Tissue buffering in the snail, Helix aspersa

Burton, R.F. (1970) Tissue buffering in the snail, Helix aspersa. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 37(2), pp. 193-203. (doi: 10.1016/0010-406X(70)90544-X) (PMID:5484079)

Abstract

1. Changes in the concentrations of calcium and bicarbonate in the blood of hydrated Helix aspera, exposed to raised tensions of carbon dioxide or injected with HCl, NaHCO3 or CaCl2, were qualitatively those to be expected if the blood were in equilibrium with solid calcium carbonate. 2. However, the blood was found to be greatly supersaturated with respect to calcite and aragonite, even allowing for the presence of unionized calcium. 3. Concentrations of calcium in the blood of control snails showed a marked correlation with total concentrations of blood solutes. 4. Potassium levels were unchanged by hypercapnia and by the injection of CaCl2 or NaHCO3, but rose following the injection of HCl. Raising the concentration of potassium in the blood brought about an increase in the concentration of calcium without significant change in bicarbonate.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Burton, Dr Richard
• Authors: Burton, R.F.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
• Journal Name: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology
• Publisher: Pergamon Press
• ISSN: 0010-406X