Effects of tubocurarine chloride on rates of evaporative water loss in eastern spadefoot toads, Scaphiopus holbrooki

Abstract

1. 1. Rates of evaporative water loss were measured under controlled environmental conditions in Scaphiopus holbrooki either paralyzed with tubocurarine chloride or restrained physically. 2. 2. Rates of water loss and body temperatures did not differ significantly between paralyzed and restrained animals. 3. 3. Skin temperatures were slightly higher and more variable in restrained animals due probably to boundary layer disturbances caused by struggling movements and orientational shifts. 4. 4. Pulmonary water loss was insignificant relative to total water loss.