Ionoregulatory specializations for exceptional tolerance of ion-poor, acidic waters in the neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) |
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Authors: | Gonzalez R J Preest M R |
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Institution: | Department of Biology, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego, California 92110. gonzalez@acusd.edu |
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Abstract: | To better understand how fish are able to inhabit dilute waters of low pH, we examined ionoregulation in exceptionally acid-tolerant neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi), which are native to the ion-poor, acidic Rio Negro, Amazon. Overall ion balance was unaffected by 2-wk exposure to pH 4.0 and 3.5. Measurements of unidirectional Na+ fluxes during exposure to pH 3.5 showed that tetras experienced only a mild, ionic disturbance of short duration (=24 h) as a result of a stimulation of Na+ efflux. At pH 3.25, Na+ efflux was almost fourfold greater (all fish died within 6-8 h). At both pHs, active Na+ uptake was not inhibited, and in fact, at pH 3.5, uptake was stimulated. Kinetic analysis of Na+ uptake at pH 6.5 and 3.5 produced virtually identical low Km values and high maximum-transport values. These results confirmed the pH insensitivity of the uptake mechanism and revealed a mechanism well designed to operate in the dilute, acidic waters of the Rio Negro. Na+ influx was only mildly sensitive to amiloride (a Na+ channel blocker), which, along with the pH insensitivity, suggests that Na+ uptake may occur by a novel mechanism. Na+ efflux was reduced by addition of Ca2+ to the test water at pH 6.5, but the effect disappeared at pH 3.5. Exposure to LaCl3 (a strong Ca2+ displacer) also stimulated Na+ efflux. These results suggest that Ca2+ plays a role in determining branchial ion permeability at high pH but that, at low pH, where Na+ efflux is stimulated, alternate, Ca2+-independent mechanisms are employed to control Na+ efflux. |
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