On the Mechanism of Sodium Extrusion across the Irrigated Gill of Sea Water-Adapted Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Sodium efflux (J(out) (Na)) across the irrigated trout gill was rapid in sea water (SW), but only about 25 % as large in fresh water (FW). The difference correlated with a change in the potential difference across the gill (TEP). The latter was about +10 mV (blood positive) in SW, but -40 mV in FW. Both flux and electrical data indicated that gills in this fish are permeable to a variety of cations including Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), choline, and Tris. They are less permeable to anions; P(Na):P(K):P(Cl) was estimated to be 1:10:0.3, and P(Cl) > P(gluconate). The TEP was shown to be a diffusion potential determined by these permeabilities and the extant ionic gradients in SW, FW as well as in other media. J(out) (Na) appeared to be diffusive in all of the experiments undertaken. Exchange diffusion need not be posited, and the question of whether there is an active component remains open.