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Papers by C. Tipsmark

Research paper thumbnail of See Profile

Branchial expression patterns of claudin isoforms in Atlantic salmon during seawater acclimation ... more Branchial expression patterns of claudin isoforms in Atlantic salmon during seawater acclimation and smoltification

Research paper thumbnail of Rapid modulation of Na+/K+-ATPase activity in osmoregulatory tissues of a salmonid fish

Journal of Experimental Biology, 2001

The effects of cyclic AMP on Na+/K+-ATPase activity were studied in the gill and kidney of the eu... more The effects of cyclic AMP on Na+/K+-ATPase activity were studied in the gill and kidney of the euryhaline brown trout Salmo trutta using two different experimental approaches. In the first series of experiments, in situ Na+/K+-ATPase activity was analyzed by measuring the ouabain-sensitive uptake of non-radioactive rubidium (Rb+) into gill cells and blocks of gill and kidney tissue. Rubidium uptake was linear for at least 30 min and was significantly inhibited by 1 mmol × l(−1) ouabain. Several agents presumed to increase the intracellular cyclic AMP concentration inhibited ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake in both gill (0.5 and 2 mmol × l(−1) dibutyryl-cyclic AMP, 1 mmol × l(−1) theophylline, 10 micromol × l(−1) forskolin and 10 micromol × l(−1)isoproterenol) and kidney (10 micromol × l(−1) forskolin) tissue from freshwater-acclimated fish. In a separate series of experiments, ATP hydrolase activity was assayed in a permeabilised gill membrane preparation after incubation of tissue bloc...

Research paper thumbnail of Aquaporin expression dynamics in osmoregulatory tissues of Atlantic salmon during smoltification and seawater acclimation

Journal of Experimental Biology, 2010

SUMMARY Osmotic balance in fish is maintained through the coordinated regulation of water and ion... more SUMMARY Osmotic balance in fish is maintained through the coordinated regulation of water and ion transport performed by epithelia in intestine, kidney and gill. In the current study, six aquaporin (AQP) isoforms found in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were classified and their tissue specificity and mRNA expression in response to a hyperosmotic challenge and during smoltification were examined. While AQP-1a was generic, AQP-1b had highest expression in kidney and AQP-3 was predominantly found in oesophagus, gill and muscle. Two novel teleost isoforms, AQP-8a and -8b, were expressed specifically in liver and intestinal segments, respectively. AQP-10 was predominantly expressed in intestinal segments, albeit at very low levels. Transfer from freshwater (FW) to seawater (SW) induced elevated levels of intestinal AQP-1a, -1b and -8b mRNA, whereas only AQP-8b was stimulated during smoltification. In kidney, AQP-1a, -3 and -10 were elevated in SW whereas AQP-1b was reduced compared with F...

Research paper thumbnail of Regulation of Na+/K+-ATPase activity by nitric oxide in the kidney and gill of the brown trout (Salmo trutta)

Journal of Experimental Biology, 2003

SUMMARYIn teleost fish, successful osmoregulation involves controlled ion transport mechanisms in... more SUMMARYIn teleost fish, successful osmoregulation involves controlled ion transport mechanisms in kidney and gill epithelia. In this study, the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on Na+/K+-ATPase was investigated in vitro in these two tissues in brown trout (Salmo trutta)acclimated to freshwater. The NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) inhibited in situ Na+/K+-ATPase activity, measured as ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake, in both samples of kidney and gill tissue and in isolated gill cells. The effect was dose-dependent in both tissues, with a maximal observed inhibition of approximately 40–50% (1 mmol l –1 SNP). The time-course of inhibition revealed a maximum effect with 10 min pre-incubation. The effect of SNP was reproduced with another NO donor, papa-nonoate (NOC-15; 200 μmol l–1), and was prevented by the NO scavenger 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide (PTIO; 1 mmol l–1). To further investigate the mechanism of the NO effect,whole-tissue Na+ and K+ levels were analyse...

Research paper thumbnail of Multiplicity of expression of Na+,K+–ATPaseα-subunit isoforms in the gill of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): cellular localisation and absolute quantification in response to salinity change

Journal of Experimental Biology, 2008

SUMMARYThe ability to reverse the net direction of gill ion transport in response to a salinity c... more SUMMARYThe ability to reverse the net direction of gill ion transport in response to a salinity change is critical for euryhaline teleosts and involves a complex cellular and molecular remodelling of the gill epithelium. The present study aimed to clarify the cellular localisation and exact quantitative inter-relationship of Na+,K+–ATPase α- andβ-subunit transcripts in Atlantic salmon gill during salinity change. The combined expression level of all α-isoforms in the gill increased by 100% after freshwater (FW) to seawater (SW) transfer. The α1aand α1b isoforms were both in the range 1–6 amol 20 ng–1 total RNA; α1a decreased andα 1b increased after SW-transfer, their ratio changing from 5:1 in FW to 0.26:1 in SW. The α1c and α3levels were 10- and 100-fold lower, respectively. Theβ 1-subunit mRNA level was 0.1–0.3 amol 20 ng–1 total RNA, thus much lower than the sum ofα-subunits. Even though increasing 3-fold after SW-transfer,β-subunit availability may still limit functional pump sy...

Research paper thumbnail of Time‐Course Changes in the Expression of Na+,K+‐ATPase in Gills and Pyloric Caeca of Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) during Acclimation to Seawater

Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, 2000

Changes in expression of Na, K-ATPase (NKA) and morphometry of mitochondrion-rich (MR) cells in g... more Changes in expression of Na, K-ATPase (NKA) and morphometry of mitochondrion-rich (MR) cells in gills of tilapia were investigated on a 96-hr time course following transfer from seawater (SW) to fresh water (FW). A transient decline in plasma osmolality and Na þ , Cl À concentrations occurred from 3 hrs onward. Gills responded to FW transfer by decreasing NKA activity as early as 3 hrs from transfer. This response was followed by a significant decrease in the NKA isoform a1-mRNA abundance, which was detected by real-time PCR at 6 hrs post transfer. Next, a decrease of a1-protein amounts were observed from 6 hrs until 24 hrs post transfer. Additionally, during the time course of FW transfer, modifications in number and size of subtypes of gill MR cells were observed although no significant difference was found in densities of all subtypes of MR cells. These modifications were found as early as 3 hrs, evident at 6 hrs (exhibition of 3 subtypes of MR cells), and mostly completed by 24 hrs post transfer. Such rapid responses (in 3 hrs) as concurrent changes in branchial NKA expression and modifications of MR cell subtypes are thought to improve the osmoregulatory capacity of tilapia in acclimation from hypertonic SW to hypotonic FW.

Research paper thumbnail of Switching of Na+, K+-ATPase isoforms by salinity and prolactin in the gill of a cichlid fish

Journal of Endocrinology, 2011

We identified and investigated the changes in expression of two gill Na+, K+-ATPase α-subunit iso... more We identified and investigated the changes in expression of two gill Na+, K+-ATPase α-subunit isoforms (α-1a and α-1b) in relationship with salinity acclimation in a cichlid fish, Mozambique tilapia. Transfer of freshwater (FW)-acclimated fish to seawater (SW) resulted in a marked reduction in α-1a expression within 24 h and a significant increase in α-1b expression with maximum levels attained 7 days after the transfer. In contrast, transfer of SW-acclimated fish to FW induced a marked increase in α-1a expression within 2 days, while α-1b expression decreased significantly after 14 days. Hypophysectomy resulted in a virtual shutdown of α-1a mRNA expression in both FW- and SW-acclimated fish, whereas no significant effect was observed in α-1b expression. Replacement therapy by ovine prolactin (oPrl) fully restored α-1a expression in FW-acclimated fish, while cortisol had a modest, but significant, stimulatory effect on α-1a expression. In hypophysectomized fish in SW, replacement th...

Research paper thumbnail of Differential regulation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and Na+,K+-ATPase in gills of striped bass, Morone saxatilis: effect of salinity and hormones

Journal of Endocrinology, 2007

Effects of salinity and hormones on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) an... more Effects of salinity and hormones on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and α-subunit Na+,K+-ATPase (α-NKA) mRNA (analysed by semi-quantitative PCR) and protein expression (analysed by western blotting and immunocytochemistry) were investigated in gills of striped bass. Freshwater (FW) to seawater (SW) transfer induced a disturbance in serum [Na+]. Gill CFTR protein, mRNA level and Na+,K+-ATPase activity were unaffected by SW transfer, whereas α-NKA mRNA increased after transfer. CFTR immunoreactivity was observed in large cells in FW and SW gill filaments at equal intensity. Cortisol decreased serum [Na+] in FW fish, but had no effect on gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity, α-NKA and CFTR mRNA levels. Incubation of gill tissue with cortisol (24 h, >0.01 μg/ml) and epidermal growth factor (EGF 10 μg/ml) decreased CFTR mRNA levels relative to pre-incubation and control levels. CFTR expression was unaffected by IGF-I (10 μg/ml). α-NKA mRNA levels decreased by 50% aft...

Research paper thumbnail of Distinct hormonal regulation of Na+,K+-atpase genes in the gill of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

Journal of Endocrinology, 2009

It has recently become evident that maintenance of ionic homoeostasis in euryhaline salmonids inv... more It has recently become evident that maintenance of ionic homoeostasis in euryhaline salmonids involves a reciprocal shift in expression of two isoforms of the gill Na+,K+-atpase α-subunit when the surrounding salinity changes. The present study investigated the regulation of this shift between the α1a (freshwater (FW) isoform) and the α1b (seawater (SW) isoform) by cortisol, Gh, prolactin (Prl) and Igf 1. Injection with cortisol into FW salmon increased α1a expression, while Gh had no effect. Conversely, both cortisol and Gh stimulated α1b expression, and a significant synergy was observed. igf1 expression was increased by Gh in both gill and liver, and inhibited by cortisol in the liver. Gill igf1 and gh receptor expression increased in response to cortisol. Injection with Prl into SW salmon compromised their hypo-osmoregulatory performance, selectively reduced the expression of the α1b isoform and decreased enzymatic Na+,K+-atpase activity in the gill. Cortisol and Prl reduced gil...

Research paper thumbnail of Physiological response in the European flounder (Platichthys flesus) to variable salinity and oxygen conditions

Journal of Comparative Physiology B, 2008

Physiological mechanisms involved in acclimation to variable salinity and oxygen levels and their... more Physiological mechanisms involved in acclimation to variable salinity and oxygen levels and their interaction were studied in European flounder. The fish were acclimated for 2 weeks to freshwater (1 per thousand salinity), brackish water (11 per thousand) or full strength seawater (35 per thousand) under normoxic conditions (water Po(2) = 158 mmHg) and then subjected to 48 h of continued normoxia or hypoxia at a level (Po(2) = 54 mmHg) close to but above the critical Po(2). Plasma osmolality, [Na(+)] and [Cl(-)] increased with increasing salinity, but the rises were limited, reflecting an effective extracellular osmoregulation. Muscle water content was the same at all three salinities, indicating complete cell volume regulation. Gill Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity did not change with salinity, but hypoxia caused a 25% decrease in branchial Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity at all three salinities. Furthermore, hypoxia induced a significant decrease in mRNA levels of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase alpha1-subunit, signifying a reduced expression of the transporter gene. The reduced ATPase activity did not influence extracellular ionic concentrations. Blood [Hb] was stable with salinity, and it was not increased by hypoxia. Instead, hypoxia decreased the erythrocytic nucleoside triphosphate content, a common mechanism for increasing blood O(2) affinity. It is concluded that moderate hypoxia induced an energy saving decrease in branchial Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity, which did not compromise extracellular osmoregulation.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of cortisol, growth hormone and prolactin on gill claudin expression in Atlantic salmon

General and Comparative Endocrinology, 2009

We recently showed that a series of tight junction proteins of the claudin family are regulated i... more We recently showed that a series of tight junction proteins of the claudin family are regulated in the gill of salmon during salinity acclimation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of cortisol, growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) on regulation of expression of these isoforms. Experiments on primary cultures of gill tissue showed that cortisol stimulates claudin 10e, 27a and 30 mRNA levels while no significant effects were observed on claudin 28a and 28b. The associated receptor signalling pathway was examined using glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists RU486 and spironolactone, respectively. The observed in vitro responses were blocked by RU486, suggesting the involvement of a glucocorticoid type receptor. Injections of FW salmon with cortisol increased the expression of claudin 10e, 27a, and 30 but did not affect claudin 28a and 28b significantly. While GH had no effect on its own, the combination of GH and cortisol reduced claudin 28b levels. Injection of SW salmon with PRL selectively increased the expression of claudin 28a but had no effect on the other examined isoforms. The data shows that FW- (27a and 30) and SW-induced (10e) claudins are all stimulated by cortisol while the major osmoregulatory hormones GH and PRL had no effect on these salinity sensitive isoforms. This suggests that other hormones and/or osmotic conditions interact with cortisol to determine claudin composition in the gill.

Research paper thumbnail of Involvement of phospholipase C and intracellular calcium signaling in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone regulation of prolactin release from lactotrophs of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

General and Comparative Endocrinology, 2005

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a potent stimulator of prolactin (PRL) secretion in vari... more Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a potent stimulator of prolactin (PRL) secretion in various vertebrates including the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. The mechanism by which GnRH regulates lactotroph cell function is poorly understood. Using the advantageous characteristics of the teleost pituitary gland from which a nearly pure population of PRL cells can be isolated, we examined whether GnRH might stimulate PRL release through an increase in phospholipase C (PLC), inositol triphosphate (IP 3), and intracellular calcium ðCa 2þ i Þ signaling. Using Ca 2þ i imaging and the calcium-sensitive dye fura-2, we found that chicken GnRH-II (cGnRH-II) induced a rapid dose-dependent increase in Ca 2þ i in dispersed tilapia lactotrophs. The Ca 2þ i signal was abolished by U-73122, an inhibitor of PLC-dependent phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Correspondingly, cGnRH-II-induced tPRL 188 secretion was inhibited by U-73122, suggesting that activation of PLC mediates cGnRH-IIÕs stimulatory effect on PRL secretion. Pretreatment with 8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride (TMB-8), an inhibitor of Ca 2+ release from intracellular stores, impeded the effect of cGnRH-II on Ca 2þ i. To further address the possible involvement of intracellular Ca 2+ stores, IP 3 concentrations in the tilapia rostral pars distalis (RPD containing 95-99% PRL cells) was determined by a radioreceptor assay. We found that GnRH-II induces a rapid (<5 min) and sustained increase in IP 3 concentration in the RPD. Secretion of tPRL 188 in response to cGnRH-II was suppressed by Ca 2+ antagonists (TMB-8 and nifedipine). These data, along with our previous findings that show PRL release increases with a rise in Ca 2þ i , suggest that GnRH may elicit its PRL releasing effect by increasing Ca 2þ i. Furthermore, the rise in Ca 2þ i may be derived from PLC/IP 3-induced mobilization of Ca 2+ from intracellular stores along with influx through L-type voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels.

Research paper thumbnail of Osmoregulation and expression of ion transport proteins and putative claudins in the gill of Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma)

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 2008

The southern flounder is a euryhaline teleost that inhabits ocean, estuarine, and riverine enviro... more The southern flounder is a euryhaline teleost that inhabits ocean, estuarine, and riverine environments. We investigated the osmoregulatory strategy of juvenile flounder by examining the time-course of homeostatic responses, hormone levels, and gill Na + ,K +-ATPase and Na + ,K + ,2Cl − cotransporter protein expression after salinity challenge. Transfer of freshwater (FW)-acclimated flounder to sea water (SW) induced an increase in plasma osmolality and cortisol and a decrease in muscle water content, plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and hepatic IGF-I mRNA, all returning to control levels after 4 days. Gill Na + ,K +-ATPase and Na + ,K + ,2Cl − cotransporter protein levels were elevated in response to SW after 4 days. Transfer of SW-acclimated flounder to FW reduced gill Na + ,K +-ATPase and Na + ,K + ,2Cl − cotransporter protein, increased plasma IGF-I, but did not alter hepatic IGF-I mRNA or plasma cortisol levels. Gill claudin-3 and claudin-4 immunoreactive proteins were elevated in FW versus SW acclimated flounder. The study demonstrates that successful acclimation of southern flounder to SW or FW occurs after an initial crisis period and that the salinity adaptation process is associated with changes in branchial expression of ion transport and putative tight junction claudin proteins known to regulate epithelial permeability in mammalian vertebrates.

Research paper thumbnail of Tricellulin, occludin and claudin-3 expression in salmon intestine and kidney during salinity adaptation

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 2012

Molecular regulation of tight junctions in osmoregulatory epithelia of euryhaline fishes must be ... more Molecular regulation of tight junctions in osmoregulatory epithelia of euryhaline fishes must be extensive during ontogeny and acclimation to salinity changes. In this study, five tight junction proteins were examined in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): tight junction associated tricellulin, occludin and claudin-3 isoforms (a, b, c). A survey of tissue distribution in freshwater (FW) salmon showed that tricellulin expression was highest in the intestine. Occludin was detected in tissues with importance for epithelial transport and the order of expression was gill > intestine > kidney. The three claudin-3 isoforms were expressed at highest level in kidney tissue. Transfer of juvenile FW salmon to seawater (SW) elevated intestinal tricellulin and occludin mRNA, and these transcripts were also elevated at the time of best SW-tolerance during the course of smoltification. In the kidney, expression of tricellulin and claudin-3 isoforms was elevated after SWtransfer and tricellulin, occludin, claudin-3a and-3b increased in March before the peak smolt stage. In the gill, none of the examined tight junction proteins were impacted by SW-transfer. The data suggest that expression of tricellulin and occludin is dynamically involved in reorganization of intestinal epithelium and possibly changed paracellular permeability during SW-acclimation. The increased renal tricellulin and claudin-3 expression in SW suggests a role in remodeling of the kidney during SW-acclimation.

Research paper thumbnail of FXYD-11 associates with Na+-K+-ATPase in the gill of Atlantic salmon: regulation and localization in relation to changed ion-regulatory status

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 2010

The Na+-K+-ATPase is the primary electrogenic component driving transepithelial ion transport in ... more The Na+-K+-ATPase is the primary electrogenic component driving transepithelial ion transport in the teleost gill; thus regulation of its level of activity is of critical importance for osmotic homeostasis. In the present study, we examined the dynamics of the gill-specific FXYD-11 protein, a putative regulatory subunit of the pump, in Atlantic salmon during seawater (SW) acclimation, smoltification, and treatment with cortisol, growth hormone, and prolactin. Dual-labeling immunohistochemistry showed that branchial FXYD-11 is localized in Na+-K+-ATPase immunoreactive cells, and coimmunoprecipitation experiments confirmed a direct association between FXYD-11 and the Na+-K+-ATPase α-subunit. Transfer of freshwater (FW)-acclimated salmon to SW induced a parallel increase in total α-subunit and FXYD-11 protein expression. A similar concurrent increase was seen during smoltification in FW. In FW fish, cortisol induced an increase in both α-subunit and FXYD-11 abundance, and growth hormon...

Research paper thumbnail of IGF-I and branchial IGF receptor expression and localization during salinity acclimation in striped bass

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 2006

The initial response of the IGF-I system and the expression and cellular localization of IGF type... more The initial response of the IGF-I system and the expression and cellular localization of IGF type-I receptor (IGF-IR) were studied in the gill of a euryhaline teleost during salinity acclimation. Exposure of striped bass ( Morone saxatilis) to hyperosmotic and hypoosmotic challenges induced small, transitory (<24 h) deflections in hydromineral balance. Transfer from freshwater (FW) to seawater (SW) induced an initial decrease in plasma IGF-I levels after 24 h in both fed and fasted fish. There was an overall decrease in liver IGF-I mRNA levels after SW transfer, suggesting that decreased plasma levels may be due to a decline in hepatic IGF-I synthesis. No changes were observed in gill IGF-I mRNA, but SW transfer induced an increase in gill IGF-IR mRNA after 24 h. Transfer from SW to FW induced an increase in plasma IGF-I levels in fasted fish. In fed fish, no significant changes were observed in either plasma IGF-I, liver, or gill IGF-I mRNA, or gill IGF-IR mRNA levels. In a sepa...

Research paper thumbnail of Branchial expression patterns of claudin isoforms in Atlantic salmon during seawater acclimation and smoltification

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 2008

In euryhaline teleosts, permeability changes in gill epithelia are essential during acclimation t... more In euryhaline teleosts, permeability changes in gill epithelia are essential during acclimation to changed salinity. This study examined expression patterns of branchial tight junction proteins called claudins, which are important determinants of ion selectivity and general permeability in epithelia. We identified Atlantic salmon genes belonging to the claudin family by screening expressed sequence tag libraries available at NCBI, and classification was performed with the aid of maximum likelihood analysis. In gill libraries, five isoforms (10e, 27a, 28a, 28b, and 30) were present, and quantitative PCR analysis confirmed tissue-specific expression in gill when compared with kidney, intestine, heart, muscle, brain, and liver. Expression patterns during acclimation of freshwater salmon to seawater (SW) and during the smoltification process were examined. Acclimation to SW reduced the expression of claudin 27a and claudin 30 but had no overall effect on claudin 28a and claudin 28b. In ...

Research paper thumbnail of Functional characterization and localization of a gill-specific claudin isoform in Atlantic salmon

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 2011

Claudins are the major determinants of paracellular epithelial permeability in multicellular orga... more Claudins are the major determinants of paracellular epithelial permeability in multicellular organisms. In Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.), we previously found that mRNA expression of the abundant gill-specific claudin 30 decreases during seawater (SW) acclimation, suggesting that this claudin is associated with remodeling of the epithelium during salinity change. This study investigated localization, protein expression, and function of claudin 30. Confocal microscopy showed that claudin 30 protein was located at cell-cell interfaces in the gill filament in SW- and fresh water (FW)-acclimated salmon, with the same distribution, overall, as the tight junction protein ZO-1. Claudin 30 was located at the apical tight junction interface and in cell membranes deeper in the epithelia. Colocalization with the α-subunit of the Na+-K+-ATPase was negligible, suggesting limited association with mitochondria-rich cells. Immunoblotting of gill samples showed lower claudin 30 protein expression...

Research paper thumbnail of Role of the GH-IGF-1 system in Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout postsmolts at elevated water temperature

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 2015

A comparative experiment with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykis... more A comparative experiment with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) postsmolts was conducted over 35 days to provide insight into how growth, respiration, energy metabolism and the growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) system are regulated at elevated sea temperatures. Rainbow trout grew better than Atlantic salmon, and did not show reduced growth at 19°C. Rainbow trout kept at 19°C had increased blood hemoglobin concentration compared to rainbow trout kept at 13°C, while salmon did not show the same hemoglobin response due to increased temperature. Both species showed reduced length growth and decreased muscle glycogen stores at 19°C. Circulating IGF-1 concentration was higher in rainbow trout than in Atlantic salmon, but was not affected by temperature in either species. Plasma IGF-binding protein 1b (IGFBP-1b) concentration was reduced in Atlantic salmon reared at 19°C after 15 days but increased in rainbow trout at 19°C after 35 days. The igfbp1b mRNA level in liver showed a positive correlation to plasma concentrations of glucose and IGFBP-1b, suggesting involvement of this binding protein in carbohydrate metabolism at 19°C. At this temperature muscle igfbp1a mRNA was down-regulated in both species. The muscle expression of this binding protein correlated negatively with muscle igf1 and length growth. The plasma IGFBP-1b concentration and igfbp1b and igfbp1a expression suggests reduced muscle igf1 signaling at elevated temperature leading to glucose allostasis, and that time course is species specific due to higher thermal tolerance in rainbow trout.

Research paper thumbnail of Aquaporin expression in the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) in freshwater and seawater: challenging the paradigm of intestinal water transport?

The Journal of experimental biology, 2014

We investigated the salinity-dependent expression dynamics of seven aquaporin paralogs (aqp1a, aq... more We investigated the salinity-dependent expression dynamics of seven aquaporin paralogs (aqp1a, aqp3a, aqp7, aqp8ab, aqp10a, aqp10b and aqp11a) in several tissues of euryhaline Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). All paralogs except aqp7 and aqp10a had a broad tissue distribution, and several were affected by salinity in both osmoregulatory and non-osmoregulatory tissues. In the intestine, aqp1a, aqp7, aqp8ab and aqp10a decreased upon seawater (SW) acclimation in both long-term acclimated fish and during 1-3 days of the transition period. In the gill, aqp3a was lower and aqp10a higher in SW than in freshwater (FW). In the kidney no aqps were affected by salinity. In the skin, aqp1a and aqp3a were lower in SW than in FW. In the liver, aqp8ab and aqp10a were lower in SW than in FW. Furthermore, six Na(+),K(+)-ATPase α-subunit isoform transcripts were analysed in the intestine but none showed a consistent response to salinity, suggesting that water transport is not regulated at this leve...

Research paper thumbnail of See Profile

Branchial expression patterns of claudin isoforms in Atlantic salmon during seawater acclimation ... more Branchial expression patterns of claudin isoforms in Atlantic salmon during seawater acclimation and smoltification

Research paper thumbnail of Rapid modulation of Na+/K+-ATPase activity in osmoregulatory tissues of a salmonid fish

Journal of Experimental Biology, 2001

The effects of cyclic AMP on Na+/K+-ATPase activity were studied in the gill and kidney of the eu... more The effects of cyclic AMP on Na+/K+-ATPase activity were studied in the gill and kidney of the euryhaline brown trout Salmo trutta using two different experimental approaches. In the first series of experiments, in situ Na+/K+-ATPase activity was analyzed by measuring the ouabain-sensitive uptake of non-radioactive rubidium (Rb+) into gill cells and blocks of gill and kidney tissue. Rubidium uptake was linear for at least 30 min and was significantly inhibited by 1 mmol × l(−1) ouabain. Several agents presumed to increase the intracellular cyclic AMP concentration inhibited ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake in both gill (0.5 and 2 mmol × l(−1) dibutyryl-cyclic AMP, 1 mmol × l(−1) theophylline, 10 micromol × l(−1) forskolin and 10 micromol × l(−1)isoproterenol) and kidney (10 micromol × l(−1) forskolin) tissue from freshwater-acclimated fish. In a separate series of experiments, ATP hydrolase activity was assayed in a permeabilised gill membrane preparation after incubation of tissue bloc...

Research paper thumbnail of Aquaporin expression dynamics in osmoregulatory tissues of Atlantic salmon during smoltification and seawater acclimation

Journal of Experimental Biology, 2010

SUMMARY Osmotic balance in fish is maintained through the coordinated regulation of water and ion... more SUMMARY Osmotic balance in fish is maintained through the coordinated regulation of water and ion transport performed by epithelia in intestine, kidney and gill. In the current study, six aquaporin (AQP) isoforms found in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were classified and their tissue specificity and mRNA expression in response to a hyperosmotic challenge and during smoltification were examined. While AQP-1a was generic, AQP-1b had highest expression in kidney and AQP-3 was predominantly found in oesophagus, gill and muscle. Two novel teleost isoforms, AQP-8a and -8b, were expressed specifically in liver and intestinal segments, respectively. AQP-10 was predominantly expressed in intestinal segments, albeit at very low levels. Transfer from freshwater (FW) to seawater (SW) induced elevated levels of intestinal AQP-1a, -1b and -8b mRNA, whereas only AQP-8b was stimulated during smoltification. In kidney, AQP-1a, -3 and -10 were elevated in SW whereas AQP-1b was reduced compared with F...

Research paper thumbnail of Regulation of Na+/K+-ATPase activity by nitric oxide in the kidney and gill of the brown trout (Salmo trutta)

Journal of Experimental Biology, 2003

SUMMARYIn teleost fish, successful osmoregulation involves controlled ion transport mechanisms in... more SUMMARYIn teleost fish, successful osmoregulation involves controlled ion transport mechanisms in kidney and gill epithelia. In this study, the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on Na+/K+-ATPase was investigated in vitro in these two tissues in brown trout (Salmo trutta)acclimated to freshwater. The NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) inhibited in situ Na+/K+-ATPase activity, measured as ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake, in both samples of kidney and gill tissue and in isolated gill cells. The effect was dose-dependent in both tissues, with a maximal observed inhibition of approximately 40–50% (1 mmol l –1 SNP). The time-course of inhibition revealed a maximum effect with 10 min pre-incubation. The effect of SNP was reproduced with another NO donor, papa-nonoate (NOC-15; 200 μmol l–1), and was prevented by the NO scavenger 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide (PTIO; 1 mmol l–1). To further investigate the mechanism of the NO effect,whole-tissue Na+ and K+ levels were analyse...

Research paper thumbnail of Multiplicity of expression of Na+,K+–ATPaseα-subunit isoforms in the gill of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): cellular localisation and absolute quantification in response to salinity change

Journal of Experimental Biology, 2008

SUMMARYThe ability to reverse the net direction of gill ion transport in response to a salinity c... more SUMMARYThe ability to reverse the net direction of gill ion transport in response to a salinity change is critical for euryhaline teleosts and involves a complex cellular and molecular remodelling of the gill epithelium. The present study aimed to clarify the cellular localisation and exact quantitative inter-relationship of Na+,K+–ATPase α- andβ-subunit transcripts in Atlantic salmon gill during salinity change. The combined expression level of all α-isoforms in the gill increased by 100% after freshwater (FW) to seawater (SW) transfer. The α1aand α1b isoforms were both in the range 1–6 amol 20 ng–1 total RNA; α1a decreased andα 1b increased after SW-transfer, their ratio changing from 5:1 in FW to 0.26:1 in SW. The α1c and α3levels were 10- and 100-fold lower, respectively. Theβ 1-subunit mRNA level was 0.1–0.3 amol 20 ng–1 total RNA, thus much lower than the sum ofα-subunits. Even though increasing 3-fold after SW-transfer,β-subunit availability may still limit functional pump sy...

Research paper thumbnail of Time‐Course Changes in the Expression of Na+,K+‐ATPase in Gills and Pyloric Caeca of Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) during Acclimation to Seawater

Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, 2000

Changes in expression of Na, K-ATPase (NKA) and morphometry of mitochondrion-rich (MR) cells in g... more Changes in expression of Na, K-ATPase (NKA) and morphometry of mitochondrion-rich (MR) cells in gills of tilapia were investigated on a 96-hr time course following transfer from seawater (SW) to fresh water (FW). A transient decline in plasma osmolality and Na þ , Cl À concentrations occurred from 3 hrs onward. Gills responded to FW transfer by decreasing NKA activity as early as 3 hrs from transfer. This response was followed by a significant decrease in the NKA isoform a1-mRNA abundance, which was detected by real-time PCR at 6 hrs post transfer. Next, a decrease of a1-protein amounts were observed from 6 hrs until 24 hrs post transfer. Additionally, during the time course of FW transfer, modifications in number and size of subtypes of gill MR cells were observed although no significant difference was found in densities of all subtypes of MR cells. These modifications were found as early as 3 hrs, evident at 6 hrs (exhibition of 3 subtypes of MR cells), and mostly completed by 24 hrs post transfer. Such rapid responses (in 3 hrs) as concurrent changes in branchial NKA expression and modifications of MR cell subtypes are thought to improve the osmoregulatory capacity of tilapia in acclimation from hypertonic SW to hypotonic FW.

Research paper thumbnail of Switching of Na+, K+-ATPase isoforms by salinity and prolactin in the gill of a cichlid fish

Journal of Endocrinology, 2011

We identified and investigated the changes in expression of two gill Na+, K+-ATPase α-subunit iso... more We identified and investigated the changes in expression of two gill Na+, K+-ATPase α-subunit isoforms (α-1a and α-1b) in relationship with salinity acclimation in a cichlid fish, Mozambique tilapia. Transfer of freshwater (FW)-acclimated fish to seawater (SW) resulted in a marked reduction in α-1a expression within 24 h and a significant increase in α-1b expression with maximum levels attained 7 days after the transfer. In contrast, transfer of SW-acclimated fish to FW induced a marked increase in α-1a expression within 2 days, while α-1b expression decreased significantly after 14 days. Hypophysectomy resulted in a virtual shutdown of α-1a mRNA expression in both FW- and SW-acclimated fish, whereas no significant effect was observed in α-1b expression. Replacement therapy by ovine prolactin (oPrl) fully restored α-1a expression in FW-acclimated fish, while cortisol had a modest, but significant, stimulatory effect on α-1a expression. In hypophysectomized fish in SW, replacement th...

Research paper thumbnail of Differential regulation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and Na+,K+-ATPase in gills of striped bass, Morone saxatilis: effect of salinity and hormones

Journal of Endocrinology, 2007

Effects of salinity and hormones on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) an... more Effects of salinity and hormones on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and α-subunit Na+,K+-ATPase (α-NKA) mRNA (analysed by semi-quantitative PCR) and protein expression (analysed by western blotting and immunocytochemistry) were investigated in gills of striped bass. Freshwater (FW) to seawater (SW) transfer induced a disturbance in serum [Na+]. Gill CFTR protein, mRNA level and Na+,K+-ATPase activity were unaffected by SW transfer, whereas α-NKA mRNA increased after transfer. CFTR immunoreactivity was observed in large cells in FW and SW gill filaments at equal intensity. Cortisol decreased serum [Na+] in FW fish, but had no effect on gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity, α-NKA and CFTR mRNA levels. Incubation of gill tissue with cortisol (24 h, >0.01 μg/ml) and epidermal growth factor (EGF 10 μg/ml) decreased CFTR mRNA levels relative to pre-incubation and control levels. CFTR expression was unaffected by IGF-I (10 μg/ml). α-NKA mRNA levels decreased by 50% aft...

Research paper thumbnail of Distinct hormonal regulation of Na+,K+-atpase genes in the gill of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

Journal of Endocrinology, 2009

It has recently become evident that maintenance of ionic homoeostasis in euryhaline salmonids inv... more It has recently become evident that maintenance of ionic homoeostasis in euryhaline salmonids involves a reciprocal shift in expression of two isoforms of the gill Na+,K+-atpase α-subunit when the surrounding salinity changes. The present study investigated the regulation of this shift between the α1a (freshwater (FW) isoform) and the α1b (seawater (SW) isoform) by cortisol, Gh, prolactin (Prl) and Igf 1. Injection with cortisol into FW salmon increased α1a expression, while Gh had no effect. Conversely, both cortisol and Gh stimulated α1b expression, and a significant synergy was observed. igf1 expression was increased by Gh in both gill and liver, and inhibited by cortisol in the liver. Gill igf1 and gh receptor expression increased in response to cortisol. Injection with Prl into SW salmon compromised their hypo-osmoregulatory performance, selectively reduced the expression of the α1b isoform and decreased enzymatic Na+,K+-atpase activity in the gill. Cortisol and Prl reduced gil...

Research paper thumbnail of Physiological response in the European flounder (Platichthys flesus) to variable salinity and oxygen conditions

Journal of Comparative Physiology B, 2008

Physiological mechanisms involved in acclimation to variable salinity and oxygen levels and their... more Physiological mechanisms involved in acclimation to variable salinity and oxygen levels and their interaction were studied in European flounder. The fish were acclimated for 2 weeks to freshwater (1 per thousand salinity), brackish water (11 per thousand) or full strength seawater (35 per thousand) under normoxic conditions (water Po(2) = 158 mmHg) and then subjected to 48 h of continued normoxia or hypoxia at a level (Po(2) = 54 mmHg) close to but above the critical Po(2). Plasma osmolality, [Na(+)] and [Cl(-)] increased with increasing salinity, but the rises were limited, reflecting an effective extracellular osmoregulation. Muscle water content was the same at all three salinities, indicating complete cell volume regulation. Gill Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity did not change with salinity, but hypoxia caused a 25% decrease in branchial Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity at all three salinities. Furthermore, hypoxia induced a significant decrease in mRNA levels of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase alpha1-subunit, signifying a reduced expression of the transporter gene. The reduced ATPase activity did not influence extracellular ionic concentrations. Blood [Hb] was stable with salinity, and it was not increased by hypoxia. Instead, hypoxia decreased the erythrocytic nucleoside triphosphate content, a common mechanism for increasing blood O(2) affinity. It is concluded that moderate hypoxia induced an energy saving decrease in branchial Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity, which did not compromise extracellular osmoregulation.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of cortisol, growth hormone and prolactin on gill claudin expression in Atlantic salmon

General and Comparative Endocrinology, 2009

We recently showed that a series of tight junction proteins of the claudin family are regulated i... more We recently showed that a series of tight junction proteins of the claudin family are regulated in the gill of salmon during salinity acclimation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of cortisol, growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) on regulation of expression of these isoforms. Experiments on primary cultures of gill tissue showed that cortisol stimulates claudin 10e, 27a and 30 mRNA levels while no significant effects were observed on claudin 28a and 28b. The associated receptor signalling pathway was examined using glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists RU486 and spironolactone, respectively. The observed in vitro responses were blocked by RU486, suggesting the involvement of a glucocorticoid type receptor. Injections of FW salmon with cortisol increased the expression of claudin 10e, 27a, and 30 but did not affect claudin 28a and 28b significantly. While GH had no effect on its own, the combination of GH and cortisol reduced claudin 28b levels. Injection of SW salmon with PRL selectively increased the expression of claudin 28a but had no effect on the other examined isoforms. The data shows that FW- (27a and 30) and SW-induced (10e) claudins are all stimulated by cortisol while the major osmoregulatory hormones GH and PRL had no effect on these salinity sensitive isoforms. This suggests that other hormones and/or osmotic conditions interact with cortisol to determine claudin composition in the gill.

Research paper thumbnail of Involvement of phospholipase C and intracellular calcium signaling in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone regulation of prolactin release from lactotrophs of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

General and Comparative Endocrinology, 2005

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a potent stimulator of prolactin (PRL) secretion in vari... more Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a potent stimulator of prolactin (PRL) secretion in various vertebrates including the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. The mechanism by which GnRH regulates lactotroph cell function is poorly understood. Using the advantageous characteristics of the teleost pituitary gland from which a nearly pure population of PRL cells can be isolated, we examined whether GnRH might stimulate PRL release through an increase in phospholipase C (PLC), inositol triphosphate (IP 3), and intracellular calcium ðCa 2þ i Þ signaling. Using Ca 2þ i imaging and the calcium-sensitive dye fura-2, we found that chicken GnRH-II (cGnRH-II) induced a rapid dose-dependent increase in Ca 2þ i in dispersed tilapia lactotrophs. The Ca 2þ i signal was abolished by U-73122, an inhibitor of PLC-dependent phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Correspondingly, cGnRH-II-induced tPRL 188 secretion was inhibited by U-73122, suggesting that activation of PLC mediates cGnRH-IIÕs stimulatory effect on PRL secretion. Pretreatment with 8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride (TMB-8), an inhibitor of Ca 2+ release from intracellular stores, impeded the effect of cGnRH-II on Ca 2þ i. To further address the possible involvement of intracellular Ca 2+ stores, IP 3 concentrations in the tilapia rostral pars distalis (RPD containing 95-99% PRL cells) was determined by a radioreceptor assay. We found that GnRH-II induces a rapid (<5 min) and sustained increase in IP 3 concentration in the RPD. Secretion of tPRL 188 in response to cGnRH-II was suppressed by Ca 2+ antagonists (TMB-8 and nifedipine). These data, along with our previous findings that show PRL release increases with a rise in Ca 2þ i , suggest that GnRH may elicit its PRL releasing effect by increasing Ca 2þ i. Furthermore, the rise in Ca 2þ i may be derived from PLC/IP 3-induced mobilization of Ca 2+ from intracellular stores along with influx through L-type voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels.

Research paper thumbnail of Osmoregulation and expression of ion transport proteins and putative claudins in the gill of Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma)

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 2008

The southern flounder is a euryhaline teleost that inhabits ocean, estuarine, and riverine enviro... more The southern flounder is a euryhaline teleost that inhabits ocean, estuarine, and riverine environments. We investigated the osmoregulatory strategy of juvenile flounder by examining the time-course of homeostatic responses, hormone levels, and gill Na + ,K +-ATPase and Na + ,K + ,2Cl − cotransporter protein expression after salinity challenge. Transfer of freshwater (FW)-acclimated flounder to sea water (SW) induced an increase in plasma osmolality and cortisol and a decrease in muscle water content, plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and hepatic IGF-I mRNA, all returning to control levels after 4 days. Gill Na + ,K +-ATPase and Na + ,K + ,2Cl − cotransporter protein levels were elevated in response to SW after 4 days. Transfer of SW-acclimated flounder to FW reduced gill Na + ,K +-ATPase and Na + ,K + ,2Cl − cotransporter protein, increased plasma IGF-I, but did not alter hepatic IGF-I mRNA or plasma cortisol levels. Gill claudin-3 and claudin-4 immunoreactive proteins were elevated in FW versus SW acclimated flounder. The study demonstrates that successful acclimation of southern flounder to SW or FW occurs after an initial crisis period and that the salinity adaptation process is associated with changes in branchial expression of ion transport and putative tight junction claudin proteins known to regulate epithelial permeability in mammalian vertebrates.

Research paper thumbnail of Tricellulin, occludin and claudin-3 expression in salmon intestine and kidney during salinity adaptation

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 2012

Molecular regulation of tight junctions in osmoregulatory epithelia of euryhaline fishes must be ... more Molecular regulation of tight junctions in osmoregulatory epithelia of euryhaline fishes must be extensive during ontogeny and acclimation to salinity changes. In this study, five tight junction proteins were examined in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): tight junction associated tricellulin, occludin and claudin-3 isoforms (a, b, c). A survey of tissue distribution in freshwater (FW) salmon showed that tricellulin expression was highest in the intestine. Occludin was detected in tissues with importance for epithelial transport and the order of expression was gill > intestine > kidney. The three claudin-3 isoforms were expressed at highest level in kidney tissue. Transfer of juvenile FW salmon to seawater (SW) elevated intestinal tricellulin and occludin mRNA, and these transcripts were also elevated at the time of best SW-tolerance during the course of smoltification. In the kidney, expression of tricellulin and claudin-3 isoforms was elevated after SWtransfer and tricellulin, occludin, claudin-3a and-3b increased in March before the peak smolt stage. In the gill, none of the examined tight junction proteins were impacted by SW-transfer. The data suggest that expression of tricellulin and occludin is dynamically involved in reorganization of intestinal epithelium and possibly changed paracellular permeability during SW-acclimation. The increased renal tricellulin and claudin-3 expression in SW suggests a role in remodeling of the kidney during SW-acclimation.

Research paper thumbnail of FXYD-11 associates with Na+-K+-ATPase in the gill of Atlantic salmon: regulation and localization in relation to changed ion-regulatory status

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 2010

The Na+-K+-ATPase is the primary electrogenic component driving transepithelial ion transport in ... more The Na+-K+-ATPase is the primary electrogenic component driving transepithelial ion transport in the teleost gill; thus regulation of its level of activity is of critical importance for osmotic homeostasis. In the present study, we examined the dynamics of the gill-specific FXYD-11 protein, a putative regulatory subunit of the pump, in Atlantic salmon during seawater (SW) acclimation, smoltification, and treatment with cortisol, growth hormone, and prolactin. Dual-labeling immunohistochemistry showed that branchial FXYD-11 is localized in Na+-K+-ATPase immunoreactive cells, and coimmunoprecipitation experiments confirmed a direct association between FXYD-11 and the Na+-K+-ATPase α-subunit. Transfer of freshwater (FW)-acclimated salmon to SW induced a parallel increase in total α-subunit and FXYD-11 protein expression. A similar concurrent increase was seen during smoltification in FW. In FW fish, cortisol induced an increase in both α-subunit and FXYD-11 abundance, and growth hormon...

Research paper thumbnail of IGF-I and branchial IGF receptor expression and localization during salinity acclimation in striped bass

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 2006

The initial response of the IGF-I system and the expression and cellular localization of IGF type... more The initial response of the IGF-I system and the expression and cellular localization of IGF type-I receptor (IGF-IR) were studied in the gill of a euryhaline teleost during salinity acclimation. Exposure of striped bass ( Morone saxatilis) to hyperosmotic and hypoosmotic challenges induced small, transitory (<24 h) deflections in hydromineral balance. Transfer from freshwater (FW) to seawater (SW) induced an initial decrease in plasma IGF-I levels after 24 h in both fed and fasted fish. There was an overall decrease in liver IGF-I mRNA levels after SW transfer, suggesting that decreased plasma levels may be due to a decline in hepatic IGF-I synthesis. No changes were observed in gill IGF-I mRNA, but SW transfer induced an increase in gill IGF-IR mRNA after 24 h. Transfer from SW to FW induced an increase in plasma IGF-I levels in fasted fish. In fed fish, no significant changes were observed in either plasma IGF-I, liver, or gill IGF-I mRNA, or gill IGF-IR mRNA levels. In a sepa...

Research paper thumbnail of Branchial expression patterns of claudin isoforms in Atlantic salmon during seawater acclimation and smoltification

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 2008

In euryhaline teleosts, permeability changes in gill epithelia are essential during acclimation t... more In euryhaline teleosts, permeability changes in gill epithelia are essential during acclimation to changed salinity. This study examined expression patterns of branchial tight junction proteins called claudins, which are important determinants of ion selectivity and general permeability in epithelia. We identified Atlantic salmon genes belonging to the claudin family by screening expressed sequence tag libraries available at NCBI, and classification was performed with the aid of maximum likelihood analysis. In gill libraries, five isoforms (10e, 27a, 28a, 28b, and 30) were present, and quantitative PCR analysis confirmed tissue-specific expression in gill when compared with kidney, intestine, heart, muscle, brain, and liver. Expression patterns during acclimation of freshwater salmon to seawater (SW) and during the smoltification process were examined. Acclimation to SW reduced the expression of claudin 27a and claudin 30 but had no overall effect on claudin 28a and claudin 28b. In ...

Research paper thumbnail of Functional characterization and localization of a gill-specific claudin isoform in Atlantic salmon

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 2011

Claudins are the major determinants of paracellular epithelial permeability in multicellular orga... more Claudins are the major determinants of paracellular epithelial permeability in multicellular organisms. In Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.), we previously found that mRNA expression of the abundant gill-specific claudin 30 decreases during seawater (SW) acclimation, suggesting that this claudin is associated with remodeling of the epithelium during salinity change. This study investigated localization, protein expression, and function of claudin 30. Confocal microscopy showed that claudin 30 protein was located at cell-cell interfaces in the gill filament in SW- and fresh water (FW)-acclimated salmon, with the same distribution, overall, as the tight junction protein ZO-1. Claudin 30 was located at the apical tight junction interface and in cell membranes deeper in the epithelia. Colocalization with the α-subunit of the Na+-K+-ATPase was negligible, suggesting limited association with mitochondria-rich cells. Immunoblotting of gill samples showed lower claudin 30 protein expression...

Research paper thumbnail of Role of the GH-IGF-1 system in Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout postsmolts at elevated water temperature

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 2015

A comparative experiment with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykis... more A comparative experiment with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) postsmolts was conducted over 35 days to provide insight into how growth, respiration, energy metabolism and the growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) system are regulated at elevated sea temperatures. Rainbow trout grew better than Atlantic salmon, and did not show reduced growth at 19°C. Rainbow trout kept at 19°C had increased blood hemoglobin concentration compared to rainbow trout kept at 13°C, while salmon did not show the same hemoglobin response due to increased temperature. Both species showed reduced length growth and decreased muscle glycogen stores at 19°C. Circulating IGF-1 concentration was higher in rainbow trout than in Atlantic salmon, but was not affected by temperature in either species. Plasma IGF-binding protein 1b (IGFBP-1b) concentration was reduced in Atlantic salmon reared at 19°C after 15 days but increased in rainbow trout at 19°C after 35 days. The igfbp1b mRNA level in liver showed a positive correlation to plasma concentrations of glucose and IGFBP-1b, suggesting involvement of this binding protein in carbohydrate metabolism at 19°C. At this temperature muscle igfbp1a mRNA was down-regulated in both species. The muscle expression of this binding protein correlated negatively with muscle igf1 and length growth. The plasma IGFBP-1b concentration and igfbp1b and igfbp1a expression suggests reduced muscle igf1 signaling at elevated temperature leading to glucose allostasis, and that time course is species specific due to higher thermal tolerance in rainbow trout.

Research paper thumbnail of Aquaporin expression in the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) in freshwater and seawater: challenging the paradigm of intestinal water transport?

The Journal of experimental biology, 2014

We investigated the salinity-dependent expression dynamics of seven aquaporin paralogs (aqp1a, aq... more We investigated the salinity-dependent expression dynamics of seven aquaporin paralogs (aqp1a, aqp3a, aqp7, aqp8ab, aqp10a, aqp10b and aqp11a) in several tissues of euryhaline Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). All paralogs except aqp7 and aqp10a had a broad tissue distribution, and several were affected by salinity in both osmoregulatory and non-osmoregulatory tissues. In the intestine, aqp1a, aqp7, aqp8ab and aqp10a decreased upon seawater (SW) acclimation in both long-term acclimated fish and during 1-3 days of the transition period. In the gill, aqp3a was lower and aqp10a higher in SW than in freshwater (FW). In the kidney no aqps were affected by salinity. In the skin, aqp1a and aqp3a were lower in SW than in FW. In the liver, aqp8ab and aqp10a were lower in SW than in FW. Furthermore, six Na(+),K(+)-ATPase α-subunit isoform transcripts were analysed in the intestine but none showed a consistent response to salinity, suggesting that water transport is not regulated at this leve...