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  • Title: The effect of chronic saline exposure on the electrolyte balance, nitrogen metabolism, and corticosterone titer in the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis.
    Author: Laurén DJ.
    Journal: Comp Biochem Physiol A Comp Physiol; 1985; 81(2):217-23. PubMed ID: 2864163.
    Abstract:
    Juvenile alligators were exposed to fresh water, 5, 10, 15 and 20% sea-water for 4 weeks. Hematocrit, plasma corticosterone, plasma and urine osmolality, [Na+], [K+], [Cl-] and uric acid were measured at weekly intervals. Although no change was found in plasma NaCl at 5%, a significant increase in NaCl Urine/Plasma (U/P) ratio was found; however, no further increase in NaCl U/P ratio was found at higher salinities, and plasma NaCl increased with salinity. Plasma corticosterone increased significantly at 10% and greater, and a dramatic increase in plasma and urine uric acid was also found at these salinities. At 10% and greater, alligators ceased feeding and lost up to 27% of their initial body weight. Mortalities occurred during weeks 3 and 4, at 15 and 20%. A possible role for corticosterone in increasing the NaCl U/P ratio is discussed. It is concluded that juvenile alligators are unable to survive chronic exposure to hyperosmotic salinities.
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