Environmental salinity and sodium and chloride exchanges across the gill of Tilapia mossambica

Abstract

10 Freshwater-(FW)-adapted, one-third seawater (1/3 SW)-adapted and seawater (SW) adapted Tilapia mossambica were compared for their branchial Na+ influx and efflux as well as Cl- efflux. Na+ and Cl- effluxes were identical. Rates of effluxes were in 1/3 SW- and in SW-adapted fish 10 times and 200 times higher respectively than in FW specimens. 20 Shock due to handling and transfer to small experimental chambers induced, within 20 to 45 min., a considerable increase in Na+ efflux and a more discrete augmentation of the Na+ influx. 30 Branchial Mg++-and Na+-K+ activated ATPase activities increased significantly upon adaptation from FW to 1/3 SW. No significant increase was apparent upon adaptation from 1/3 SW to SW. 40 The trans-branchial potential observed in SW Tilapia resembled the pattern previously described in other species of teleosts.