Renal function and acid-base balance in the toad Bufo marinus during short-term dehydration

Abstract

Specimens of Bufo marinus (L.) were cannulated in both ureters to partition between the regulatory contributions of the kidney and urinary bladder. These bladder-bypassed animals were then exposed to 10 h of dehydration in air and renal function and acid–base balance were assessed. The results indicated that the kidney showed an almost immediate response to dehydration which consisted of a large glomerular and smaller tubular component. Bypassing and emptying of the bladder and the removal of the ambient water had no effect on the animal's ability to maintain normal acid–base balance.