Cellular Transport Mechanisms in Elasmobranch Kidney Tubules

鲨鱼和其他脊椎动物在组织和血液中积累了高浓度的尿素，作为渗透缓冲，以防止海水中的水分损失。这些研究的长期目标是确定导致弹棘鱼肾脏中尿素重吸收的机制。建立了一个暂定的模型来解释尿素在大的化学浓度梯度下的再吸收。对这一系统的进一步描述将继续下去。预计这些研究将使人们更好地了解尿素在棘足目鱼类中运输和保存的生理机制。

Sharks and other elasmobranchs accumulate high concentrations of urea in the tissues and blood as osmotic buffers to prevent water loss in sea water. The long-term objective of these studies is the identification of mechanisms responsible for the reabsorption of urea in the kidney of elasmobranch fish. A tentative model has been developed to account for the reabsorption of urea against a large chemical concentration gradient. Further characterization of this system will continue. It is anticipated that these studies will lead to a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms of urea transport and conservation in elasmobranch fish.