Abstract
The osmotic pressure (O.P.) and ionic concentrations of sodium (Na), potassium (K), and chloride (Cl) ions were measured in the tears and plasma of gulls, Larus glaucescens, that were drinking fresh water and dilutions of seawater. Concentrations of Na and Cl in tears were generally between 170 and 190 meq/l; K concentration between 1 and 2 meq/l, and the osmotic pressure between 350 and 450 milliosmoles. In comparison with plasma, gull tears were hypertonic in Na and Cl, approximately isotonic in K, and always hyperosmotic. Neither the concentration of the drinking water nor removal of the salt glands affected ion concentrations, O.P. of tears, or the tear:plasma ratios of these factors.
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