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Journal of Experimental Biology, Vol 178, Issue 1 1-19, Copyright © 1993 by Company of Biologists

JOURNAL ARTICLES

THE EFFECT OF AMBIENT pH ON ELECTROLYTE REGULATION DURING THE POSTMOULT PERIOD IN FRESHWATER CRAYFISH PROCAMBARUS CLARKII

F. P. Zanotto and M. G. Wheatly

The effects of ambient pH on postmoult net fluxes of Ca, acidic/basic equivalents (H+, NH4+/OH-, HCO3-), Na and Cl-, total body Ca, haemolymph pH and electrolyte status were assessed in the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard). Variables were monitored for 5 days postmoult in acidic (pH 5.2; H2SO4) or alkaline (pH 9.2; KOH) artificial tap water (ATW) and compared with those in control (pH 7.4) tap water. In control ATW there was an initial net influx of Ca (+2700 micromole kg-1 h-1) and titratable basic equivalents (+5000 micromole kg-1 h-1) that declined with time. Calcium uptake accounted for 40 % of total body Ca (0.49 mmol g-1); haemolymph Ca concentration remained constant. Haemolymph pH was initially relatively alkalotic (7.7) but recovered within 24 h. A 20 % haemolymph dilution by water uptake at ecdysis necessitated uptake of Cl- and Na for the first 2-3 days postmoult (+1000 micromole kg-1 h-1). In acidic ATW, Ca and basic equivalent uptake were both 60 % reduced during the first 3-4 days and total body Ca was reduced by 37 %. Chloride and Na uptake and haemolymph [Cl-] were decreased. In alkaline ATW, Ca and basic equivalent uptake were elevated by 30 % for the first 2 days and haemolymph alkalosis was maintained. Sodium and Cl- balance were unaffected. Thus, ambient pH affects Ca and basic equivalent fluxes associated with postmoult calcification. Regulation of Na and Cl- levels is also impaired in acidic ATW.




© The Company of Biologists Ltd 1993