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Journal of Experimental Biology 103,169-184 (1983)
Published by Company of Biologists 1983

Transport of Uric Acid by the Malpighian Tubules of Rhodnius Prolixus and Other Insects

O'DONNELL M. J. ¹, MADDRELL S. H.P. ¹, and GARDINER B. O.C. ¹

¹ Agricultural Research Council Unit of Invertebrate Chemistry and Physiology, Department of Zoology Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ

Urate is transported against an electrochemical gradient into the lumen of the lower Malpighian tubule of Rhodnius. In vivo, higher urate transport rates are induced by the increase in haemolymph urate concentration that follows feeding. The induced rate of transport is sufficient to account for the amount of urate eliminated. In vitro experiments with the tsetse fly Glossina suggest a possible induction of transport as a direct response of the tubule cells to an increase in urate concentration in the surrounding fluid. Urate transport has been shown for Malpighian tubules of insects from several different orders, suggesting that the mechanism is widespread. Insect urate transport differs from that of vertebrates; it is ouabain-insensitive and results in the precipitation of free uric acid instead of urate salts.

Key words: Uric acid transport, insects, Malpighian tubules

Submitted on May 20, 1982
Accepted on October 14, 1982

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