Na-P i cotransport sites in proximal tubule and collecting tubule of winter flounder ( Pleuronectes americanus)

• Published in: American journal of physiology. Renal physiology 1998-02, Vol.274 (2), p.F374-F383
• Main Authors: Elger, M, Werner, A, Herter, P, Kohl, B, Kinne, R K H, Hentschel, H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1931-857X; 1522-1466
• DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.1998.274.2.F374

Localization of a recently described and cloned Na-P cotransport system from flounder was investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of microdissected tubules and by immunocytochemistry of kidney of winter flounder. Histological examination showed a small glomerulus, an extremely short proximal tubule PI with a selective affinity to Lens culinaris agglutinin from lentils, and an extensive second proximal tubule segment PII (>90% of proximal tubules), consisting of cells with numerous apical clear vesicles and extensive amplification of basolateral cell membranes. PII merged with the collecting tubule/collecting duct (CT/CD) system without a distal segment. By RT-PCR, PII cells revealed high levels of NaPi-II related RNA; low levels were also observed in CTs. Previously characterized antisera against different epitopes of flounder NaPi-II specifically labeled the basolateral regions of PII and the apical cell portion of CT/CD cells and of some PII cells. These results suggest that tubular secretion of P occurs in PII of teleost fish with modulation of urinary P content in the subsequent CT/CD system.