Sodium Regulation in the Crayfish Astacus Fluviatilis

Abstract

ABSTRACT In external sodium concentrations of up to 100 mM./l. the blood sodium concentration of Astacus is only slightly increased. As the external level approaches or exceeds the normal blood sodium concentration of 200 mM./l. so the increase becomes more marked. Similarly, there is an increase in urine sodium concentration. This net gain of sodium is accompanied by a considerable rise in sodium outflux as shown by 22Na. At external concentrations exceeding 300 mM./l., blood and urine concentrations rise to a similar level and active sodium movements appear to cease. With increased blood sodium concentration the level in the muscles rises also. This relationship is not one of simple proportion and at high concentrations there is relatively more sodium in the muscles. In artificial tap water animals with a high blood concentration lose sodium until the normal level is regained. This net loss is due to influx being much lower and outflux much higher than normal. Of the outflux, up to 70% is initially due to renal losses and losses over the body surface are higher than normal due to the excess sodium in the blood. From the results given in this and previous papers the way in which sodium balance may be achieved under normal conditions is discussed.