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Induction of larval metamorphosis in the ascidian, Halocynthia roretzi by excess potassium ion and by reduced calcium ion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 1999

Kiyotaka Matsumura
Affiliation:
Fusetani Biofouling Project, ERATO, Japan Science and Technology Corporation, c/o Yokohama R&D Centre of Niigata Engineering Co. Ltd, Isogo, Yokohama 235, Japan Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, England
Sachiko Mori
Affiliation:
Fusetani Biofouling Project, ERATO, Japan Science and Technology Corporation, c/o Yokohama R&D Centre of Niigata Engineering Co. Ltd, Isogo, Yokohama 235, Japan
Nobuhiro Fusetani
Affiliation:
Fusetani Biofouling Project, ERATO, Japan Science and Technology Corporation, c/o Yokohama R&D Centre of Niigata Engineering Co. Ltd, Isogo, Yokohama 235, Japan Laboratory of Aquatic Natural Products Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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Abstract

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Effects of external cation concentrations on larval metamorphosis in the ascidian, Halocynthia roretzi were examined. Metamorphosis (tail resorption) was induced by 20 mM and 50 mM K+ but, interestingly, was suppressed by 30 mM K+. Low concentrations of Ca2+ (1–5 mM) induced metamorphosis, while high concentrations did not, in contrast to findings in other invertebrates. Moreover, BAPTA-AM, an intracellular Ca2+ chelator, induced metamorphosis. This suggests that a decrease in intracellular Ca2+ of certain cells initiates larval metamorphosis in H. roretzi.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
© 1999 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom