Comparative analysis of surface charges on luminal epithelial membranes of urinary bladders from toad, frog, turtle, and tortoise

摘要

AbstractCationized ferritin was used to analyze the surface charges on the luminal epithelial cell membranes of urinary bladders from toad (Bufo marinus), bullfrog (Rana catesbiana), turtle (Pseudemys scriptaandClemmys caspica), and tortoise (Geochelone carbonariaandTestudo graeca). The labeling, done at a physiological pH on fixed or unfixed bladders, revealed differences in the distribution and density of negative charges along the luminal membrane surfaces. The epithelial surface of toad bladder did not label with cationized ferritin. Frog bladder labeled lightly and the labeling pattern varied between cell types. The epithelial membrane surfaces of reptile bladders were heavily labeled, in contrast to amphibian bladders. Luminal surfaces from fresh water turtles were not as heavily labeled as those from land tortoises. The degree of labeling varied from cell type to cell type in all reptile bladders exceptPseudemys scripta. An analysis of the degree and pattern of labeling by cationized ferritin in bladders of all species studied might reflect a difference in the nature of the glycocalyx of a particular membrane, the presence or absence of negative surface charges or their availability (i.e., interference by mucus), and/or the nature of the chemical groups comprising the surface structure of the membrane.