The role of free amino acids in cellular osmoregulation in the freshwater bivalve Ligumia subrostrata (Say)

Abstract
Free amino acids constitute 11% of the cellular solute in Ligumia subrostrata acclimated in pond water but less than 1% of blood total solute. Arginine, glutamate, histidine, and alanine account for 60% of the cellular free amino acid concentration. Tissue free amino acid concentrations increase when the animals are exposed to dehydration and anoxic stress. Free amino acids contributing most to the elevated tissue amino acid concentrations are glutamate, alanine, threonine, and serine. These specific free amino acids play an important role in cellular volume regulation.