Respiratory adaptations in burrowing pocket gophers from sea level and high altitude

1976 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Lechner

To examine the adaptations to low O2 and high CO2 among fossorial and nonfossorial rodents, hematological parameters were determined for laboratory rats, the valley pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae) from 250 m, and the mountain pocket gopher (T. umbrinus melanotis) from 3150 m. Hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and O2 capacity were higher in pocket gophers than in rats. Blood PO2 at 50% saturation and pH 7.4 was 33 mmHg for both gophers and 39 mmHg for rats. Bohr factors for all three rodents were similar (-0.55 to -0.61) but buffer value, delta log PCO2/delta pH, was -2.54 for T. umbrinus, -1.97 for T. bottae, and -0.98 for Rattus. Concentrations of total acid-soluble phosphates were 50–75% higher in gophers than in rats, while bicarbonate values were within the normal mammalian range. All three rodents had similar myoglobin concentrations in cardiac muscle. Myoglobin concentrations were significantly higher in skeletal muscles (diaphragm, gastrocnemius) of T. umbrinus when compared to T. bottae, and significantly higher in both gophers when compared to rats. These differences may constitute important adaptations to the hypoxia and hypercapnia in burrows; certain of these factors in pocket gophers respond to the additional stress of high altitude hypoxia.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nipa Basak ◽  
Tsering Norboo ◽  
Mohammed S. Mustak ◽  
Kumarasamy Thangaraj

AbstractHigh altitude hypoxia is believed to be experienced at elevations more than 2500 meters. A few studies have shed light on the biochemical aspects of high altitude acclimatization that profoundly included the subjects sojourning to the high altitude from low altitude and observation of the transient changes. However, information regarding the difference between the adapted people in high altitude and their counterpart, who reside in the low altitude are lacking. To address that issue, we have measured various hematological parameters and level of serum erythropoietin (EPO) in Tibetan population, who are residing in both high and low altitudes. We observed significant difference (p value < 0.0001) between high and low altitude Tibetan, in various hematological parameters, including red blood cells (RBC) count, hematocrit (HCT) or packed cell volume (PCV), and hemoglobin concentration (Hb). In case of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), significant difference was observed only in females (p value < 0.0001). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was significantly different between both males and females, but age was a potential confounder. There was no significant difference in serum EPO level between these two groups, either in males or females, which might be due to blunted erythropoietin response in the Tibetan population. We have also analyzed correlation between serum EPO with Hb and serum EPO with HCT and found no significant correlation. In multiple regression analysis, low altitude and male-gender showed significant impact on both Hb and HCT. In conclusion, our study suggests significant perturbation of hematological parameters, when native high altitude populations migrated to low altitude and inhabited for a long period.


1984 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 785-790 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon M. Erlandson

Excavation of a small single-component prehistoric campsite in the coastal southern California foothills has provided evidence concerning the patterns and approximate rates of redistribution of archaeological materials caused by the burrowing pocket gopher, Thomomys bottae. Investigation of bimodal vertical distributions of both historic and prehistoric archaeological materials shows a close correspondence to the burrowing habits of pocket gophers in coastal California. Comparison of these bimodal distributions with a site chronology based upon diagnostic artifacts and C-14 dating suggests that, under certain soil conditions, downward displacement of archaeological materials may occur at rates averaging over 5% per century. The broader implications of the effects of faunalturbation upon the interpretation of archaeological assemblages are briefly discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 120 (12) ◽  
pp. 2693-2704
Author(s):  
Erika Schagatay ◽  
Alexander Lunde ◽  
Simon Nilsson ◽  
Oscar Palm ◽  
Angelica Lodin-Sundström

Abstract Purpose Hypoxia and exercise are known to separately trigger spleen contraction, leading to release of stored erythrocytes. We studied spleen volume and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) during rest and exercise at three altitudes. Methods Eleven healthy lowlanders did a 5-min modified Harvard step test at 1370, 3700 and 4200 m altitude. Spleen volume was measured via ultrasonic imaging and capillary Hb with Hemocue during rest and after the step test, and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), heart rate (HR), expiratory CO2 (ETCO2) and respiratory rate (RR) across the test. Results Resting spleen volume was reduced with increasing altitude and further reduced with exercise at all altitudes. Mean (SE) baseline spleen volume at 1370 m was 252 (20) mL and after exercise, it was 199 (15) mL (P < 0.01). At 3700 m, baseline spleen volume was 231 (22) mL and after exercise 166 (12) mL (P < 0.05). At 4200 m baseline volume was 210 (23) mL and after exercise 172 (20) mL (P < 0.05). After 10 min, spleen volume increased to baseline at all altitudes (NS). Baseline Hb increased with altitude from 138.9 (6.1) g/L at 1370 m, to 141.2 (4.1) at 3700 m and 152.4 (4.0) at 4200 m (P < 0.01). At all altitudes Hb increased from baseline during exercise to 146.8 (5.7) g/L at 1370 m, 150.4 (3.8) g/L at 3700 m and 157.3 (3.8) g/L at 4200 m (all P < 0.05 from baseline). Hb had returned to baseline after 10 min rest at all altitudes (NS). The spleen-derived Hb elevation during exercise was smaller at 4200 m compared to 3700 m (P < 0.05). Cardiorespiratory variables were also affected by altitude during both rest and exercise. Conclusions The spleen contracts and mobilizes stored red blood cells during rest at high altitude and contracts further during exercise, to increase oxygen delivery to tissues during acute hypoxia. The attenuated Hb response to exercise at the highest altitude is likely due to the greater recruitment of the spleen reserve during rest, and that maximal spleen contraction is reached with exercise.


Perfusion ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher N Pierce ◽  
Douglas F Larson

Mechanical circulatory assist devices (MCADs) are increasingly utilized independently of cardiac transplantation in the management of heart failure. Though MCAD use incorporates inherent mechanical risks, the inevitable onset of chronic anemia, with its associated morbidity and mortality, is also a significant concern. MCAD support has been correlated with elevated plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1b, and IL-6, which have separately been found to inhibit erythropoietin (Epo)-induced erythrocyte (RBC) maturation. Previous analysis of hematological parameters for MCAD-sup-ported patients concluded that an amplified inflammatory response impedes RBC proliferation and recovery from hemolytic anemia. Additional analysis may bolster this assertion. Hemoglobin concentration (HC), RBC distribution width (RDW), mean cell volume (MCV), and cardiac index were retrospectively analysed for 78 MCAD-supported patients implanted for greater than 30 days at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center from 1996 to 2002. Analysis confirms that the HC, a conventional marker for anemia, declines with MCAD placement and remains below the clinically defined, minimum normal value. Inversely, the RDW rises above maximum normal measure, signifying an increased fraction of juvenile RBCs. The MCV remains unchanged and within normal limits, demonstrating adequate substrate for RBC formation. MCAD performance also stabilizes as adequate perfusion returns. These results further support our previously published conclusion that a sufficient response of erythropoiesis occurs in reaction to the onset of anemia by an increased production of immature RBCs. However, the cells never fully mature and join circulation. The patient’s inflammatory cytokine response to the implanted device most likely mediates the chronic MCAD-induced anemia by inhibition of Epo effects.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Yan Wang ◽  
Zong-hui Dang ◽  
Liang-ying Gan ◽  
Ciren Luobu ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
...  

Background: It is known that hypoxia influences many of the biologic processes involved in erythropoiesis; therefore, the high-altitude hypoxia may affect erythropoietin (EPO) responsiveness in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of altitude on EPO responsiveness in MHD patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, MHD patients from Tibet Autonomous Region People’s Hospital (3,650 m above sea level) and Peking University People’s Hospital (43.5 m above sea level) were recruited between May 2016 and December 2018. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to altitude. Variables including age, sex, dialysis vintage, dialysis modality, duration of EPO use, EPO doses, and laboratory tests were collected and analyzed. EPO responsiveness was measured in terms of the EPO resistance index (ERI). ERI was defined as the weekly weight-adjusted dose of EPO (IU/kg/week) divided by hemoglobin concentration (g/dL). The association between ERI and altitude was estimated using a multivariable linear regression model. Results: Sixty-two patients from Tibet Autonomous Region People’s Hospital (high-altitude [HA] group) and 102 patients from Peking University People’s Hospital (low-altitude [LA] group) were recruited. The ERI for HA group and LA group was 6.9 ± 5.1 IU w−1 kg−1 (g/dL)−1 and 11.5 ± 6.4 IU w−1 kg−1 (g/dL)−1, respectively. After adjusting for covariates by multivariable regression, altitude was independently associated with ERI (R2 = 0.245, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Altitude had an independent negative correlation with ERI. This result supported the hypothesis that altitude-associated hypoxia improved EPO responsiveness in MHD patients.


Author(s):  
С.М. Маматов ◽  
А.К. Эсенгелди ◽  
А.А. Махмануров

Введение. Вопрос о дальнейшем совершенствовании базисной терапии идиопатической тромбоцитопенической пурпуры (ИТП) по-прежнему широко обсуждается специалистами и является предметом оживленных дискуссий. Цель исследования: изучить динамику геморрагического синдрома и количества тромбоцитов у детей с ИТП в процессе высокогорной климатотерапии и оценить эффективность воздействия высокогорной гипоксии на течение болезни. Материалы и методы. В исследование включено 24 ребенка с хронической ИТП в возрасте от 5 до 14 лет (средний возраст — 10,25 ± 1,43 года) с длительностью заболевания от 4 до 8 лет. Для лечения детей поднимали на высокогорную базу Туя-Ашу (перевал Туя-Ашу, 3200 м над уровнем моря). Продолжительность лечения в высокогорье составляла 40 дней. Результаты. К концу срока пребывания в горах значительно уменьшались проявления геморрагического синдрома, полностью купировался анемический синдром, количество тромбоцитов достоверно увеличивалось с минимума 22,1 × 109/л до максимума 108,4 × 109/л. Заключение. Из 22 детей, получивших высокогорную климатотерапию, у 2 детей достигнута полная и у 15 — частичная ремиссия. У 4 детей улучшение клинико-гематологических показателей носило временный характер, и отсутствие эффекта зарегистрировано у 1 ребенка. Ремиссия достигнута у 77% больных детей. Introduction. Further improvement of the basic therapy of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is still widely discussedby specialists and is the subject of lively discussions. Aim: to study the dynamics of hemorrhagic syndrome and platelet count in children with ITP in the process of high-altitude climatotherapy and assess the eff ectiveness of high-altitude hypoxia exposure on the course of the disease. Materials and methods. The study included 24 children with chronic ITP aged 5 to 14 years (mean age — 10.25 ± 1.43 years) with disease duration from 4 to 8 years. For treatment children were raised to Tuya-Ashu high-altitude base (mountain pass Tuya Ashu, 3200 m above sea level). The duration of treatment in highlands was 40 days. Results. By the end of the treatment, the manifestations of hemorrhagic syndrome decreased signifi cantly, the anemic syndrome completely stopped, the platelet count increased significantly from minimum of 22.1 × 109/L to maximum of 108.4 × 109/L. Conclusion. High-altitude climatotherapy received 22 children, 2 children had complete remission and 15 — part remission. In 4 children the improvement of clinical and hematological parameters was temporal, and the absence of eff ect was registered in 1 child. Remission was achieved in 77% of ill children.


2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 350-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Lemos de Mello ◽  
Gabriela Tomas Jerônimo ◽  
Karen Roberta Tancredo ◽  
Jéssica Brol ◽  
Evelyn Jacques de Almeida ◽  
...  

This study evaluated the correlation of hematological parameters with the mean abundance of the monogenean helminth Rhabdosynochus rhabdosynochus in Centropomus undecimalis reared at different temperatures and salinities. The experimental conditions were: 28 °C/0 ppt (parts per thousand); 28 °C/15 ppt; 28 °C/32 ppt; 25 °C/0 ppt; 25 °C/15 ppt; and 25 °C/32 ppt. The prevalence was 100.0% in fish at 28 °C/15 ppt, 28 °C/32 ppt and 25 °C/15 ppt, which was significantly different (p < 0.05) from those at 25 °C/32 ppt. The red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit and total leukocyte (WBC) count were significantly higher in fish at 28 °C/15 ppt and 28 °C/32 ppt. The mean abundance of R. rhabdosynochus, hematocrit and RBC showed positive correlations (P < 0.05) with temperature (ρ= 0.3908; ρ= 0.4771 and ρ = 0.2812). Mean abundance showed negative correlations with hemoglobin (ρ= -0.3567) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (ρ = -0.2684). No correlation between abundance and salinity was detected among the experimental conditions (ρ = -0.0204). The low numbers of monogeneans recorded (min -1 and max -33) explain the few changes to fish health. This suggests that these experimental conditions may be recommended for development of rearing of C. undecimalis in Brazil, without any influence or economic losses from R. rhabdosynochus.


Author(s):  
C. Youmans ◽  
R. Moore

Several important environmental factors which affect the dynamics of pocket gopher populations have been identified: water content at peak snowpack and depth of snow in spring (Hansen and Ward, 1966; Reid, 1973); weather and Its influence on annual food supplies and cover (Howard and Childs, 1959); production of annual and perennial forbs (Keith et al., 1959; Tietjen et al., 1967); and ground water levels and snow depths (Ingles, 1949; Hansen, 1962). A need for specific information on pocket gophers in Pelican Valley, Yellowstone National Park arose from interest in interactions between grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and northern pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides). Mealey (1975) and Graham (1978) suggested that pocket gophers and their caches may serve as seasonally important food items for grizzlies in Yellowstone National Park.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-106
Author(s):  
AL-Khafaji Nazar

Ricinus communis L. of Euphorbiaceae family is a widespread plant in tropical regions. It is used in traditional medicines as an anti- fertility agent in India and different parts of the world. The ether soluble portion of the methanol extract of R. communis var minor possesses anti-implantation, anti - conceptive and estrogenic activity in rats and mice when administered subcutaneously.The study was conducted on 10 local breed male rabbits, 1-2 years old, of 1-2 kg body weight. The animals were divided into two groups, control non – treated group and treated group in which animals were treated with single daily dose of 50 mg /kg b. wt. P.O. of decorticated and defatted castor seeds (DDCS) for 14 days. 28th day post treatment, animals were anesthetized by diethyl ether, sacrificed, abdominal cavity was open. The sexual organ (testes, epididymis, prostate and seminal vesical) weighed. In addition to take a biopsy from each one for histopathological changes. The study also included clinical and hematological parameters, in addition to sperm counts and the changes in sperm morphology.Body weight, body temperature increased significantly in treated males. While in non- treated group there were no significant changes. Respiratory rates and heart rate were none significantly changed in treated and non- treated males.Bleeding time none significantly increased in treated males, but increased significantly in none treated males. Clotting times decreased none significantly in treated and non- treated males. The blood parameters including, total erythrocytes count, hemoglobin concentration, PCV% , MCV, MCH, MCHC, total leucocyte and differential leucocyte counts were either increased or decreased none significantly in both groups. The results revealed that the effects of exposure to extract of ricin for 14 days on reproductive efficiency of rabbits, exhibited Significant decrease in weights of testes, epididymis, tails, heads of epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate in treated males in comparison with those of non- treated males. While the body of epididymis did not show a significant changes.Significant decrease in live sperm numbers, number of sperms in epididymal head, in addition to deformities in high numbers of sperm, including enlarged or small sperms. breaks head, and its detachment, presence of two heads in one sperm, bifurcation of tail and its breaking, sperm coiling in samples from treated males in comparison with those from non-treated males.Histological changes were hyperplasia of lining epithelial cells and vacuolar degenerative changes, loss of spermatogenesis, and spermatocytes necrosis in those from treated males.


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