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Journal of Experimental Biology 17,378-385 (1940)
Published by Company of Biologists 1940

Physiological Effects of a Hypotonic Environment : II. Shock Effects and Accommodation in Cilia (Pleurobrachia, Mytilus, Arenicola), Following Sudden Salinity Change

G. P. WELLS ¹, ISABEL C. LEDINGHAM ¹, and MARY GREGORY ¹

¹ Department of Zoology, University College, London

1. The cilia of Pleurobrachia, Mytilus and Arenicola show inhibition, followed by accommodation, as a result of sudden downward or upward changes in the salinity of the bathing medium.

2. Variations in sensitivity occur between different species, and between different types of cilia in the same species.

3. When Mytilus gills are suddenly transferred from 100 to 30% sea water, they take up water very rapidly. Accommodation, as indicated by the mechanical activity, continues long after osmotic equilibrium has been reached. Therefore, accommodation is not an adjustment of the water content of the cell.

4. The results are discussed, and compared with those obtained on other types of contractile tissues.