Na+/K+-dependent adenosinetriphosphatase activity in the skin, kidney and muscle in Xenopus laevis (Daud.) adult specimens under different experimental conditions.

Abstract

Xenopus laevis adult specimens were exposed to environmental changes simulating those undergone by these animals in their natural "habitat". After keeping groups of animals under dry conditions, some of them were returned to water. In both cases some parameters were compared with those of control animals kept in water. A lower activity in the Na+/K+-dependent ATPase of the epidermis and striated muscle was detected in "dry" animals with respect to the control ones or those rehydrated whereas the same ATPase activity in the kidney was higher in "dry" animals than in those from the other groups.