Adjustments of molecular key components of branchial ion and pH regulation in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in response to ocean acidification and warming

• Marine teleost fish sustain compensation of extracellular pH after exposure to hypercapnia by means of efficient ion and acid-base regulation. Elevated rates of ion and acid-base regulation under hypercapnia may be stimulated further by elevated temperature. Here, we characterized the regulation of transepithelial ion transporters (NKCC1, NBC1, SLC26A6, NHE1 and 2) and ATPases (Na+/K+ ATPase and V-type H+ ATPase) in gills of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) after 4weeks of exposure to ambient and future PCO2 levels (550μatm, 1200μatm, 2200μatm) at optimum (10°C) and summer maximum temperature (18°C), respectively. Gene expression of most branchial ion transporters revealed temperature- and dose-dependent responses to elevated PCO2. Transcriptional regulation resulted in stable protein expression at 10°C, whereas expression of most transport proteins increased at medium PCO2 and 18°C. mRNA and protein expression of distinct ion transport proteins were closely co-regulated, substantiating cellular functional relationships. Na+/K+ ATPase capacities were PCO2 independent, but increased with acclimation temperature, whereas H+ ATPase capacities were thermally compensated but decreased at medium PCO2 and 10°C. When functional capacities of branchial ATPases were compared with mitochondrial F1Fo ATP-synthase strong correlations of F1Fo ATP-synthase and ATPase capacities generally indicate close coordination of branchial aerobic ATP demand and supply. Our data indicate physiological plasticity in the gills of cod to adjust to a warming, acidifying ocean within limits. In light of the interacting and non-linear, dose-dependent effects of both climate factors the role of these mechanisms in shaping resilience under climate change remains to be explored. © 2015 The Authors.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Ekologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Ecology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Acid-base regulation

Fish gills

Marine teleost

Na+/HCO3 - co-transporter 1

NBC1

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