The suggestion has previously been made (Lockwood, 1961) that the rapid change from isotonic to hypotonic urine production which occurs when Gammarus duebeni is transferred from a high concentration (100−175 % sea water) to fresh water may subserve the function of slowing the loss of ions from the body. Any such slowing would decrease the rate of fall of the blood concentration and hence allow additional time for the necessary concomitant changes in cellular osmotic pressure to be brought about. The ability to slow the rate of ion loss for this purpose might be of functional significance to this species as it is often found in environments such as salt-marsh pools which may be subject to sudden and extensive variations of salinity.

Copyright © 1965 The Company Of Biologists Ltd.
1965
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