cAMP and sodium transport in the freshwater crayfish, Cherax destructor

Crayfish in which sodium absorption was maximally stimulated had elevated levels of both cAMP and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in gill tissue. The concentration of cAMP and activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in gill tissue were monitored following transfer of crayfish from water containing 125 mmol x l(-1) Na to Na-free media. Both parameters were significantly elevated within 10 min of transfer to Na-free media and [cAMP] peaked between 1 and 2 h before falling transiently to the control level at 3 h. A second peak of [cAMP] and a further rise in Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity were evident 6 h after transfer and elevated levels were then maintained. The pattern observed was consistent with the existence of two separate mechanisms for the control of sodium absorption both of which stimulated the activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase via elevation of the intracellular concentration of cAMP. The initial response was very rapid (<10 min) but of brief duration (1-2 h) and this mechanism appeared to be sensitive to changes in external ion levels. The second mechanism exhibited a much longer response time (3-6 h) and duration and was likely to be sensitive to changes in internal ion concentrations.