Osmoregulation in elasmobranchs

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the ability of the elasmobranch fish, which includes sharks, skates, and rays, to acclimate to changes in habitat salinities. The paper looks at the different degrees to which different elasmobranch fish can adapt to decreases in in environmental salinity. The process, known as osmoregulation, allows for greater adaptation in some elasmobranch fish than others.

From the Paper:

"In the article by Hazon et al (2003, pp. 685-687), the bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas, and the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina, euryhaline elasmobranchs, are described according to their osmoregulatory strategies for achieving full euryhalinity. Partially euryhaline elasmobranchs, such as Scyliorhinus canicula, the small-spotted catshark, and the skate Raja erinacea, are also characterized for their osmoregulatory mechanisms and ability to acclimate to reduced salinities. The review compared the Na+, Cl-, and urea in the plasma of these species in saltwater and freshwater environments. Body fluid osmolality was also assessed per environmental condition. As these elements of the osmoregulatory system were described, their relationship to the key body systems was expanded upon. While a summation of endocrine control in the osmoregulatory process is limited in scope, peptidergic-hormonal control, including discussion of the peptides CNP, AVT, and Ang II, as well as the elasmobranch specific corticosteroid 1 hydroxycorticosterone (1 OH-B), is the focus of the paper. These methods of review for the osmoregulatory mechanism in euryhaline elasmobranchs clarifies the relevance of certain major peptides, the plasma Na+, Cl-, and urea concentrations, and the gills, kidneys, liver, and rectal gland in relation to maintaining body osmolality in changing salinities."

More papers on Osmoregulation in elasmobranchs:

• Poem Review # 73885 : "Frost's "Come In"
• Comparison Essay # 69393 : "In-groups and Out-groups"
• Essay # 73236 : "Truth in Sentencing"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: