Seasonal variation in soluble uric acid concentration in Littorina saxatilis (Olivi)

Abstract

13 samples of Littorina saxatilis were collected from a Maine shore on an approximately monthly basis and analysed for soluble uric acid concentration. This concentration varied significantly, with summer concentrations as much as 6 times higher than winter concentrations. While it may be that the accumulation of uric acid in summer is related to desiccation, we suggest that it is more likely to be a result of increased protein catabolism. © 1998 Kluwer Academic Publishers.