) Na+; or 4) 2 mmol l(-1) choline. In cells adapted to a given external osmolarity i) the fluid segregation rate was the same if adapted to either K+ or Na+, twice as high when adapted to solutions containing both K+ and Na+, and reduced by 50% or more in solutions containing only choline, ii) the fluid of the contractile vacuole was always hypertonic to the cytosol while the sum of the ionic activities measured in the fluid of the contractile vacuole was the same in cells adapted to either K+ or Na+, at least 25% higher in cells adapted to solutions containing both K+ and Na+, and was reduced by 55% or more in solutions containing only choline, iii) the cytosolic osmolarity was the same in cells adapted to K+ alone, to Na+ alone or to both K+ and Na+, whereas it was significantly lower in cells adapted to choline. At a given external osmolarity, a positive relationship between the osmotic gradient across the membrane of the contractile vacuole complex and the fluid segregation rate was observed. We conclude that both the plasma membrane and the membrane of the contractile vacuole complex play roles in fluid segregation. The presence of external Na+ moderated K+ uptake and caused the Ca2+ activity in the contractile vacuole fluid to rise dramatically. Thus, Ca2+ can be eliminated through the contractile vacuole complex when Na+ is present externally. The membrane potential of the contractile vacuole complex remained essentially the same regardless of the external ionic conditions and the ionic composition of the fluid of the contractile vacuole. Notwithstanding the large number of V-ATPases in the membrane of the decorated spongiome, the fluid of the contractile vacuole was found to be only mildly acidic, pH 6.4.