The proton pump or vacuolar type H+-ATPase is an oligomeric protein responsible for electrogenic H+ secretion in a variety of acid-secreting epithelia. Recently, the proton pump was identified in both the gill and kidney of freshwater-adapted rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Using immunocytochemistry, H+-ATPase has been localized in the pavement cells and chloride cells of the lamellar epithelium. During periods of internal acidosis, there is a marked increase in the expression of the branchial proton pump as identified by Western analysis, immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. This augmented expression of proton pumps occurs concomitantly with a marked increase in branchial acid excretion and Na+ uptake. Immunocytochemical studies suggest that the pavement cell, rather than the chloride cell, is the predominant site of acid excretion during periods of acidosis. These findings are consistent with the notion that in freshwater teleosts, Na+ uptake and H+ excretion are linked via the coupling of the electrogenic proton pump to apical membrane Na+ channels. This mechanism may be controlled by hormones including cortisol and/or growth hormone. The fish kidney plays an important role in regulating acidosis via the reabsorption of filtered HCO3-. Recently, we have demonstrated using Western analysis and immunocytochemistry, the presence of proton pump in rainbow trout kidney and observed increased H+-ATPase expression during respiratory acidosis. These new findings suggest a role for the renal proton pump in acid-base regulation.
CITATION STYLE
Perry, S. F., & Fryer, J. N. (1997). Proton pumps in the fish gill and kidney. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 17(1–6), 363–369. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1007746217349
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