Hemolysis of elasmobranch erythrocytes in urea solutions: effect of temperature

Skate and stingray cells were shown to hemolyze in isosmotic solutions containing urea as the sole solute. The rate of urea penetration into these cells as determined by the rate of hemolysis is highly temperature dependent with a Q₁₀ of 2.50–2.75. A reduced rate of methylurea penetration in the presence of urea was reconfirmed. The present results are consonant with the hypothesis of carrier mediated transport of urea in elasmobranch erythrocytes previously proposed by Murdaugh, Robin and Hearn.