There is a difference in the levels of Na+/K+ ATPase that exist in the intestine in salt water and in fresh water. During the developmental stages of the salmon that take place in fresh water, the intestine has decreased levels of Na+/K+ ATPase to suit the fresh water environment. The opposite happens when the salmon migrates to salt water. In order to adapt to the new environment of high salinity levels, Na+/K+ ATPase increases. This enzyme elevates the amount of Na+ actively transported out of the intestine in exchange for potassium which is required in high levels within the cell. The action is similar to that of the chloride cells. As a permeable surface and tissue, the intestine increases its water absorption properties to suit the salt water environment (Ackerman,
There is a difference in the levels of Na+/K+ ATPase that exist in the intestine in salt water and in fresh water. During the developmental stages of the salmon that take place in fresh water, the intestine has decreased levels of Na+/K+ ATPase to suit the fresh water environment. The opposite happens when the salmon migrates to salt water. In order to adapt to the new environment of high salinity levels, Na+/K+ ATPase increases. This enzyme elevates the amount of Na+ actively transported out of the intestine in exchange for potassium which is required in high levels within the cell. The action is similar to that of the chloride cells. As a permeable surface and tissue, the intestine increases its water absorption properties to suit the salt water environment (Ackerman,