Propagated spikes and secretion in a coelenterate glandular epithelium.

Abstract

The rete mirabile of Hippopodius (Hydrozoa: Siphonophora) is a sheet of giant endoderm cells penetrated by branches of the ventral radial canal. The cells appear to be highly polyploid. The rough ER [endoplasmic reticulum] is richly developed and expanded ER cisternae containing amorphous material (presumably synthesized protein) are seen near the outer cell surface. The cells are electrically coupled, and connected by gap junctions. The rete is electrically excitable and cell to cell conduction of action potentials at 10 cm/s is observed. The action potentials are all-or-none, positive-going events, showing amplitudes of .apprx. 70 mV and arising from a 44 mV resting potential. Slowly developing and decaying secondary depolarizations, capable of summing to the 20 mV level, are observed. After passage of a train of impulses, the rete cells swell and secretion drops appear at the surface, these changes becoming apparent within a few seconds. In 15 mM Mn2+ the response fails to occur, and secondary depolarizations ("secretion potentials") are not seen. Spike propagation is not affected. In Na+-free solutions the spikes are reduced and propagation eventually fails. The spikes are probably Na-dependent events which trigger a Ca-dependent secretory process. The composition and biological activity of the secretion are uncertain, but indirect evidence suggests a possible defensive or repellent role for the response.