Kinematics, maximal metabolic rate, sprint and endurance for a slow-moving lizard, the thorny devil (Moloch horridus)

2004 ◽  
Vol 52 (5) ◽  
pp. 487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christofer J. Clemente ◽  
Graham G. Thompson ◽  
Philip C. Withers ◽  
David Lloyd

Metabolic physiology, morphology, activity patterns, performance traits and movement kinematics are thought to have coevolved in lizards. We examined links between these parameters for the thorny devil (Moloch horridus), a morphologically and ecologically specialised agamid lizard (body mass ~30 g). It has a maximum sustainable metabolic rate (VO2max) of 0.99 mL O2 g–1 h–1 while running at a velocity of 0.11�m�sec–1 at 35°C. This VO2 is typical of that for other lizards (except varanids), but its burst speed (1.21�m�sec–1) is slower than for a typical agamid (e.g. Ctenophorus ornatus at 3.59 m sec–1) and its endurance is appreciably higher. The kinematic pattern of hind-limb movement for M. horridus is different to that of a 'typical' similar-sized agamid, Ctenophorus ornatus, which is a fast-moving lizard that shelters in rock crevices. It is also different to the ecologically equivalent Phrynosoma platyrhinos. The slow and erratic ventilation of M. horridus (2.3 breaths min–1) at its maximum sustainable aerobic running speed occurs when it stops running. This might be a consequence of the hypaxial muscles being used for both lung ventilation and locomotion, which might be impairing pulmonary ventilation when running, but might also contribute to its high endurance. M. horridus is metabolically typical of agamids, but its body shape, movement patterns and locomotory performance traits are different, and might have coevolved with its specialisation for eating ants.


1976 ◽  
Vol 230 (3) ◽  
pp. 608-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Gottlieb ◽  
DC Jackson

Pulmonary and cutaneous O2 consumption (Vo2) and CO2 production (Vco2) were measured simultaneously in bullfrogs Rana catesbeiana at 20 degrees C. The lungs were responsible for 77.3-91.0% of the total Vo2 and 28.5-74.9% of the total VCO2. The distribution of the total exchange between the lungs and skin depended on metabolic rate; frogs with higher rates relied more heavily on the pulmonary mode for both Vo2 and Vco2. When prevented from ventilating their lungs in an O2-rich environment, bullfrogs developed severe respiratory acidosis, demonstrating the importance of lung exchange in normal acid-base balance. When frogs were totally submerged in an O2-saturated medium, skin Vco2 increased linearly to a steady-state value which approximated the preapneic total Vco2. In these same animals, arterial Pco2 increased proportionately to the increase in skin Vco2, indicating that skin diffusion capacity for CO2 was unaffected. We conclude that the control of breathing in the bullfrog in response to changes in metabolic rate relies predominantly on changes in lung ventilation while the skin plays a more passive role.



Crustaceana ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-175
Author(s):  
Zechariah C. Harris ◽  
Jonathan C. Wright

Abstract Venezillo arizonicus (Mulaik & Mulaik, 1942) is the only oniscidean isopod native to the Southwest Desert Province of North America. In accordance with its desert habitat, we hypothesized that V. arizonicus would have a higher upper lethal temperature than mesic oniscideans. If oniscidean thermal tolerance is limited by an oxygen consumption-uptake mismatch (physiological hypoxia), as indicated by recent work with other land isopods, we further hypothesized that V. arizonicus would possess highly efficient pleopodal lungs, as defined by its capacity for metabolic regulation in reduced . Other adaptations to counter oxygen limitation at high temperatures could include reduced temperature sensitivity of metabolism (low ) and an overall reduction in metabolic rate. Thermal tolerance was measured using the progressive method of Cowles & Bogert and the catabolic rate of animals () was measured as a function of temperature and . The critical thermal maximum (CTmax) of winter-acclimatized animals was 43.0 ± 0.85°C, 1.6-2.6°C higher than published values for summer-acclimatized mesic oniscideans. The catabolic rate at 25°C was 1.50 ± 0.203 μl min−1 g−1, markedly lower than values determined for mesic Oniscidea (4-6 μl min−1 g−1) and was unaffected by hypoxia as low as 2% O2 (ca. 2 kPa). Catabolism was, however, quite sensitive to temperature, showing a mean of 2.58 over 25-42°C. The efficient pleopodal lungs and low metabolic rate of V. arizonicus will both tend to mitigate physiological hypoxia, consistent with the species’ high CTmax. A low catabolic rate may also be an adaptation to low habitat productivity and seasonally constrained activity patterns.



1961 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
BODIL NIELSEN

1. In two species of Lacerta (L. viridis and L. sicula) the effects on respiration of body temperature (changes in metabolic rate) and of CO2 added to the inspired air were studied. 2. Pulmonary ventilation increases when body temperature increases. The increase is brought about by an increase in respiratory frequency. No relationship is found between respiratory depth and temperature. 3. The rise in ventilation is provoked by the needs of metabolism and is not established for temperature regulating purposes (in the temperature interval 10°-35°C). 4. The ventilation per litre O2 consumed has a high numerical value (about 75, compared to about 20 in man). It varies with the body temperature and demonstrates that the inspired air is better utilized at the higher temperatures. 5. Pulmonary ventilation increases with increasing CO2 percentages in the inspired air between o and 3%. At further increases in the CO2 percentage (3-13.5%) it decreases again. 6. At each CO2 percentage the pulmonary ventilation reaches a steady state after some time (10-60 min.) and is then unchanged over prolonged periods (1 hr.). 7. The respiratory frequency in the steady state decreases with increasing CO2 percentages. The respiratory depth in the steady state increases with increasing CO2 percentages. This effect of CO2 breathing is not influenced by a change in body temperature from 20° to 30°C. 8. Respiration is periodically inhibited by CO2 percentages above 4%. This inhibition, causing a Cheyne-Stokes-like respiration, ceases after a certain time, proportional to the CO2 percentage (1 hr. at 8-13% CO2), and respiration becomes regular (steady state). Shift to room air breathing causes an instantaneous increase in frequency to well above the normal value followed by a gradual decrease to normal values. 9. The nature of the CO2 effect on respiratory frequency and respiratory depth is discussed, considering both chemoreceptor and humoral mechanisms.



1981 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 452-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. E. Bickler

The effects of constant and changing temperatures on blood acid-base status and pulmonary ventilation were studied in the eurythermal lizard Dipsosaurus dorsalis. Constant temperatures between 18 and 42 degrees C maintained for 24 h or more produced arterial pH changes of -0.0145 U X degrees C-1. Arterial CO2 tension (PCO2) increased from 9.9 to 32 Torr plasma [HCO-3] and total CO2 contents remained constant at near 19 and 22 mM, respectively. Under constant temperature conditions, ventilation-gas exchange ratios (VE/MCO2 and VE/MO2) were inversely related to temperature and can adequately explain the changes in arterial PCO2 and pH. During warming and cooling between 25 and 42 degrees C arterial pH, PCO2 [HCO-3], and respiratory exchange ratios (MCO2/MO2) were similar to steady-state values. Warming and cooling each took about 2 h. During the temperature changes, rapid changes in lung ventilation following steady-state patterns were seen. Blood relative alkalinity changed slightly with steady-state or changing body temperatures, whereas calculated charge on protein histidine imidazole was closely conserved. Cooling to 17-18 degrees C resulted in a transient respiratory acidosis correlated with a decline in the ratio VE/MCO2. After 12-24 h at 17-18 degrees C, pH, PCO2, and VE returned to steady-state values. The importance of thermal history of patterns of acid-base regulation in reptiles is discussed.



2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 1194-1202
Author(s):  
Jack P. Hayes ◽  
Chris R. Feldman ◽  
Miguel B. Araújo


2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 655-660
Author(s):  
Marcelo Alcantara Holanda ◽  
Nathalia Parente de Sousa ◽  
Luana Torres Melo ◽  
Liégina Silveira Marinho ◽  
Helder Veras Ribeiro-Filho ◽  
...  

Undergraduate biomedical students often have difficulties in understanding basic concepts of respiratory physiology, particularly respiratory mechanics. In this study, we report the use of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to improve and consolidate the knowledge about physiological aspects of normal regional distribution of ventilation in humans. Initially, we assessed the previous knowledge of a group of medical students ( n = 39) about regional differences in lung ventilation. Thereafter, we recorded the regional distribution of ventilation through surface electrodes on a healthy volunteer adopting four different decubitus positions: supine, prone, and right and left lateral. The recordings clearly showed greater pulmonary ventilation in the dependent lung, mainly in the lateral decubitus. Considering the differences in pulmonary ventilation between right and left lateral decubitus, only 33% of students were able to notice it correctly beforehand. This percentage increased to 84 and 100%, respectively ( P < 0.01), after the results of the ventilation measurements obtained with EIT were examined and discussed. A self-assessment questionnaire showed that students considered the practical activity as an important tool to assist in the understanding of the basic concepts of respiratory mechanics. Experimental demonstration of the physiological variations of regional lung ventilation in volunteers by using EIT is feasible, effective, and stimulating for undergraduate medical students. Therefore, this practical activity may help faculty and students to overcome the challenges in the field of respiratory physiology learning.



2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J Harrison

Lung ventilation is required to maintain oxygenation and eliminate carbon dioxide. The basic parameters of ventilation—tidal volume, respiratory rate, airway resistance, and lung and thoracic compliance—all combine to affect the airway pressure. These parameters, in turn, can affect cardiac output and hemodynamic stability through their effect on intrathoracic pressure and on venous return to the heart. Since the 1950s, many machines have been designed to allow the physician to optimize ventilation. These designs have revolved around three physical variables: volume, pressure, and time. Volume is required to overcome the anatomic respiratory dead space and allows gas exchange in the alveoli. Pressure is required to inflate the elastic system comprising the lungs and thorax, but must also be limited to prevent tissue damage. Time not only determines the respiratory rate but also the rate of flow of gas in and out of the lungs. Many permutations of these basic parameters in anesthesia machines are available today. Knowledge of the common forms of ventilation and their advantages and disadvantages will guide the anesthesiologist in choosing from among these various complex systems. This review contains 5 figures, 3 tables, and 27 references. Key words: CPAP, HFOV, IMV, IPPV, jet ventilation, PEEP, pressure cycled, pulmonary ventilation, SIMV, spontaneous, volume cycled



1985 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 1592-1596 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. P. Kaminski ◽  
H. V. Forster ◽  
G. E. Bisgard ◽  
L. G. Pan ◽  
S. M. Dorsey ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to determine if the changes in O2 consumption (VO2) during CO2 inhalation could in part be due to stimulation of thermogenesis for homeothermy. Twelve ponies were exposed for 30-min periods to inspired CO2 (PIco2) levels of less than 0.7, 14, 28, and 42 Torr during the winter at 5 (neutral) and 23 degrees C ambient temperatures (TA) and during the summer at 21 (neutral TA), 30, and 12 degrees C. Elevating TA in both seasons resulted in an increased pulmonary ventilation (VE) and breathing frequency (f) (P less than 0.01) but no significant increase in VO2 (P greater than 0.05). Decreasing TA in the summer resulted in a decrease in VE and f (P less than 0.01) but no significant change in VO2 (P greater than 0.05). At neutral TA in both seasons, VO2 increased progressively (P less than 0.05) as PIco2 was increased from 14 to 28 and 42 Torr. The increases in VO2 during CO2 inhalation were attenuated (P less than 0.05) at elevated TA and accentuated at the relatively cold TA in the summer (P less than 0.05). Respiratory heat loss (RHL) during CO2 inhalation was inversely related to TA. Above a threshold RHL of 2 cal X min-1 X m-2, metabolic heat production (MHP) increased 0.3 cal X min-1 X m-2 for each unit increase in RHL during CO2 inhalation at the neutral and elevated TA. However, during cold stress in the summer, the slope of the MHP-RHL relationship was 1.6, indicating an increased MHP response to RHL.



2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-212
Author(s):  
C Sivaram ◽  
K Arun ◽  
O V Kiren

AbstractWe draw attention to a curious coincidence wherein the most (steadily emitting) luminous objects in the Universe from stellar X-ray sources to ultra-luminous quasars and Ultra Luminous Infrared Galaxies, steadily emit a power per unit mass, which is just the same value as the maximal metabolic rate in (warm-blooded) bio-organisms.



1994 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 2380-2385 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Korducki ◽  
H. V. Forster ◽  
T. F. Lowry ◽  
M. M. Forster

To determine the effect of hypoxia on metabolic rate (VO2) of ponies, on 2 days we studied ponies that were breathing room air for 1 h followed by 5 h of either hypoxic hypoxia (fractional concn of inspired O2 = 0.126) or 5 h of CO hypoxia. Control arterial PO2 was 103 +/- 1.2 Torr, and at 5 min and 5 h of hypoxic hypoxia, arterial PO2 was 53.1 +/- 1.8 and 41.0 +/- 1.8 Torr, respectively. There was a time-dependent hypocapnia and alkalosis during hypoxic hypoxia. During CO hypoxia, carboxyhemoglobin increased to 25% after 30 min and remained constant thereafter. With increased carboxyhemoglobin, arterial PCO2 was 1.3 Torr above (P < 0.05) and 1.5 Torr (P < 0.05) below control levels after 30 min and 3 h, respectively. There were no significant (P > 0.10) changes in VO2 during either hypoxic or CO hypoxia. However, in 50% of the ponies, VO2, pulmonary ventilation, and rectal temperature increased and shivering was evident after 30 min of hypoxia. Peak values of pulmonary ventilation, VO2, and shivering occurred at approximately 2 h with a subsequent return toward control levels. We conclude that, in contrast to smaller mammals, acute hypoxia does not depress VO2 of ponies. The hypermetabolism and hyperthermia during chronic hypoxia in some ponies may reflect a transient failure in thermoregulation.



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