The Physiology of the Antennal Gland of Carcinus Maenas (L.)

Abstract

1. The space measured by inulin distribution, the ‘inulin volume’, has been determined, and represents approximately 20% of the body weight in crabs ranging in size from 20.0 to 57.2 g. 2. After the injection of labelled inulin into crabs, the increase in activity of the medium is equal to the fall in blood inulin in all dilutions of sea water. Clearance of inulin from the blood is due only to urine production, and therefore the molecule can be used for quantitative investigations of antennal gland function. 3. Urine production in various concentrations of sea water has been determined by measuring the clearance of inulin from the blood and the rates at which the tracer appeared in the external media. By these methods the mean rate of urine production in 100% sea water was estimated to be 4.4% body weight per day. In dilute sea water the rate of urine production increases; for example, in 50% sea water the urine flow is four times greater than in normal sea water.