Glucose transport in fish erythrocytes: variable cytochalasin-B-sensitive hexose transport activity in the common eel (Anguilla japonica) and transport deficiency in the paddyfield eel (Monopterus albus) and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri).

Erythrocytes from individual common eels (Anguilla japonica Temminck and Schlegel) exhibited widely variable initial rates of cytochalasin-B-sensitive 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (3-OMG) zero-trans influx, in the range of 0-19.5 mmol l-cells-1 h-1 (5 mmol l-1 extracellular concentration at 20 degrees C, 50 animals tested). Storage of cells at 4 degrees C in a glucose-containing medium for up to 72 h had no effect on 3-OMG uptake, and there was no correlation between the sugar permeabilities of erythrocytes from different fish and intracellular ATP levels. Adrenaline and noradrenaline increased cytochalasin-B-sensitive 3-OMG transport activity; half-maximal stimulation occurred at catecholamine concentrations in the region of 1 mumol l-1. This catecholamine-induced stimulation of sugar transport appeared to be independent of the basal cytochalasin-B-sensitive 3-OMG permeability of the cells. Kinetically, catecholamines increased the Vm of transport without changing the apparent Km (approx. 1.4 mmol l-1). Saturable 3-OMG influx was inhibited by phloretin, D-glucose, D-deoxyglucose and D-galactose, but not by D-fructose and L-glucose. Transporter stereoselectivity was confirmed by direct measurements of D- and L-glucose uptake. Erythrocytes from two other fish species, Monopterus albus Richardson (paddyfield eel) and Salmo gairdneri Richardson (rainbow trout), unlike those from the common eel, were uniformly deficient with respect to cytochalasin-B-sensitive 3-OMG and D-glucose transport activity. Catecholamines had no effect on sugar uptake in these species.