Renal tubule ion transport and collecting duct function in the elasmobranch little skate, Raja erinacea

Abstract

Renal micropuncture and microdissection techniques with ultramicro fluid analysis have been applied to evaluate single nephron function in the skate, Raja erinacea. We have divided the skate nephron into three proximal tubular segments (PTS I-III), three distal coilings (DC I-III), and a countercurrent loop system located between the proximal segments and the distal coilings. The collecting duct is the principal site of urinary dilution. Following exposure of the fish to 75% seawater for about 24 hours, the sodium concentration difference between the end collecting duct lumen and plasma is decreased sufficiently to account for the urinary dilution. The principal site for magnesium, phosphate and sulphate secretion appears to be PTS II. This segment is located on the ventral surface of the kidney. PTS II is also the main nephron site for reabsorption of sodium and chloride in excess of water.