The authors wish to thank Drs. Sung-wan An and Mike O&#8217;Donnell for practical advice on establishing this assay, Dr. Chih-Jen Cheng for helpful discussions on the use of ion-specific electrodes, and Dr. Chou-Long Huang for his mentorship and support. This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (K08DK091316 to ARR) and the American Society of Nephrology Gottschalk Award to ARR.

<ol>
	<li>Ramsay, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Active+Transport+of+Water+by+the+Malpighian+Tubules+of+the+Stick+Insect,+Dixippus-Morosus+(Orthoptera,+Phasmidae).">Active Transport of Water by the Malpighian Tubules of the Stick Insect, Dixippus-Morosus (Orthoptera, Phasmidae).</a> J Exp Biol. 31, 104-113 (1954).</li><li>Dow, J. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+malpighian+tubules+of+Drosophila+melanogaster:+a+novel+phenotype+for+studies+of+fluid+secretion+and+its+control.">The malpighian tubules of Drosophila melanogaster: a novel phenotype for studies of fluid secretion and its control.</a> J Exp Biol. 197, 421-428 (1994).</li><li>Brand, A. H., Perrimon, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Targeted+gene+expression+as+a+means+of+altering+cell+fates+and+generating+dominant+phenotypes.">Targeted gene expression as a means of altering cell fates and generating dominant phenotypes.</a> Development. 118, 401-415 (1993).</li><li>Sozen, M. A., Armstrong, J. D., Yang, M., Kaiser, K., Dow, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Functional+domains+are+specified+to+single-cell+resolution+in+a+Drosophila+epithelium.">Functional domains are specified to single-cell resolution in a Drosophila epithelium.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 94, 5207-5212 (1997).</li><li>Rosay, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cell-type+specific+calcium+signalling+in+a+Drosophila+epithelium.">Cell-type specific calcium signalling in a Drosophila epithelium.</a> J Cell Sci. 110 (15), 1683-1692 (1997).</li><li>Dow, J. T., Davies, S. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Integrative+physiology+and+functional+genomics+of+epithelial+function+in+a+genetic+model+organism.">Integrative physiology and functional genomics of epithelial function in a genetic model organism.</a> Physiol Rev. 83, 687-729 (2003).</li><li>Beyenbach, K. W., Skaer, H., Dow, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+developmental,+molecular,+and+transport+biology+of+Malpighian+tubules.">The developmental, molecular, and transport biology of Malpighian tubules.</a> Annu Rev Entomol. 55, 351-374 (2010).</li><li>Donnell, M. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hormonally+controlled+chloride+movement+across+Drosophila+tubules+is+via+ion+channels+in+stellate+cells.">Hormonally controlled chloride movement across Drosophila tubules is via ion channels in stellate cells.</a> Am J Physiol. 274, 1039-1049 (1998).</li><li>Linton, S. M., O'Donnell, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Contributions+of+K+:Cl-+cotransport+and+Na+/K+-ATPase+to+basolateral+ion+transport+in+malpighian+tubules+of+Drosophila+melanogaster.">Contributions of K+:Cl- cotransport and Na+/K+-ATPase to basolateral ion transport in malpighian tubules of Drosophila melanogaster.</a> J Exp Biol. 202, 1561-1570 (1999).</li><li>Rheault, M. R., O'Donnell, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Analysis+of+epithelial+K(+)+transport+in+Malpighian+tubules+of+Drosophila+melanogaster:+evidence+for+spatial+and+temporal+heterogeneity.">Analysis of epithelial K(+) transport in Malpighian tubules of Drosophila melanogaster: evidence for spatial and temporal heterogeneity.</a> J Exp Biol. 204, 2289-2299 (2001).</li><li>Donnell, M. J., Dow, J. A., Huesmann, G. R., Tublitz, N. J., Maddrell, S. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Separate+control+of+anion+and+cation+transport+in+malpighian+tubules+of+Drosophila+Melanogaster.">Separate control of anion and cation transport in malpighian tubules of Drosophila Melanogaster.</a> J Exp Biol. 199, 1163-1175 (1996).</li><li>Cabrero, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chloride+channels+in+stellate+cells+are+essential+for+uniquely+high+secretion+rates+in+neuropeptide-stimulated+Drosophila+diuresis.">Chloride channels in stellate cells are essential for uniquely high secretion rates in neuropeptide-stimulated Drosophila diuresis.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 111, 14301-14306 (2014).</li><li>Torrie, L. S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Resolution+of+the+insect+ouabain+paradox.">Resolution of the insect ouabain paradox.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 101, 13689-13693 (2004).</li><li>Rodan, A. R., Baum, M., Huang, C. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Drosophila+NKCC+Ncc69+is+required+for+normal+renal+tubule+function.">The Drosophila NKCC Ncc69 is required for normal renal tubule function.</a> Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 303, 883-894 (2012).</li><li>Ianowski, J. P., Christensen, R. J., O'Donnell, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Na++competes+with+K++in+bumetanide-sensitive+transport+by+Malpighian+tubules+of+Rhodnius+prolixus.">Na+ competes with K+ in bumetanide-sensitive transport by Malpighian tubules of Rhodnius prolixus.</a> J Exp Biol. 207, 3707-3716 (2004).</li><li>Naikkhwah, W., O'Donnell, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Salt+stress+alters+fluid+and+ion+transport+by+Malpighian+tubules+of+Drosophila+melanogaster:+evidence+for+phenotypic+plasticity.">Salt stress alters fluid and ion transport by Malpighian tubules of Drosophila melanogaster: evidence for phenotypic plasticity.</a> J Exp Biol. 214, 3443-3454 (2011).</li><li>Donini, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Secretion+of+water+and+ions+by+malpighian+tubules+of+larval+mosquitoes:+effects+of+diuretic+factors,+second+messengers,+and+salinity.">Secretion of water and ions by malpighian tubules of larval mosquitoes: effects of diuretic factors, second messengers, and salinity.</a> Physiol Biochem Zool. 79, 645-655 (2006).</li><li>Maddrell, S. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Secretion+by+Malpighian+Tubules+of+Rhodnius+movements+of+Ions+and+Water.">Secretion by Malpighian Tubules of Rhodnius movements of Ions and Water.</a> J Exp Biol. 51, 71-97 (1969).</li><li>Maddrell, S. H., Overton, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Stimulation+of+sodium+transport+and+fluid+secretion+by+ouabain+in+an+insect+malpighian+tubule.">Stimulation of sodium transport and fluid secretion by ouabain in an insect malpighian tubule.</a> J Exp Biol. 137, 265-276 (1988).</li><li>Williams, J. C., Beyenbach, K. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Differential+effects+of+secretagogues+on+Na+and+K+secretion+in+the+Malpighian+tubules+of+Aedes+Aegypti+(L).">Differential effects of secretagogues on Na and K secretion in the Malpighian tubules of Aedes Aegypti (L).</a> J Comp Physiol. 149, 511-517 (1983).</li><li>Maddrell, S. H., O'Donnell, M. J., Caffrey, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+regulation+of+haemolymph+potassium+activity+during+initiation+and+maintenance+of+diuresis+in+fed+Rhodnius+prolixus.">The regulation of haemolymph potassium activity during initiation and maintenance of diuresis in fed Rhodnius prolixus.</a> J Exp Biol. 177, 273-285 (1993).</li><li>Messerli, M. A., Kurtz, I., Smith, P. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+optimized+Na++and+Cl-+liquid+membranes+for+use+with+extracellular,+self-referencing+microelectrodes.">Characterization of optimized Na+ and Cl- liquid membranes for use with extracellular, self-referencing microelectrodes.</a> Anal Bioanal Chem. 390, 1355-1359 (2008).</li><li>Ianowski, J. P., O'Donnell, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Basolateral+ion+transport+mechanisms+during+fluid+secretion+by+Drosophila+Malpighian+tubules:+Na++recycling,+Na+:K+:2Cl-+cotransport+and+Cl-+conductance.">Basolateral ion transport mechanisms during fluid secretion by Drosophila Malpighian tubules: Na+ recycling, Na+:K+:2Cl- cotransport and Cl- conductance.</a> J Exp Biol. 207, 2599-2609 (2004).</li><li>Neufeld, D. S., Leader, J. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Electrochemical+characteristics+of+ion+secretion+in+malpighian+tubules+of+the+New+Zealand+alpine+weta+(Hemideina+maori).">Electrochemical characteristics of ion secretion in malpighian tubules of the New Zealand alpine weta (Hemideina maori).</a> J Insect Physiol. 44, 39-48 (1997).</li><li>Greenspan, R. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Fly Pushing: The Theory and Practice of Drosophila Genetics. , (1997).</li><li>Jayakannan, M., Babourina, O., Rengel, Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Improved+measurements+of+Na++fluxes+in+plants+using+calixarene-based+microelectrodes.">Improved measurements of Na+ fluxes in plants using calixarene-based microelectrodes.</a> J Plant Physiol. 168, 1045-1051 (2011).</li><li>Wu, Y., Schellinger, J. N., Huang, C. L., Rodan, A. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hypotonicity+Stimulates+Potassium+Flux+through+the+WNK-SPAK/OSR1+Kinase+Cascade+and+the+Ncc69+Sodium-Potassium-2-Chloride+Cotransporter+in+the+Drosophila+Renal+Tubule.">Hypotonicity Stimulates Potassium Flux through the WNK-SPAK/OSR1 Kinase Cascade and the Ncc69 Sodium-Potassium-2-Chloride Cotransporter in the Drosophila Renal Tubule.</a> J Biol Chem. 289, 26131-26142 (2014).</li><li>Blumenthal, E. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Modulation+of+tyramine+signaling+by+osmolality+in+an+insect+secretory+epithelium.">Modulation of tyramine signaling by osmolality in an insect secretory epithelium.</a> Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 289, 1261-1267 (2005).</li><li>Dow, J. A., Maddrell, S. H., Davies, S. A., Skaer, N. J., Kaiser, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+novel+role+for+the+nitric+oxide-cGMP+signaling+pathway:+the+control+of+epithelial+function+in+Drosophila.">A novel role for the nitric oxide-cGMP signaling pathway: the control of epithelial function in Drosophila.</a> Am J Physiol. 266, 1716-1719 (1994).</li><li>Dube, K., McDonald, D. G., O'Donnell, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Calcium+transport+by+isolated+anterior+and+posterior+Malpighian+tubules+of+Drosophila+melanogaster:+roles+of+sequestration+and+secretion.">Calcium transport by isolated anterior and posterior Malpighian tubules of Drosophila melanogaster: roles of sequestration and secretion.</a> J Insect Physiol. 46, 1449-1460 (2000).</li><li>Efetova, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Separate+roles+of+PKA+and+EPAC+in+renal+function+unraveled+by+the+optogenetic+control+of+cAMP+levels+in+vivo.">Separate roles of PKA and EPAC in renal function unraveled by the optogenetic control of cAMP levels in vivo.</a> J Cell Sci. 126, 778-788 (2013).</li><li>Rheault, M. R., O'Donnell, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Organic+cation+transport+by+Malpighian+tubules+of+Drosophila+melanogaster:+application+of+two+novel+electrophysiological+methods.">Organic cation transport by Malpighian tubules of Drosophila melanogaster: application of two novel electrophysiological methods.</a> J Exp Biol. 207, 2173-2184 (2004).</li><li>Donnell, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Too+much+of+a+good+thing:+how+insects+cope+with+excess+ions+or+toxins+in+the+diet.">Too much of a good thing: how insects cope with excess ions or toxins in the diet.</a> J Exp Biol. 212, 363-372 (2009).</li><li>Cheng, C. J., Truong, T., Baum, M., Huang, C. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Kidney-specific+WNK1+inhibits+sodium+reabsorption+in+the+cortical+thick+ascending+limb.">Kidney-specific WNK1 inhibits sodium reabsorption in the cortical thick ascending limb.</a> Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 303, 667-673 (2012).</li><li>Cheng, C. J., Yoon, J., Baum, M., Huang, C. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=STE20/SPS1-related+Proline/alanine-rich+Kinase+(SPAK)+is+Critical+for+Sodium+Reabsorption+in+Isolated+Perfused+Thick+Ascending+Limb.">STE20/SPS1-related Proline/alanine-rich Kinase (SPAK) is Critical for Sodium Reabsorption in Isolated Perfused Thick Ascending Limb.</a> Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. , (2014).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

The use of the Ramsay assay, together with ion-specific electrodes, allows the measurement of fluid secretion rates and ion fluxes in isolated insect Malpighian (renal) tubules. Twenty or more tubules can be assayed at a time, allowing higher throughput compared to the assay of individual in vitro microperfused tubules. In addition, ion-specific electrodes allow the determination of ion concentrations within the secreted fluid in situ, limiting errors that may be introduced in the transfer of the small ...

Renal epithelial ion transport underlies organismal iono- and osmoregulation. The Drosophila&#160;melanogaster Malpighian (renal) tubule offers an unparalleled opportunity to study the molecular mechanisms of epithelial ion transport. This is due to the combination of the powerful genetics of Drosophila, paired with the accessibility of its renal tubules to physiological study. The Ramsay assay, named after the investigator who pioneered the technique1, measures fluid secretion rates from isolated Malpighian tubules, and was established in Drosophila in 1994 by Dow and colleagues2. This paved the way for further studies using Drosophila genetic tools, such as the GAL4-UAS system3,4, to define cell-specific signaling pathways regulating fluid secretion. An example includes calcium signaling in response to a peptide hormone5, amongst many others6,7.
A combination of genetic techniques and classical physiological study has shown that urine generation in the fly occurs through the secretion of a potassium chloride-rich fluid from the main segment of the tubule. This occurs through the parallel transepithelial secretion of cations, primarily K+ but also Na+, through the principal cell, and Cl- secretion through the stellate cell8-12. The ability to separately measure transepithelial K+ and Na+ fluxes allows a more detailed characterization of transport mechanisms than the measurement of fluid secretion alone. For example, in unstimulated Drosophila tubules, the Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor ouabain has no effect on fluid secretion2, even when its uptake into principal cells is inhibited by the organic anion transporter inhibitor taurocholate13. However, Linton and O&#8217;Donnell showed that ouabain depolarizes the basolateral membrane potential, and increases Na+ flux9. As shown in the Representative Results, we replicated these findings, and showed that K+ flux is concomitantly decreased14; the increased Na+ flux and decreased K+ flux have opposing effects on fluid secretion, resulting in no net change in secretion. Thus, there are two resolutions to the &#8220;ouabain paradox,&#8221; i.e., the initial observation that ouabain has no effect on fluid secretion in the Drosophila tubule: first, in stimulated tubules, the effect of ouabain on fluid secretion is not apparent due to its uptake by the organic anion transporter13; and second, in unstimulated tubules, ouabain has opposing effects on transepithelial Na+ and K+ flux, resulting in no net change in fluid secretion (see Representative Results and ref. 9). Therefore, the primary role of the Na+/K+-ATPase in unstimulated tubules is to lower intracellular Na+ concentration to generate a favorable concentration gradient for Na+-coupled transport processes across the basolateral membrane. Indeed, by separately measuring Na+ and K+ fluxes, we demonstrated that tubules lacking the fly sodium-potassium-2-chloride cotransporter (NKCC) have decreased transepithelial K+ flux, with no further decrease after ouabain addition, and no change in transepithelial Na+ flux14. These findings supported our conclusion that Na+ entering the cell through the NKCC is recycled through the Na+/K+-ATPase. In another example, Ianowski et al. observed that lowering bath K+ concentration from 10 mM to 6 mM decreased transepithelial K+ flux and increased transepithelial Na+ flux in tubules from Rhodnius prolixus, with no net change in fluid secretion15. Differential effects on Na+ flux and K+ flux across larval tubules have also been observed in Drosophila tubules in response to varying salt diets16 and in two mosquito species in response to rearing salinity17.
The greatest challenge in the measurement of transepithelial ion flux in the Ramsay assay preparation is the determination of ion concentrations within the secreted fluid. This challenge has been met with varying solutions, including flame photometery18, use of radioactive ions19, and electron probe wavelength dispersive spectroscopy20. These techniques require transfer of the secreted fluid drop to an instrument for measurement of ion concentrations. Since the volume of fluid secreted by the unstimulated Drosophila tubule is small, typically ~0.5 nl/min, this poses a technical challenge and also introduces error if some of the secreted fluid is lost upon transfer. In contrast, the use of ion-specific electrodes allows the measurement of ion activity (from which ion concentration can be calculated) in situ. The current protocol was adapted from that used by Maddrell and colleagues to measure transepithelial K+ flux across the Rhodnius tubule using valinomycin as the K+ ionophore21, and also describes the use of a 4-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-tetraacetic acid tetraethyl ester-based Na+-specific ion-specific electrode characterized by Messerli et. al.22. Ion-specific electrodes have also been used to measure ion concentrations in fluid secreted by Malpighian tubules in the Ramsay assay in adult9,23 and larval16Drosophila melanogaster, the New Zealand Alpine Weta (Hemideina maori)24 and in mosquitoes17.
Here, we describe in detail the use of the Ramsay assay to measure fluid secretion rates in Malpighian tubules from Drosophila melanogaster, as well as the use of ion-specific electrodes to determine the concentrations of K+ and Na+ within the secreted fluid and thus the calculation of transepithelial ion fluxes. An overview of the assay is provided in Figure 1.
<img alt="Figure 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/53144/53144fig1.jpg" />
Figure 1.&#160;Schematic of the Malpighian Tubules and the Ramsay Assay with Use of Ion-specific Electrodes to Measure Ion Concentrations. This figure illustrates the setup for the Ramsay assay. (A) Each fly has four tubules, a pair of anterior tubules and a pair of posterior tubules, that float in the abdominal cavity surrounded by hemolymph. In each pair, the two tubules join at the ureter, which then empties the urine at the junction of the midgut and hindgut. The tubules are blind-ended. Urine is generated by the fluid-secreting main segment (shown in red), and flows toward the ureter and out into the gut. After dissection, the tubule pair is dissociated from the gut by transecting the ureter. (B) The pair of tubules is then transferred into a droplet of bathing saline within a well of the assay dish. One of the two tubules, referred to here as the &#8220;anchor tubule,&#8221; is wrapped around a metal pin and is inert. The other tubule is the secreting tubule. The initial segment (which does not secrete fluid) and main segment of the secreting tubule remain within the droplet of bathing saline. Ions and water move from the bathing saline and into the tubule lumen of the main segment, and then move toward the ureter, as would occur in vivo. The lower segment (blue) is outside the bathing saline and therefore inert. Since the ureter is cut, the secreted fluid emerges as a droplet from the cut end of the ureter. The secreted fluid droplet enlarges over time as secretion continues, and its diameter is measured using an ocular micrometer. A layer of mineral oil prevents evaporation of the secreted fluid. The reference and ion specific electrodes measure the ion concentration of the secreted fluid. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/53144/53144fig1large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Sylgard 184 Silicone Elastomer Kit</td>
			<td>Ellsworth Adhesives</td>
			<td>http://www.ellsworth.com/dow-corning-sylgard-184-silicone-encapsulant-0-5kg-kit-clear/</td>
			<td>May be purchased from multiple distributors</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Petri dish, polystyrene, 100 mm x 15 mm</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>FB0875712</td>
			<td>Specific brand is not important</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Petri dish, polystyrene, 35 mm x 10 mm</td>
			<td>Corning Life Sciences</td>
			<td>Fisher 08-757-100A</td>
			<td>Specific brand is not important</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scalpel Handle #3</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td>10003-12</td>
			<td>Specific brand is not important</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scalpel Blades #1</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td>10011-00</td>
			<td>Specific brand is not important; use appropriate sharps precautions</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Needle, 30G x 1/2</td>
			<td>Becton Dickinson</td>
			<td>305106</td>
			<td>Use appropriate sharps precautions</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Minutien pins, black anodized, 0.15 mm</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td>26002-15</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stereomicroscope with ocular micrometer</td>
			<td>Nikon</td>
			<td>SMZ800</td>
			<td>Specific brand is not important; this is given as an example</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sheet of black stained glass, 3 mm (1/8 inch) thick</td>
			<td>Hobby shop</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Example includes Spectrum Black Opal by Spectrum Glass (http://www.delphiglass.com/spectrum-glass/opalescent/spectrum-black-opal)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass cutting tools (glass cutter, glass cutting pliers)</td>
			<td>Hobby shop</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Examples include the Studio Pro Lightweight Running Pliers by Diamond Tech (http://www.delphiglass.com/glass-cutters-tools/pliers-nippers/studio-pro-lightweight-running-pliers) and the Studio Pro Brass Glass Cutter by Diamond Tech (http://www.delphiglass.com/glass-cutters-tools/glass-cutters/studio-pro-brass-glass-cutter). Use appropriate safety precautions when cutting glass</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Borosilicate glass capillary tube, unfilamented, GC120-10, OD 1.2 mm, ID 0.69 mm, length 10 cm</td>
			<td>Warner Instruments</td>
			<td>30-0042</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Borosilicate glass capillary tube, filamented, GC120F-10, OD 1.2 mm, ID 0.69 mm, length 10 cm</td>
			<td>Warner Instruments</td>
			<td>30-0044</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nitric acid, 70%</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>438073</td>
			<td>CAUTION: see Material Data Safety Sheet for appropriate storage and handling guidelines. Specific brand is not important</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cimarec 7 in x 7 in hotplate</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>11675911Q</td>
			<td>Specific brand is not important; caution when heated</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Selectophore dichlorodimethylsilane</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>40136-1ML</td>
			<td>CAUTION: see Material Data Safety Sheet for appropriate storage and handling guidelines</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Two-step vertical pipet puller</td>
			<td>Narishige</td>
			<td>PC-10</td>
			<td>Other pipet pullers can be used; this is given as an example</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass petri dish, 150 mm diameter x 15 mm height</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>08-748E</td>
			<td>Specific brand is not important; only one dish needed</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>World Precision Instruments E210 1 mm micropipette storage jar</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>50-821-852</td>
			<td>May be available from other distributors. Useful to have two jars. Note that although this jar is specified for 1 mm pipets, and the pipets used here are 1.2 mm, in our experience the 1 mm jar works best for the 1.2 mm pipets.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Silica Gel, Tel-Tale Desiccant, indicating, 10-18 mesh</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>S161-500</td>
			<td>Indicating silica useful for determining whether silica gel retains desiccating ability</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>World Precision Instruments MicroFil, 34G</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>50-821-914</td>
			<td>May be available from other distributors.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1 ml syringe with luer lock</td>
			<td>Becton Dickinson</td>
			<td>309659</td>
			<td>May be available from other distributors.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3 ml syringe with luer lock</td>
			<td>Becton Dickinson</td>
			<td>309657</td>
			<td>May be available from other distributors.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>D300 3-way stopcock with female luer lock inlet port, male luer outlet port with rotating collar and guard</td>
			<td>Cole-Parmer</td>
			<td>UX-30600-02</td>
			<td>Specific brand is not important</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Female Luer Locking Connector</td>
			<td>4 Medical Solutions</td>
			<td>ADC 9873-10</td>
			<td>Specific brand is not important; barbed end is ~4 mm at narrowest point and ~7 mm at widest point.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Silicone Tubing I.D. x O.D. x Wall: 1/16 x 1/8 x 1/32 in. (1.59 x 3.18 x 0.79 mm)</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>14-179-110</td>
			<td>Specific brand is not important</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>E-3603 tubing, I.D. x O.D.: 1/32 x 3/32 in</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>14171208</td>
			<td>Specific brand is not important</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Modeling clay</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Specific brand is not important</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Selectophore potassium ionophore I, cocktail B</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>99373</td>
			<td>CAUTION: see Material Data Safety Sheet for appropriate storage and handling guidelines</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Selectophore sodium ionophore X</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>71747</td>
			<td>Sodium ionphore X = 4-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-tetraacetic acid tetraethylester</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Selectophore 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>73732</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Selectophore sodium tetraphenylborate</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>72018</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Schneider&#39;s Drosophila medium</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>21720024</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>High impedance electrometer</td>
			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>FD223a</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microelectrode holder 1 mm with 45&#176; body, vented, with handle</td>
			<td>Warner Instruments</td>
			<td>64-1051</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microelectrode holder 1 mm with straight body, vented</td>
			<td>Warner Instruments</td>
			<td>64-1007</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Silver wire</td>
			<td>Warner Instruments</td>
			<td>64-1318</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micromanipulators, pair</td>
			<td>Leitz</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Various brands/models will work; this is an example</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Faraday cage</td>
			<td>Technical Manufacturing Corporation</td>
			<td>81-334-03</td>
			<td>This is an example; any Faraday cage will work</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Single gooseneck fiberoptic light</td>
			<td>Nikon</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Specific brand is not important</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>mineral oil</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>BP-2629</td>
			<td>Specific brand is not important</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>forceps, Dumont #5 with Biologie tip</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tool</td>
			<td>11295-10</td>
			<td>May be available from other distributors.</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

use of the ramsay assay to measure fluid secretion and ion flux rates in the drosophila melanogaster malpighian tubule

Modulation of renal epithelial ion transport allows organisms to maintain ionic and osmotic homeostasis in the face of varying external conditions. The Drosophila&#160;melanogaster Malpighian (renal) tubule offers an unparalleled opportunity to study the molecular mechanisms of epithelial ion transport, due to the powerful genetics of this organism and the accessibility of its renal tubules to physiological study. Here, we describe the use of the Ramsay assay to measure fluid secretion rates from isolated fly renal tubules, with the use of ion-specific electrodes to measure sodium and potassium concentrations in the secreted fluid. This assay allows study of transepithelial fluid and ion fluxes of ~20 tubules at a time, without the need to transfer the secreted fluid to a separate apparatus to measure ion concentrations. Genetically distinct tubules can be analyzed to assess the role of specific genes in transport processes. Additionally, the bathing saline can be modified to examine the effects of its chemical characteristics, or drugs or hormones added. In summary, this technique allows the molecular characterization of basic mechanisms of epithelial ion transport in the Drosophila tubule, as well as regulation of these transport mechanisms.

Figures 7 and 8 demonstrate that use of the Ramsay assay with ion-specific electrodes to measure K+ and Na+ concentrations can distinguish genetically and pharmacologically distinct K+ and Na+ fluxes, information that is not captured by measuring fluid secretion rates alone. Figure 7 shows that decreased fluid secretion in tubules from flies carrying a homozygous null mutation in the NKCC is driven by a decrease in K+ flux in the mut...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Use of the Ramsay Assay to Measure Fluid Secretion and Ion Flux Rates in the Drosophila melanogaster Malpighian Tubule at JoVE.com

Use of the Ramsay Assay to Measure Fluid Secretion and Ion Flux Rates in the Drosophila melanogaster Malpighian Tubule

This protocol describes the use of the Ramsay assay to measure fluid secretion rates from isolated Malpighian (renal) tubules from Drosophila melanogaster. In addition, the use of ion-specific electrodes to measure sodium and potassium concentrations in the secreted fluid, allowing calculation of transepithelial ion flux, is described.

Use of the Ramsay Assay to Measure Fluid Secretion and Ion Flux Rates in the Drosophila melanogaster Malpighian Tubule

Modulation of renal epithelial ion transport allows organisms to maintain ionic and osmotic homeostasis in the face of varying external conditions. The ...

use-ramsay-assay-to-measure-fluid-secretion-ion-flux-rates-drosophila

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

11.7K Views.  University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. This protocol describes the use of the Ramsay assay to measure fluid secretion rates from isolated Malpighian (renal) tubules from Drosophila melanogaster. In addition, the use of ion-specific electrodes to measure sodium and potassium concentrations in the secreted fluid, allowing calculation of transepithelial ion flux, is described.