Ion and neuropharmacological studies of barnacle settlement

Experiments tested effects of altering ion concentrations and the effects of additions of biologically active substances in the media surrounding settling stage barnacle larvae. Alteration of ionic concentrations did not result in induction of metamorphosis. Excess potassium ion, magnesium ion and calcium ion inhibited settlement. Potassium ion affected young cyprids while other cations had more pronounced effects on older cyprids. Replacement of one cation by another reduced the inhibitory effects of all but calcium. Excess magnesium was routinely inhibitory while lowered magnesium had little effect. Calcium ion could be increased 50% by lowering magnesium concentrations without affecting settlement. However, low calcium ion concentrations inhibited settlement. Of the biologically active substances tested, only soluble barnacle settlement factor and dibuteryl cAMP induced metamorphosis. SITS, a calcium channel blocker, inhibited settlement and negated the effects SF +. Most of the other compounds inhibited settlement at millimolar concentrations and had no effect when tested at lower concentrations. Picrotoxin, a compound that interferes with chloride ion movement (and membrane depolarization) strongly inhibited metamorphosis with an EC50 of 10-6 mol. © 1986.

Duke Scholars

Author Daniel Rittschof Marine Science and Conservation