[Water and electrolytes in the adductor of the mussel Mytilus edulis during adaptation to decreased salinity in vivo and in vitro]

Abstract

To investigate the role of neurohumoral factors in acclimation of mussel muscle to a lowered salinity, studies have been made on the reaction of the intact mussel muscle and that of isolated muscle to change in the salinity from 26% to 10%. The general pattern of swelling of the adductor and the dynamics of its electrolyte composition in intact molluscs are similar to those in the isolated muscle. In the intact mussel this reaction of the adductor is slower. Acclimation of adductor cells is of the autonomic nature and does not depend on neurohumoral influences.