Elevated osmolytes in rainbow smelt: the effects of urea, glycerol and trimethylamine oxide on muscle contractile properties

The Journal of Experimental Biology
David J CoughlinKossivi N Woluko

Abstract

Rainbow smelt, Osmerus mordax, experience a wide range of temperatures in their native habitat. In response to cold, smelt express antifreeze proteins, glycerol, trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) and urea to avoid freezing. The physiological influences of these osmolytes are not well understood. Urea destabilizes proteins, while TMAO counteracts the protein-destabilizing forces of urea. The influence of glycerol on muscle function has not been explored. We examined the effects of urea, glycerol, and TMAO through muscle mechanics experiments with treatments of the three osmolytes at physiological concentrations. Experiments were carried out at 10(o)C. The contractile properties of fast-twitch muscle bundles were determined in physiological saline and in the presence of 50 mM urea, 50 mM TMAO, and/or 200 mM glycerol in saline. Muscle exposed to urea and glycerol produced less force and displayed slower contractile properties. However, treatment with TMAO led to higher force and faster relaxation by muscle bundles. TMAO increased power production during cyclical activity, while urea and glycerol led to reduced oscillatory power output. When muscle bundles were exposed to a combination the three osmolytes, they displayed little change in...Continue Reading

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Citations

Aug 14, 2018·Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part A, Ecological and Integrative Physiology·Jacie L Shuman, David J Coughlin
Apr 4, 2020·American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology·Carlee I OakleyMichael J Wacker

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