The metabolic energy state of sponge tissue in vivo is largely unknown. Quantitative bioluminescence-based imaging was used to analyze the ATP distribution of Suberites domuncula (Olivi 1792) tissue, in relation to differences between the cortex and the medulla. This method provides a quantitative picture of the ATP distribution closely reflecting the in vivo situation. The obtained data suggest that the highest ATP content occurs around channels in the sponge medulla. HPLC reverse-phase C-18,

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... sed for measurement of ATP content, established a value of 1.62mol ATPg -1 dry mass in sponge medulla, as opposed to 0.04mol ATPg -1 dry mass in the cortex, thus indicating a specific and defined energy distribution. These results correlate with the mitochondria localization, determined using primary antibodies against cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (COX1) (immunostaining), as well as with the distribution of arginine kinase (AK), essential for cellular energy metabolism (in situ hybridization with AK from S. domuncula; SDAK), in sponge sections. The highest energy consumption seemed to occur in choanocytes, the cells that drive the water through the channel system of the sponge body. Taken together, these results showed that the majority of energetic metabolism in S. domuncula occurs in the medulla, in the proximity of aqueous channels.