Summary
The absorption of neutral amino acids byArenicola marina was studied using anin vitro preparation of the alimentary canal. Regional variation in absorption was observed, with the intestine being the region of greatest uptake. The L enantiomorphs of the neutral amino acids alanine and leucine were shown to be actively absorbed by the intestine as was the D enantiomorph of alanine. A saturable component was demonstrated in the absorption of L-alanine and this was shared by L-methionine, which was found to competitively inhibit alanine uptake. Inhibition of L-alanine uptake also occurred in the presence of other neutral, basic and acidic amino acids. The greatest inhibition was found with the L stereoisomers of methionine, leucine, valine, histidine and phenylalanine, whilst proline, lysine and aspartic acid decreased uptake to a smaller extent.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bamford, D. R., James, D.: Anin vitro study of amino acid and sugar absorption in the gut ofEchinus esculentus. Comp. Biochem. Physiol.42A, 579–590 (1972).
Bamford, D. R., West, B., Jeal, F.: Anin vitro study of monosaccharide absorption in echinoid gut. Comp. Biochem. Physiol.42A, 591–600 (1972).
Benson, J. A., Rampone, A. J.: Gastrointestinal absorption. Ann. Rev. Physiol.28, 201–226 (1966).
Dales, D. P.: Respiration and energy metabolism in annelids. In Chemical Zoology IV. Chap.3, 93–107 (1969).
Finch, L. R., Hird, F. J. R.: The uptake of amino acids by isolated segments of rat intestine. II. A survey of affinity for uptake from rates of uptake and competition for uptake. Biochim. biophys. Acta. (Amst.)43, 278–287 (1960).
Greer, M. L., Lawrence, A. L.: The active transport of selected amino acids across the gut of the chitonCryptochiton stelleri, l. Mapping determinations and effects of anaerobic conditions. Comp. Biochem. Physiol.22, 665–674 (1967).
Jacobson, M.: The feeding of the lugworm,Arenicola marina (L). Ophelia4, 91–109 (1967).
Kermack, D. M.: The anatomy and physiology of the gut of the polychaeteArenicola marina (L). Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond.125, 347–381 (1955).
Krishnaswamy, S., Raymont, J. E. G., Tundisi, J.: Succinic dehydrogenase activity in marine animals. Int. Rev. Ges. Hydrobiol.52 (3), 447–451 (1967).
Lawrence, D. C., Lawrence, A. L., Greer, M. L., Mailman, D.: Intestinal absorption in the sea cucumber,Stichopus parvimensis. Comp. Biochem. Physiol.22, 619–627 (1967).
Lineweaver, H., Burk, D.: The determination of enzyme association constants. J. Amer. ehem. Soc.56, 658–666 (1934).
Longbottom, M. R.: Distribution of the digestive enzymes in the gut ofArenicola marina. J. Mar. Biol. Ass. UK.50, 121–128 (1970).
Longbottom, M. R.: The distribution ofArenicola marina (L) with particular reference to the effect of particle size and organic matter of the sediments. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. ecol.3, 138–157 (1970b).
Mattison, A. G. M.: Arkiv Zool.12, 149 (1959).
Wells, E. P., Ledingham, I. C.: Studies on the physiology ofArenicola. J. exp. Biol.17, 337–363 (1940).
Wells, G. P.: The mode of life ofArenicola marina (L). J. Mar. Biol. Ass. U.K.26, 170–206 (1945).
Wiseman, G.: Handbook of physiology. Alimentary canal, vol. III, Intestinal absorption, p. 1277–1321. Washington, D.C.: American Physiological Society 1968.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bamford, D.R., Stewart, M. Absorption of neutral amino acids by the gut ofArenicola marina . J. Comp. Physiol. 82, 291–304 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00694241
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00694241