Insect-Like Characteristics of the Malpighian Tubules of a Non-Insect: Fluid Secretion in the Centipede Uthobius Forficatus (Myriapoda: Chilopoda)

Fluid secretion by isolated upper and lower portions of Malpighian tubules in the centipede Lithobius forficatus L. was studied. Ion requirements, cellular and transepithelial potentials, dependence on external osmolality and the effects of an insect diuretic factor and transport-active drugs were investigated. Unlike many insects, L. forficatus exhibited strongly Na⁺-dependent, K⁺-independent urine formation. However, as in many insects, upper and lower tubule portions from L. forficatus produced a K⁺-enriched, hypertonic fluid, and the transepithelial potential was positive with respect to the haemolymph. Furthermore, furosemide (5×10⁻⁴moll⁻¹) reversibly inhibited urine formation. Ouabain, even at 10⁻³moll⁻¹, had little effect on urine flow rate in upper tubules but inhibited secretion in lower tubules, albeit not completely. Locust diuretic hormone (at 10⁻⁷moll⁻¹) enhanced fluid secretion in L. forficatus, but its action was not mimicked by dibutyryl cyclic AMP. The results suggest that some characteristics attributed exclusively to insects are common to non-insect arthropods.