Immunolocalization of Na + /K + -ATPase, Na + /K + /2Cl − co-transporter (NKCC) and mRNA expression of Na + /K + -ATPase α-subunit during short-term salinity transfer in the gills of Persian sturgeon ( Acipenser persicus , Borodin, 1897) juveniles

International audience; The study tests the physiological responses of Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus, during the abrupt release of juveniles from freshwater (FW) into brackish waters (BW=11 parts per thousand) of the Caspian Sea. Fish weight at release was 2-3g (2.55 +/- 0.41g; 8.8 +/- 0.58cm TL). Totals of 160 individuals were randomly distributed into four fiber-glass aerated tanks (volume 60-L). Two tanks served as controls (FW groups), and two as exposure tanks for BW (Caspian Sea water=CSW). Fish were sampled at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96hr after abrupt transfer to CSW. Plasma osmolality, immunolocalization of Na+, K+ -ATPase (NKA) and Na+/K+/2Cl(-) (NKCC) Co-transporter, NKA activity and the NKA -subunit mRNA expression were analyzed. Blood osmolality of fish transferred from FW to CSW increased significantly within hours post-transfer (p