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Journal of Experimental Biology 161,315-331 (1991)
Published by Company of Biologists 1991

Adaptations to a Terrestrial Existence by the Robber Crab Birgus Latro : VII. The Branchial Chamber and its Role in Urine Reprocessing

S. MORRIS ¹, H. H. TAYLOR ², and P. GREENAWAY ³

¹ School of Biological Science, University of New South Wales, PO Box 1, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, Zoology A08, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
² School of Biological Science, University of New South Wales, PO Box 1, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia; Department of Zoology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 1, New Zealand
³ School of Biological Science, University of New South Wales, PO Box 1, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia

The branchial chambers of the terrestrial anomuran Birgus latro L. were examined as potential sites for urine reprocessing. The antennal glands opened at the bases of the second antennae within the anterior extension of the branchial chambers. The adjacent mouth parts and scaphognathites and the cuticle lining the ventral folds of the branchiostegite bear hydrophilic hairs. The hairs retained urine in the branchial chamber and conducted it to either the gills or the mouth. Irrigation of the branchial chambers with artificial urine demonstrated the strong net uptakes of Na⁺ and cl^- to be similar at approximately 4.5µmolh^-1g^-1 from full-strength urine, diluting the fluid to a threshold below 20mmoll^minus;1.

Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-ATPase activities of gill homogenates indicated V_max values (65-127 and 11 nmol min^-1mg^-1 protein, respectively) similar to those of marine species but low K_m values (sodium K_m=0.2-2.4mmoll^-1, potassium K_m=0.03-0.2mmoll^-1, calcium K_m=4-9µmoll^-1), which are more characteristic of freshwater species. The gills are considered to be a site of ion reclamation from the urine and this is achieved by specific morphological, biochemical and behavioural adaptations.

Key words: Birgus latro, land crabs, ATPase, ion regulation, gills, urine

Accepted on June 21, 1991

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