Intestinal absorption in ducklings ( Anasplatyrhynchos) maintained on fresh water and hypertonic saline

Abstract

1. 1. Mucosal water and Na + transfer was measured in everted sacs of intestine from ducklings maintained on fresh water and sea water. 2. 2. The water and Na + transfer increased in sacs from ducklings maintained on sea water for 1 day compared with fresh-water birds. 3. 3. Treatment with spironolactone prevented this increase. 4. 4. Increases were sustained in all segments of intestine throughout a 4-day period of maintenance on sea water. 5. 5. When re-exposed to fresh water, water transfer remained high for 24 hr but declined to the fresh-water value after 3 days.