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Journal of Experimental Biology 87,315-330 (1980)
Published by Company of Biologists 1980

The Retention of Amino Acids in the Haemolymph During Diuresis in Rhodnius

S.H.P. MADDRELL ¹ and B.O.C. GARDINER ¹

¹ A.R.C. Unit of Invertebrate Chemistry and Physiology, Department of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, U.K.

The haemolymph of Rhodnius is rich in amino acids. During the rapid diuresis after a blood meal, no more than trace amounts of amino acids are lost in the urine. There is no significant reabsorption of amino acids in the excretory system. That they escape elimination can instead be attributed to a combination of the low permeability of the Malpighian tubules to amino acids, the very high rate of fluid secretion by the tubules, and the dilution of the haemolymph by an expansion in its volume after feeding. Amino acid losses are low in spite of the fact that the tubules actively accumulate high concentrations of amino acids in their cells and passive losses from these stores augment to some extent the flux of amino acids into the lumen.

At times other than during diuresis, fluid secretion by the Malpighian tubules is slow. Calculations show that haemolymph solutes can then passively reach the higher concentrations in the lumen that are required for the operation of the excretory system (which relies on unselective passive entry and active reabsorption of useful substances).

An advantage of the extraordinarily high rate of fluid secretion during diuresis is that fluid excretion can be rapidly completed. There is then little time for significant amounts of haemolymph solute to be lost passively.

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