Mechanism and control of hyperosmotic NaCl-rich secretion by the rectal gland of Squalus acanthias

Abstract

Secretion of chloride from blood to lumen is accomplished in the rectal gland of elasmobranchs by a process of secondary active transport involving the co-transport of Cl- with Na+ across the basolateral membranes of rectal gland cells. Energy is provided by ATP via membrane Na-K-ATPase, which establishes an electrochemical gradient favouring Na+ influx into the cell. The involvement of K+ in the co-transport mechanism, so as to provide a ratio of 1 Na+:1 K+:2 Cl- entering the cell, would increase the energetic efficiency of the process, and is consistent with the Cl/O2 ration of 27–30 observed in secreting rectal glands. Secretion is stimulated by cyclic AMP (cAMP) and by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and adenosine, which activate adenylate cyclase. Activation of the gland in vivo probably occurs via VIP-secreting nerves as well as circulating agents; it is inhibited by somatostatin. Cyclic AMP probably stimulates chloride secretion by at least three mechanisms: (1) increasing chloride conductance across the luminal cell membrane, (2) enhancing the co-transport pathway for transmembrane movements of Na+, K+ and Cl- and (3) activating Na-K-ATPase.