The @entity6497 is unique among birds in having complete separation of urine and faeces. The coprodeal epithelium is thus during dehydration exposed to a fluid 500 mOsm hyperosmotic to plasma. We have investigated whether the coprodeum is adapted like a @entity1 bladder. The coprodeal epithelium was studied by electrophysiology in the Ussing chamber, and the anatomy by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: The short-circuit current (SCC) and open circuit electrical potential difference were recorded. The change induced by 0.1 mmol mucosal @entity6478 was recorded. An average basal SCC of 162+/-29 microA/cm(2) was observed, and a resistance of 297+/-34 Omega cm(2) calculated. These values are as observed in other avian coprodea. The resistance is much lower than in @entity1 bladders (10000 Omega cm(2)). The @entity6478 -sensitive SCC, equal to net @entity1372 absorption, was approximately 5 micromol/cm(2)h as observed in other avian species. ANATOMY: The mucosal membrane is composed of broad irregular folds with very short intestinal glands containing an unusually high proportion of goblet cells. CONCLUSION: The @entity6497 coprodeum is not adapted like a @entity1 bladder. The abundance of goblet cells results in a copious secretion of mucus that establishes a thick unstirred layer giving effective osmotic protection.

Does the @entity6497 ( XXXX ) coprodeum have the electrophysiological properties and microstructure of other birds?

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['mammalian'] @entity1372 :: ('MESH:D012964', 'Chemical') :: ['sodium'] @entity6478 :: ('MESH:D000584', 'Chemical') :: ['amiloride'] @entity6497 :: ('8801', 'Species') :: ['ostrich']
@entity6497 :: (8801,Species) :: ['Struthio camelus']
