Histology of kidney tubules and Na+- K+ ATPase immonolocalization of ionocyte cells in the tubules of grouper juveniles)Epinephelus coioides(

In order to assess the position of ionocyte cells and Na+- K+ ATPase in kidney tubules of juveniles of Epinephelus coioides using immunolocalization method, a total of 7 specimens were prepared and fixed in the bouin’s solution for 24 h. After fixation, specimens were dehyderated through a graded ethanol series and embedded in paraffin. Then, the serial sections of 5 m were mounted onto glass slides. The slides were stained by applying H&E and PAS methods for histological examination. Primary)IgG 5(and secondary)FITC(antibodies were used for immunohistochemical staining. In this study, fluorescent microscope includes 450- 490 nm filters was used for observation of ionocytes cells.Histology of kidney tubules showed that nephrons consist of glomerules, proximal tubules, distal tubules and collective tubules. The proximal tubules were detectable with their brush border. Ionocyte cells were detectable with high frequency of Na+- K+ ATPase in their basolateral membrane, using immunohistochemical method. In the present study, Na+- K+ ATPase was identified in the basolateral membrane of ionocyte cells of nephrone’s tubules, but not observed in glomerules. As was mentioned, ionocyte cells and subsequently Na+- K+ ATPase could be localized in kidney tubules of E. coioides using immunohistochemical method. The results showed that this enzyme is observable in basolateral membrane of ionocyte cells. The presence of enzyme in the basolateral membrane of ionocyte cells, characterized the role of ionocyte cells in osmoregulation.