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Horm Metab Res 1970; 2(1): 35-37
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1095125
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Definition of the Stimulus to Secretion of the Nasal Salt Gland of the Sea Gull

R.  Hajjar , F.  Sattler , B. G. Anderson , G.  Gwinup
  • California College of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Department of Medicine, Orange, California, USA
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Publication Date:
08 January 2009 (online)

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Abstract

The nasal salt gland of the sea gull has been shown to elaborate a concentrated NaCl secretion in response to hypertonic sodium infusion. In order to more precisely define the secretory stimulus, gulls were expanded with hypotonic dextran solutions, infused with hypotonic sodium chloride solutions, and hypertonic sucrose and mannitol solutions. Secretion occurred in response to all hypertonic solutions but not to hypotonic sodium solutions nor to hypotonic volume expansion. It is concluded that nasal salt secretion is induced through osmoreception.

Key words

Stimulation of Nasal Salt Gland Secretion - Osmoreception and Salt Gland Secretion - Marine Birds and Control of Sodium Concentration