The effects of independent sodium and chloride depletion on ion balance in freshwater mussels

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Abstract
Ligumia subrostrata maintained in choline chloride or Na2SO4 exhibited a loss of either sodium or chloride from the blood at rates similar to those observed in mussels kept in deionized water. When the ion-depleted mussels were returned to a medium containing the depleted ion, the influx of the depleted ion was increased while the efflux was depressed compared with control mussels. Blood sodium concentrations, in mussels undergoing sodium depletion, decreased linearly to approximately 50% of the normal condition, while calcium levels increased. Blood chloride concentrations decreased exponentially during depletion, with the mussel capable of withstanding an 80% reduction. Blood bicarbonate levels increased in mussels undergoing chloride depletion. The elevation of the blood bicarbonate in chloride-depleted and calcium in the sodium-depleted mussels resulted in partial compensation for the sodium chloride lost from the blood, by helping maintain the total solute and the balance of ionic charge, and may act to "prime" the active ion transport processes. When returned to media containing the depleted ion, the mussels reaccumulated sodium and chloride within 2 to 4 days. These data provide evidence for the presence of independent regulatory mechanisms for sodium and chloride.

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