Metabolic dependence of active sulfate transport in Aplysia californica intestine

Abstract

1. 1. Transmural potential difference and short-circuit current of intestinal sheets of Aplysia californica were stable up to 5 hr in a sodium sulfate sea-water medium. 2. 2. Transmural potential difference was serosa negative relative to the mucosa and the short-circuit current was consistent with a net active anion transport from mucosa to serosa. 3. 3. Transmural potential difference and short-circuit current were dependent upon the presence of sodium in the bathing medium. 4. 4. Transmural potential difference and short-circuit current were predominantly dependent upon aerobic metabolism; however, a small electrical component was dependent upon energy derived from glycolysis. 5. 5. The major portion of the short-circuit current was carried by a net active sulfate transfer from mucosa to serosa.