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http://hdl.handle.net/11375/22478
Title: | Automated Scanning Microelectrode Analysis of Epithelial K^+ Transport in Malpighian Tubules of Drosophilia melanogaster: Evidence for Spatial and Temporal Heterogeneity |
Other Titles: | Automated K^+ Scanning Microelectrode Analysis |
Authors: | Rheault, Mark |
Advisor: | O'Donnell, M |
Department: | Biology |
Keywords: | Drosophilia melanogaster;epithelial K^+;spatial heterogeneity;temporal heterogeneity |
Publication Date: | Sep-1999 |
Abstract: | Malpighian (renal) tubules of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster consist of three functional domains: a non-secretory distal segment, a secretory main segment and a reabsorptive lower segment. In this study a computer-controlled micropositioning system and a self-referencing K^+ microelectrode were used to measure K^+ concentration gradients of extracellular unstirred layers associated with specific epithelial domains. K^+ fluxes were calculated from the measured gradients. This is the first time: that an accurate assessment of the concentration gradients of the unstirred layer of Drosophila melanogaster could be assessed due to the enhanced sensitivity of this self-referencing technique over conventional ion-selective microelectrodes. The technique permits high resolution spatial and temporal mapping of the flux patterns in response to stimulation or inhibition of ion transport. Variations in K^+ transport over time and at different sites suggest that transport is non-uniform within any one functional domain. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11375/22478 |
Appears in Collections: | Digitized Open Access Dissertations and Theses |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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rheault_mark_r_Sept2009_masters.pdf | 13.56 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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