Marine Biology

, Volume 87, Issue 2, pp 185–192 | Cite as

Na-K-ATPase generates an active transport potential in the gills of the hyperregulating shore crab Carcinus maenas

  • D. Siebers
  • A. Winkler
  • C. Lucu
  • G. Thedens
  • D. Weichart
Article
Accepted:

Abstract

Perfusing and bathing isolated gills of shore crabs Carcinus maenas with artificial saline or sea (brackish) water enabled us to determine potential differences (PDs) between ambient bathing medium and perfusion solution. Establishment of diffusional PDs was avoided by employment of the same solution on the internal and external side. The PDs measured were therefore of an active nature. We compared the properties of the PDs with the well-known properties of the Na-K-ATPase: dependence on biological energy (ATP), on salinity and sodium concentration, susceptibility of PD to depletion of internal K and to the addition of 5 mM internal ouabain. Considering also the magnitude of the PDs measured, the results obtained indicate that it is the Na-K-ATPase that generates an active transport potential for Na in the gills of shore crabs. This PD represents the driving force for the active uptake of Na in crabs that hyperregulate their body fluids when they inhabit environments of reduced salinity regimes or fluctuating salinities in tidal estuaries. This process counteracts diffusional losses of Na in crabs exposed to dilute media.

Keywords

Sodium Body Fluid Ouabain Sodium Concentration Active Nature 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1985

Authors and Affiliations

  • D. Siebers
    • 1
  • A. Winkler
    • 1
  • C. Lucu
    • 2
  • G. Thedens
    • 1
  • D. Weichart
    • 1
  1. 1.Biologische Anstalt HelgolandHamburg 52Germany
  2. 2.Institute Ruder BoscovicCenter for Marine ResearchRovinjYugoslavia

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