Abstract
Sodium/proton exchangers (NHE) are transmembrane proteins that facilitate the exchange of a Na + ion for a H + ion across cellular membranes. The NHE are present in the gills of fishes and are believed to function in acid-base regulation by driving the extrusion of protons across the branchial epithelium in exchange for Na + in the water. In this study, we have used reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the presence of a branchial NHE in the gills of the Atlantic hagfish, Myxine glutinosa. The subsequent partial cDNA sequence shares homology with other vertebrate and invertebrate NHE isoforms. In addition, using semi-quantitative, multiplex RT-PCR we demonstrate that mRNA expression of hagfish gill NHE is upregulated following an induced metabolic acidosis. Expression was increased to 4.4 times basal levels at 2-h post-infusion and had decreased to 1.6 times basal by 6 h. Expression had returned to basal levels by 24-h post-infusion. The inference from this study is that a gill NHE which is potentially important in acid-base regulation has been present in the vertebrate lineage since before the divergence of the hagfishes from the main vertebrate line.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.