Sodium and potassium metabolism in the dehydrated and rehydrated Bedouin camel

The effects of 10 days dehydration and rapid rehydration on the sodium and potassium metabolism in the one humped camel were examined. The research was carried out during two periods in the summer, a cool and a hot period. In the hot period the effects of dehydration were found to be more severe. The potassium metabolism was more affected than that of the sodium. The concentrations of potassium in the urine declined while those of sodium increased. There were also marked changes in the filtered loads, excreted loads, and reabsorption of the two cations. Following rehydration significant changes in the cation metabolism were recorded within 15-45 min. It is suggested that antidiuretic hormone and not aldosterone caused the changes in the two cation metabolism.