Effects of ionic environment on viscosity of Triton-extracted catch connective tissue of a sea cucumber body wall

Mechanical properties of catch connective tissue are greatly affected by its ionic environment. In order to understand the role of ions, a preparation was developed in which cellular activities were suppressed by treatment with 1% Triton X-100.

The material used was body-wall dermis of the sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota Brandt.

The effects of the main cations in seawater (H⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) on the creep viscosity of the Triton model were compared with those of intact dermis.

The comparison distinguished the site of action of ions. K⁺ had its main effect on cells that control the catch mechanism, whereas Ca²⁺ worked directly on extracellular materials. H⁺, Na⁺ and Mg²⁺ had both effects.