Dehydration and camel blood. III. Osmotic fragility, specific gravity, and osmolality

Camel blood was examined to determine whether dehydration and rapid rehydration affect the osmotic fragility of the red blood cells. The critical hemolytic volume, specific gravity, and osmolality were also determined. It was found that the red blood cells of the dehydrated camel are more resistant to hypotonic saline solutions than those of a hydrated camel. The fragility changes together with the state of hydration. Changes are also found in critical hemolytic volume, density, and osmolality. It is concluded that despite changes in the red blood cell, it remains functional in extreme environmental conditions. This fact contributes to the camel's ability to withstand prolonged dehydration 145l4w1.l5w1= and rapid rehydration.