The effect of dehydration on salt and water balance in gulls (Larus argentatus and L. fuscus).

The effects of a variety of dehydratory stresses, hypersalinity, heat and water deprivation on renal and extrarenal handling of a standard salt load have been studied. Concommitant measurements of plasma and tissue electrolytes and of pituitary prolactin levels have also been made and the possible correlation between prolactin levels and the degree of dehydration are discussed along with the possible ecological significance of the reported findings.