Physiological Responses of the Crayfish Pacifastacus Leniusculus to Environmental Hyperoxia Ii. Role of the Antennal Gland in Acid-base and Ion Regulation by Michele G. Wheatly and Tes Toop

Handling of electrolytes and acidic equivalents by the antennal gland was monitored in freshwater crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) during control normoxia (Po 2 = 148mmHg; 1 mmHg = 133-3Pa), 72h of hyperoxia (Po2 = 500mmHg) and 24 h of recovery. A preparation was developed for direct collection of urinary flow (UFR) which was confirmed using inulin clearance (CIN). Renal effluxes of Na + , Cl", Mg, K, Ca, sulphate, phosphate, titratable and nontitratable acidity and CO2 were monitored. These were used in conjunction with filtration rates to calculate net rates of reabsorption. UFR was elevated by around 50 % during hyperoxia. Contributing to this were an increase in O N and a reduction in [IN]U: [IN]e. Excretion of Na + (ENa) tended to increase initially whereas E a tended to decrease after 36 h. EK and EMg showed a similar profile to that of ENa with increases averaging 60 %. The increases in excretion of Ca, phosphate and sulphate were more pronounced (threefold). In control crayfish, 65-95 % of filtered electrolytes were reabsorbed at the antennal gland except for ammonia which was secreted. Electrolyte reabsorption increased during hyperoxia; percentage increases varied from 70% (Na, CP) to 150% (sulphate, phosphate) with HCO3~ showing a fourfold increase above control values. Ammonia secretion correspondingly increased. Control urine was acid with respect to the haemolymph and became increasingly acidified during initial hyperoxic exposure. Net renal proton excretion largely reflected (90%) ammonia excretion; both were approximately doubled during hyperoxia. Unlike the situation in mammals, ammonia appears to be more important than phosphate in buffering urine pH. Urinary parameters generally required 24 h for complete recovery when normoxia was reinstated.