Abstract
The present study elucidates the relationship between deep-hole MR cells (Lee et al. 1996) and salinity adaptation in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). Freshwater tilapia were transferred to salt water of various salinities, i.e., 5 (hypotonic), 10 (isotonic), 20 (hypertonic), and 30‰ (hypertonic), for 2 weeks. The density of MR cells, protein content, activity, and localization of the sodium pump were examined. There was no significant difference in serum osmolarity and Na+, K+, Cl− levels in fish of the various treatment groups. The amounts of protein and activity of Na,K-ATPase were elevated in fish from SW with the highest salinity. MR cells observed by scanning electron microscope revealed small pits (0.5–1.0 μm in diameter) in groups from hypotonic and isotonic water and large crypts (2.4–3.8 μm in diameter) in fish from hypertonic water. Moreover, the density of these deep-hole MR cells increased significantly in fish adapted to hypertonic SW. Larger and more numerous deep-hole MR cells of euryhaline tilapia may account for higher protein amounts and activities of Na,K-ATPase, probably to meet the physiological demand of euryhaline teleosts engaged in hyporegulation.
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Lee, T., Hwang, P., Shieh, Y. et al. The relationship between `deep-hole' mitochondria-rich cells and salinity adaptation in the euryhaline teleost, Oreochromis mossambicus. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry 23, 133–140 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007818631917
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007818631917
- chloride cells
- gills
- mitochondria-rich cells
- Na,K-ATPase
- salinity
- sodium pump
- tilapia