The Effect of Long-Term Aerial Exposure on Heart Rate, Ventilation, Respiratory Gas Exchange and Acid-Base Status in the Crayfish Austropotamobius Pallipes

1. When first removed into air, crayfish showed transient increases in heart rate (fH) and scaphognathite rate (fR) which rapidly recovered to submerged levels and were unchanged for 24 h. The rate of O2 consumption(Moo2) increased from an initially low level and was then maintained for 24 h in air at the same level as in settled submerged animals. 2. There was an initial acidosis in the haemolymph which was both respiratory and metabolic due to the accumulation of CO2 and lactate. Progressive compensation by elevation of the levels of bicarbonate buffer in the haemolymph and reduction of circulating lactate levels returned pH towards submerged levels after 24 h in air. 3. Exposure to air resulted in a marked internal hypoxia with haemolymph O2, tensions, both postbranchial Pa, oo2 and prebranchial Pv, oo2, remaining low throughout the period of exposure. The oxygen content or the haemolymph was initially reduced, with a - vOO2 content difference close to zero. Within 24 h both Ca, oo2 and Cv, OO2 had returned towards their levels in submerged animals. These changes are explained by the Bohr shift on the haemocyanin consequent upon the measured pH changes. 4. After 48 h in air, MO2 and fH were significantly reduced and ventilation became intermittent. There was a slight secondary acidosis, increase in lactic acid levels and reduction in a - vO2 content difference in the haemolymph. 5. When crayfish were returned to water after 24 h in air, MOO2, fHfR were initially elevated by disturbance and there was a period of hyperventilation. In the haemolymph there was an initial slight alkalosis, and an increase in Ca, OO2 lactic acid. All variables returned to their settled submerged levels within 8 h.