Active osmoregulatory ion uptake across the pleopods of the isopod Idotea baltica (Pallas): electrophysiological measurements on isolated split endo- and exopodites mounted in a micro-ussing chamber

The mechanism of active, osmoregulatory ion uptake was investigated in the pleopods of the marine isopod Idotea baltica (Pallas). Using isolated split half-podites of isopods acclimated to brackish water (20 salinity) mounted in a micro-Ussing chamber and symmetrically superfused with identical haemolymph-like salines, a mean short-circuit current I(sc) of −445 microA cm(−)(2) was measured in endopodites 3–5, corresponding to an inwardly directed transcellular movement of negative charge. Application of ouabain (5 mmol l(−)(1)) to the basolateral superfusate resulted in the almost total abolition of the I(sc) (reduced from −531 to −47 microA cm(−)(2)), suggesting that the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase is the driving force for active, electrogenic uptake of NaCl. In contrast, mean I(sc) values close to zero were found in preparations of all exopodites and in endopodites 1 and 2. The specific activities of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase corresponded with these results. Specific activities were highest in posterior endopodites 3–5 and depended on ambient salinity. In all other rami, the activities were much lower and independent of ambient salinity. Activities in posterior endopodites 3–5 were lowest in isopods acclimated to 30 salinity (2–4 micromol P(i)mg(−)(1)protein h(−)(1)), increased in individuals kept in 20 salinity (8.4 micromol P(i)mg(−)(1)protein h(−)(1)) and were highest in isopods acclimated to 15 salinity (18.2 micromol P(i)mg(−)(1)protein h(−)(1)). When specimens were transferred from 30 to 40 salinity, Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity increased in the posterior endopodites. The electrophysiological and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity measurements show that active electrogenic ion transport in this species occurs almost exclusively in posterior endopodites 3–5. The endopodite of the fifth pleopod of I. baltica exhibited a microscopic structure remarkably similar to that described for the lamellae of the phyllobranchiae of brachyurans. It is composed of two opposed epithelial monolayers of ionocytes, each covered by cuticle. Bundles of pillar cells are located within the ionocyte layers, which are separated by a fenestrated lamellar septum of connective tissue. The results obtained in this study indicate that endopodites 3–5 play the main role in osmoregulatory ion uptake of the isopod I. baltica. Moreover, the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase is the only driving force behind active electrogenic ion uptake across the epithelial cells.