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Journal of Experimental Biology 59,45-51 (1973)
Published by Company of Biologists 1973

Hibernation and Osmoregulation in the Diamondback Terrapin Malaclemys Centrata Centrata (Latreille)

M. GILLES-BAILLIEN ¹

¹ Laboratory of Marine Membrane Physiology, Duke University, Marine Laboratory, Beaufort, N.C.; Department of Biochemistry, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium

1. Two batches of diamondback terrapins have been kept for a whole year, one in sea water the other in tap water, and seasonal variations have been recorded in the composition and osmotic pressure of the blood plasma.

2. All year round the sea-water animals have a higher osmotic pressure and higher concentrations of Na, K, Cl and urea than fresh-water animals. It is in July, however, that these differences are the least marked.

3. The seasonal variations recorded are linked in particular to the conditions of osmotic stress imposed by the environment.

4. The results are discussed within the framework of hibernation and of the evolution among chelonians from fresh water to sea water.

Note:

Partially supported by grant No. HE-12157 from the National Institute of Health and grant No. 790 of the Fonds de la Recherche Fondamentals collective to Professor E. Schoffeniels.