During winter months, prolactin is released into the circulatory system, which drives "T. carnifex" into the aquatic environment and reduces the active transport of sodium ions. This happens because there is more water readily available to the newt for uptake as compared to its terrestrial dwelling during the summer months. In the aquatic phase, "T. carnifex" has a reduced urine flow and glomerular filtration rate compared to the terrestrial phase. In summer, aldosterone creates an increase in enzymatic activity in "T. carnifex", which leads to a decrease in ion transport.