Behavioral, Ventilatory and Thermoregulatory Responses to Hypercapnia and Hypoxia in the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) Strain

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the behavioral, respiratory, and thermoregulatory responses elicited by acute exposure to both hypercapnic and hypoxic environments in Wistar audiogenic rats (WARs). The WAR strain represents a genetic animal model of epilepsy.

METHODS

Behavioral analyses were performed using neuroethological methods, and flowcharts were constructed to illustrate behavioral findings. The body plethysmography method was used to obtain pulmonary ventilation (VE) measurements, and body temperature (Tb) measurements were taken via temperature sensors implanted in the abdominal cavities of the animals.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed between the WAR and Wistar control group with respect to the thermoregulatory response elicited by exposure to both acute hypercapnia and acute hypoxia (p>0.05). However, we found that the VE of WARs was attenuated relative to that of Wistar control animals during exposure to both hypercapnic (WAR: 133 ± 11% vs. Wistar: 243 ± 23%, p<0.01) and hypoxic conditions (WAR: 138 ± 8% vs. Wistar: 177 ± 8%; p<0.01). In addition, we noted that this ventilatory attenuation was followed by alterations in the behavioral responses of these animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that WARs, a genetic model of epilepsy, have important alterations in their ability to compensate for changes in levels of various arterial blood gasses. WARs present an attenuated ventilatory response to an increased PaCO2 or decreased PaO2, coupled to behavioral changes, which make them a suitable model to further study respiratory risks associated to epilepsy.

Serotonin in the dorsal periaqueductal gray inhibits panic-like defensive behaviors in rats exposed to acute hypoxia

It has been proposed that spontaneous panic attacks are the outcome of the misfiring of an evolved suffocation alarm system. Evidence gathered in the last years is suggestive that the dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) in the midbrain harbors a hypoxia-sensitive suffocation alarm system. We here investigated whether facilitation of 5-HT-mediated neurotransmission within the dPAG changes panic-like defensive reactions expressed by male Wistar rats submitted to a hypoxia challenge (7% O2), as observed in other animal models of panic. Intra-dPAG injection of 5-HT (20 nmol), (±)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT) (8 nmol), a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, or (±)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodo amphetamine hydrochloride (DOI) (16 nmol), a preferential 5-HT2A agonist, reduced the number of upward jumps directed to the border of the experimental chamber during hypoxia, interpreted as escape attempts, without affecting the rats' locomotion. These effects were similar to those caused by chronic, but not acute, intraperitoneal administration of the antidepressant fluoxetine (5-15 mg/kg), or acute systemic administration of the benzodiazepine receptor agonist alprazolam (1-4 mg/kg), both drugs clinically used in the treatment of panic disorder. Our findings strengthen the view that the dPAG is a key encephalic area involved in the defensive behaviors triggered by activation of the suffocation alarm system. They also support the use of hypoxia-evoked escape as a model of respiratory-type panic attacks.

Hypoxia-related gene expression profile in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: prognostic implications

A cellular hypoxic condition is a key event in several human cancers, but knowledge about its role in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is very limited. In the present study, the gene expression profile of hypoxia-related genes (HIF1A, CA9, VEGF and SCL2A1) was evaluated in bone marrow samples of 113 pediatric patients. HIF1A mRNA up-regulation was significantly associated with higher 5-year event-free survival rates in patients with B-ALL as well as in the overall ALL population in both univariate and multivariate analysis (p = 0.023 and p = 0.041, respectively). In gene expression analysis, low oxygen levels promoted HIF1A activation in a time-dependent manner, in both ALL cell lines. In vitro cytotoxic assays suggested an initial trend toward hypoxia-related resistance in the first 24 h, but evaluation at later time points (48-72 h) clearly showed that there was no relevant difference in drug response when comparing hypoxic and normal oxygen level conditions. Modulation of mRNA expression of several hypoxia-related genes was also observed after hypoxic exposure in a cell specific manner, suggesting that HIF1A mRNA expression could play a different role in specific subtypes of leukemia. Despite the remaining questions regarding hypoxia-mediated mechanisms, these findings could be helpful to provide new insights into the role of hypoxia in childhood ALL.

Parasympathetic activation by pyridostigmine on chemoreflex sensitivity in heart-failure rats

We evaluated the effects of parasympathetic activation by pyridostigmine (PYR) on chemoreflex sensitivity in a rat model of heart failure (HF rats). HF rats demonstrated higher pulmonary ventilation (PV), which was not affected by PYR. When HF and control rats treated or untreated with PYR were exposed to 15% O2, all groups exhibited prompt increases in respiratory frequency (RF), tidal volume (TV) and PV. When HF rats were exposed to 10% O2 they showed greater PV response which was prevented by PYR. The hypercapnia triggered by either 5% CO2 or 10% CO2 promoted greater RF and PV responses in HF rats. PYR blunted the RF response in HF rats but did not affect the PV response. In conclusion, PYR prevented increased peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity, partially blunted central chemoreflex sensitivity and did not affect basal PV in HF rats.

Hemodynamic and ventilatory response to different levels of hypoxia and hypercapnia in carotid body-denervated rats

OBJECTIVE

Chemoreceptors play an important role in the autonomic modulation of circulatory and ventilatory responses to changes in arterial O(2) and/or CO(2). However, studies evaluating hemodynamic responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia in rats have shown inconsistent results. Our aim was to evaluate hemodynamic and respiratory responses to different levels of hypoxia and hypercapnia in conscious intact or carotid body-denervated rats.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were submitted to bilateral ligature of carotid body arteries (or sham-operation) and received catheters into the left femoral artery and vein. After two days, each animal was placed into a plethysmographic chamber and, after baseline measurements of respiratory parameters and arterial pressure, each animal was subjected to three levels of hypoxia (15, 10 and 6% O(2)) and hypercapnia (10% CO(2)).

RESULTS

The results indicated that 15% O(2) decreased the mean arterial pressure and increased the heart rate (HR) in both intact (n = 8) and carotid body-denervated (n = 7) rats. In contrast, 10% O(2) did not change the mean arterial pressure but still increased the HR in intact rats, and it decreased the mean arterial pressure and increased the heart rate in carotid body-denervated rats. Furthermore, 6% O(2) increased the mean arterial pressure and decreased the HR in intact rats, but it decreased the mean arterial pressure and did not change the HR in carotid body-denervated rats. The 3 levels of hypoxia increased pulmonary ventilation in both groups, with attenuated responses in carotid body-denervated rats. Hypercapnia with 10% CO(2) increased the mean arterial pressure and decreased HR similarly in both groups. Hypercapnia also increased pulmonary ventilation in both groups to the same extent.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the hemodynamic and ventilatory responses varied according to the level of hypoxia. Nevertheless, the hemodynamic and ventilatory responses to hypercapnia did not depend on the activation of the peripheral carotid chemoreceptors.

Central ventilatory control in the South American lungfish, Lepidosiren paradoxa: contributions of pH and CO(2)

Lungfish represent a probable sister group to the land vertebrates. Lungfish and tetrapods share features of respiratory control, including central, peripheral and intrapulmonary CO(2) receptors. We investigated whether or not central chemoreceptors in the lungfish, L. paradoxa, are stimulated by CO(2) and/or pH. Ventilation was measured by pneumotachography for diving animals. The fourth cerebral ventricle was equipped with two catheters for superfusion. Initially, two control groups were compared: (1) catheterized animals with no superfusion and (2) animals superfused with mock CSF solutions at pH = 7.45; PCO(2) = 21 mmHg. The two groups had virtually the same ventilation of about 40 ml BTPS kg(-1) h(-1) (P > 0.05). Next, PCO(2) was increased from 21 to 42 mmHg, while pH(CSF) was kept at 7.45, which increased ventilation from 40 to 75 ml BTPS kg(-1) h(-1). Conversely, a decrease of pH(CSF) from 7.45 to 7.20 (PCO(2) = 21 mmHg) increased ventilation to 111 ml BTPS kg(-1) h(-1). Further decreases of pH(CSF) had little effect on ventilation, and the combination of pH(CSF) = 7.10 and PCO(2) = 42 mmHg reduced ventilation to 63 ml BTPS kg(-1) h(-1).

Components to the acid–base related ventilatory drives in the South American lungfish Lepidosiren paradoxa

Lungfish are closely related to terrestrial vertebrates (tetrapoda). Like tetrapods, the South American lungfish (Lepidosiren paradoxa) has central chemoreceptors involved in regulation of acid-base status. However, no data were available on peripheral CO(2)/[H(+)] receptors. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that such receptors exist by measuring the ventilatory responses during a 5h exposure to combined aquatic/gas phase hypercarbia 7% (approximately 49 mmHg). Normocarbic control ventilation was 22 ml BTPS kg(-1)h(-1), and hypercarbia increased ventilation to 175 ml BTPS kg(-1)h(-1) at 5h. This procedure was repeated with the modification that normocarbic mock CSF (pH 7.45; P(CO2) = 20.7 mmHg) was applied to superfuse the cerebral ventricular system during the last 2h of the experiment. This served to eliminate the hypercarbic stimulus to the central chemoreceptors, while possible responses from peripheral chemoreceptors would remain intact. Peripheral receptors were detected, since ventilation became reduced to 62 ml BTPS kg(-1)h(-1) (P<0.05), which exceeds the initial normocarbic control ventilation (P<0.05). Based on this, the peripheral contribution accounted for 20% of the total response to hypercarbia, similar to the contribution of these receptors in man.

An assessment of dead space in pulmonary ventilation of the toad Bufo schneideri

The respiratory cycles of Rana and Bufo has been disputed in relation to flow patterns and to the respiratory dead-space of the buccal volume. A small tidal volume combined with a much larger buccal space motivated the "jet steam" model that predicts a coherent expired flow within the dorsal part of the buccal space. Some other studies indicate an extensive mixing of lung gas within the buccal volume. In Bufo schneideri, we measured arterial, end-tidal and intrapulmonary PCO(2) to evaluate dead-space by the Bohr equation. Dead-space was also estimated as: V(D)=(total ventilation-effective ventilation)/f(R), where total ventilation and f(R) were measured by pneumotachography, while effective ventilation was derived from the alveolar ventilation equation. These approaches were consistent with a dead space of 30-40% of tidal volume, which indicates a specific pathway for the expired lung gas.

Acid‐Base Regulation in the South American LungfishLepidosiren paradoxa: Effects of Prolonged Hypercarbia on Blood Gases and Pulmonary Ventilation

The South American lungfish (Lepidosiren paradoxa) has well-developed lungs and highly reduced gills. To evaluate acid-base regulation, we applied hypercarbia while blood gases and pulmonary ventilation were measured for up to 48 h. Dorsal aortic blood was analyzed, and pulmonary ventilation was measured by pneumotachography. Two protocols were used: (1) normocarbia (control) followed by aquatic hypercarbia (7% CO2 approximately 49 mmHg), gas phase normocarbic; and (2) normocarbia (control) followed by combined aquatic/gas phase hypercarbia (7% CO2). Normocarbic values were pHa~7.5, Paco2 approximately 17 mmHg, and [HCO-3]pl approximately 22 mM. For protocol 1, the first hour of exposure increased Paco2 from 17.0 to 37.4 mmHg, and pHa fell to 7.21 and remained there for the rest of the experiment. At 3 h, pulmonary ventilation reached sixfold the normocarbic value but then decreased. For protocol 2, combined gas phase/water hypercarbia had a large effect on acid-base status. Thus, Paco2 increased gradually to 74 mmHg (pHa=7.15) at 48 h. At 3 h, ventilation reached a sixfold increase relative to normocarbic control but then rose further to a 60-fold peak at 6 h, followed by a gradual decline. As in some salamanders and air-breathing teleosts, there was no evidence of active extracellular modulation bicarbonate.

Pulmonary Oxygen Diffusing Capacity of the South American LungfishLepidosiren paradoxa: Physiological Values by the Bohr Method

Lungfish (Dipnoi) may represent the sister group to all land vertebrates and are therefore important for reconstructing the conquest of land by tetrapods. We determined venous and arterial blood gases, pulmonary O(2) uptake, and the form of the hemoglobin-O(2) dissociation curves in the South American lungfish Lepidosiren paradoxa. Measurements were performed at 25 degrees and 35 degrees C. Based on this information, we calculated its pulmonary O(2) diffusing capacity (D(L)O(2)), using the Bohr integration procedure. D(L)O(2) increased with temperature to reach about 0.04 mL stpd kg(-1) min(-1) mmHg(-1) at 35 degrees C. This value represents about 40% of the morphometric diffusing capacity and is similar to physiological values in some amphibians and reptiles.

Cardiorespiratory responses of the facultative air-breathing fish jeju, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (Teleostei, Erythrinidae), exposed to graded ambient hypoxia

The jeju, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus, is equipped with a modified part of the swim bladder that allows aerial respiration. On this background, we have evaluated its respiratory and cardiovascular responses to aquatic hypoxia. Its aquatic O2 uptake (V(O2)) was maintained constant down to a critical P(O2) (P(cO2)) of 40 mm Hg, below which V(O2) declined linearly with further reductions of P(iO2). Just below P(cO2), the ventilatory tidal volume (V(T)) increased significantly along with gill ventilation (V(G)), while respiratory frequency changed little. Consequently, water convection requirement (V(G)/V(O2)) increased steeply. The same threshold applied to cardiovascular responses that included reflex bradycardia and elevated arterial blood pressure (P(a)). Aerial respiration was initiated at water P(O2) of 44 mm Hg and breathing episodes and time at the surface increased linearly with more severe hypoxia. At the lowest water P(O2) (20 mm Hg), the time spent at the surface accounted for 50% of total time. This response has a character of a temporary emergency behavior that may allow the animal to escape hypoxia.

Effects of acute temperature changes on aerial and aquatic gas exchange, pulmonary ventilation and blood gas status in the South American lungfish, Lepidosiren paradoxa

Lungfish (Dipnoi) are probably sister group relative to all land vertebrates (Tetrapoda). The South American lungfish, Lepidosiren paradoxa, depends markedly on pulmonary gas exchange. In this context, we report on temperature effects on aquatic and pulmonary respiration, ventilation and blood gases at 15, 25 and 35 degrees C. Lung ventilation increased from 0.5 (15 degrees C) to 8.1 ml BTPS kg(-1) min(-1) (35 degrees C), while pulmonary O(2)-uptake increased from 0.06 (15 degrees C) to 0.73 ml STPD kg(-1) min(-1) (35 degrees C). Meanwhile aquatic O(2)-uptake remained about the same ( approximately 0.01 ml STPD kg(-1) min(-1)) at all temperatures. Concomitantly, the pulmonary gas exchange ratio (R(E)) rose from 0.11 (15 degrees C) to 0.62 (35 degrees C), because a larger fraction of total CO(2) output became eliminated by the lung. Accordingly, PaCO(2) rose from 13 (15 degrees C) to 37 mm Hg (35 degrees C), leading to a significant decrease of pHa at higher temperature (pHa=7.58-15 degrees C; 7.33-35 degrees C). The acid-base status of L. paradoxa was characterized by a generally low pH (7.4-7.5), high bicarbonate level (20-25 mM) and PaO(2) ( approximately 80 mm Hg). The increased dependence on the lung at higher temperature parallels data for amphibians. Further, the effects of bimodal gas exchange on temperature-dependent acid-base regulation closely resemble those of anuran amphibians.

The ventilatory response to environmental hypercarbia in the South American rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus

To study the effects of environmental hypercarbia on ventilation in snakes, particularly the anomalous hyperpnea that is seen when CO(2) is removed from inspired gas mixtures (post-hypercapnic hyperpnea), gas mixtures of varying concentrations of CO(2) were administered to South American rattlesnakes, Crotalus durissus, breathing through an intact respiratory system or via a tracheal cannula by-passing the upper airways. Exposure to environmental hypercarbia at increasing levels, up to 7% CO(2), produced a progressive decrease in breathing frequency and increase in tidal volume. The net result was that total ventilation increased modestly, up to 5% CO(2) and then declined slightly on 7% CO(2). On return to breathing air there was an immediate but transient increase in breathing frequency and a further increase in tidal volume that produced a marked overshoot in ventilation. The magnitude of this post-hypercapnic hyperpnea was proportional to the level of previously inspired CO(2). Administration of CO(2) to the lungs alone produced effects that were identical to administration to both lungs and upper airways and this effect was removed by vagotomy. Administration of CO(2) to the upper airways alone was without effect. Systemic injection of boluses of CO(2)-rich blood produced an immediate increase in both breathing frequency and tidal volume. These data indicate that the post-hypercapnic hyperpnea resulted from the removal of inhibitory inputs from pulmonary receptors and suggest that while the ventilatory response to environmental hypercarbia in this species is a result of conflicting inputs from different receptor groups, this does not include input from upper airway receptors.

The effects of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, adenosine triphosphate, and glycosylated hemoglobin on the hemoglobin-oxygen affinity of diabetic patients

The position of the oxygen dissociation curve (ODC) is modulated by 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG). Decreases in 2,3-DPG concentration within the red cell shift the curve to the left, whereas increases in concentration cause a shift to the right of the ODC. Some earlier studies on diabetic patients have reported that insulin treatment may reduce the red cell concentrations of 2,3-DPG, causing a shift of the ODC to the left, but the reports are contradictory. Three groups were compared in the present study: 1) nondiabetic control individuals (N = 19); 2) insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients (on insulin treatment) (N = 19); 3) non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients using oral hypoglycemic agents and no insulin treatment (N = 22). The overall position of the ODC was the same for the three groups despite an increase of the glycosylated hemoglobin fraction that was expected to shift the ODC to the left in both groups of diabetic patients (HbA1c: control, 4.6%; IDDM, 10.5%; NIDDM, 9.0%). In IDDM patients, the effect of the glycosylated hemoglobin fraction on the position of the ODC appeared to be counterbalanced by small though statistically significant increases in 2,3-DPG concentration from 2.05 (control) to 2.45 mol/ml blood (IDDM). Though not statistically significant, an increase of 2,3-DPG also occurred in NIDDM patients, while red cell ATP levels were the same for all groups. The positions of the ODC were the same for control subjects, IDDM and NIDDM patients. Thus, the PO2 at 50% hemoglobin-oxygen saturation was 26.8, 28.2 and 28.5 mmHg for control, IDDM and NIDDM, respectively. In conclusion, our data question the idea of adverse side effects of insulin treatment on oxygen transport. In other words, the shift to the left reported by others to be caused by insulin treatment was not detected.

Adrenergic receptors, Na+/H+ exchange and volume regulation in lungfish erythrocytes

Aestivation in African and South American lungfish (Protopterus and Lepidosiren, respectively) is associated with elevations of extracellular osmolarity. Osmotic shrinkage of Protopterus red blood cells (RBCs) caused a small but significant stimulation of the Na influx that was amiloride-sensitive. suggesting involvement of the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE). The associated in vitro regulatory volume increase was insignificant within a time frame of 120 min, but the shrinkage-activated Na+ influx may be sufficient for slow regulatory volume increase during aestivation in vivo. Osmotic swelling of the RBCs induced an incomplete regulatory volume decrease that was statistically significant after 180 min. The RBCs of Protopterus were very large (mean cellular volume of 6939 +/- 294 microm3) and possessed 23,066 +/- 7,326 beta-adrenoceptors cell(-1) with a Kd value of 6.1 +/- 3.2 nM. The number of receptors per unit surface area of lungfish RBCs was calculated to be twice that of trout RBCs and 70% that of cod RBCs. There was, however, no adrenergic stimulation of the NHE in either Protopterus or Lepidosiren. Acidification of the extracellular medium also failed to activate the NHE.

The differential cardio-respiratory responses to ambient hypoxia and systemic hypoxaemia in the South American lungfish, Lepidosiren paradoxa

Lungfishes (Dipnoi) occupy an evolutionary transition between water and air breathing and possess well-developed lungs and reduced gills. The South American species, Lepidosiren paradoxa, is an obligate air-breather and has the lowest aquatic respiration of the three extant genera. To study the relative importance, location and modality of reflexogenic sites sensitive to oxygen in the generation of cardio-respiratory responses, we measured ventilatory responses to changes in ambient oxygen and to reductions in blood oxygen content. Animals were exposed to aquatic and aerial hypoxia, both separately and in combination. While aerial hypoxia elicited brisk ventilatory responses, aquatic hypoxia had no effect, indicating a primary role for internal rather than branchial receptors. Reducing haematocrit and blood oxygen content by approximately 50% did not affect ventilation during normoxia, showing that the specific modality of the internal oxygen sensitive chemoreceptors is blood PO(2) per se and not oxygen concentration. In light of previous studies, it appears that the heart rate responses and the changes in pulmonary ventilation during oxygen shortage are similar in lungfish and tetrapods. Furthermore, the modality of the oxygen receptors controlling these responses is similar to tetrapods. Because the cardio-respiratory responses and the modality of the oxygen receptors differ from typical water-breathing teleosts, it appears that many of the changes in the mechanisms exerting reflex control over cardio-respiratory functions occurred at an early stage in vertebrate evolution.

Relationship between cerebro-spinal fluid pH and pulmonary ventilation of the South American lungfish, Lepidosiren paradoxa (Fitz.)

The respiratory control in land vertebrates (Tetrapoda) is mainly linked to regulation of acid-base status, which involves peripheral and central chemoreceptors. The lungfish (Dipnoi) might constitute the sister group of all land vertebrates (Tetrapoda) and possess a combination of real lungs and reduced gills. In this context, we evaluated the possible presence of central respiratory chemoreceptors in the South American Lungfish, Lepidosiren paradoxa. Pulmonary ventilation and respiratory frequency increased significantly with reductions of CSF pH by means of mock CSF solutions. This suggests that Lepidosiren possess central acid-base receptors.

Ventilation, gill perfusion and blood gases in dourado, Salminus maxillosus Valenciennes (teleostei, characidae), exposed to graded hypoxia

The dourado, Salminus maxillosus, is an active and migratory teleost found in lotic waters of Southern Brazil. We have studied the relationships of gas transport in dourado to the specific ecophysiology of this-species. Measurements were performed of blood gases, O2 uptake, gill ventilation and perfusion at normoxia and various levels of hypoxia. Thus, the study aimed at a detailed assessment of the causes of O2 transport failure, using recent models for gas transport in vertebrates. Oxygen uptake was maintained down to a critical water partial O2 pressure of 42 mmHg, below which it markedly decreased. This could be explained based on ventilatory and cardiovascular responses: Ventilation increased sufficiently to match decreases of water O2 partial pressure during moderate hypoxia (partial pressure of O2 > 42 mmHg) but failed to meet O2 demands below this value. Likewise, the cardiovascular responses were insufficient to maintain an adequate transport below moderatelevels of hypoxia. Thus, combined failure of ventilation and blood gas transport account for the abrupt decreases of O2 transport. The species proved highly vulnerable to hypoxia, which is consistent with the normally well-aerated habitat and the active mode of life of the species.

Temperature effects on lung and blood gases in Bufo paracnemis: consequences of bimodal gas exchange

The arterial pH decreases with rising body temperature in ectothermic vertebrates. We report on how this regulation was achieved in relation to bimodal respiration in the toad Bufo paracnemis. Gas exchange was measured for the lung and also for the whole body (skin and lung). In addition, lung gas pressures (PL(O2) and PL(CO2)) and arterial blood gases (pH and P(O2)) were measured at 17, 27 and 35 degrees C. Arterial pH fell from 7.85 at 17-7.64 at 35 degrees C. Concomitantly, PL(CO2) increased from 5.6 mmHg at 17 degrees C to 10.4 mmHg at 35 degrees C. Regardless of temperature, PL(O2) remained virtually constant at 125-126 mmHg, whereas arterial P(O2) increased significantly with rising temperature (50 mmHg at 17 degrees C; 79 mmHg at 35 degrees C). The pulmonary gas exchange ratio (RE) increased from 0.28 at 17 degrees C to 0.51 at 35 degrees C, while the ratio for whole body gas exchange (lung + skin) was close to 0.8 irrespective of temperature. Since CO2 conductance of the skin increased little with temperature, the lung eliminated a larger fraction of total CO2 output. This shift caused the increase of RE for pulmonary exchange with rising temperature, which increased PL(CO2) and contributed to a negative deltapHa/deltaT. Therefore, bimodal respiration in Bufo accounted for part of the temperature-dependent pH regulation, while the final adjustments depend on pulmonary ventilation.

Effects of dry season dormancy on oxygen uptake, heart rate, and blood pressures in the toad, Bufo paracnemis

The cardiodynamic consequences of dry season dormancy in ectothermic vertebrates is not well known. Our hypothesis was that dormancy would reduce cardiac activity. We therefore determined oxygen uptake and cardiovascular function in aestivating toads, Bufo paracnemis, native to São Paulo State, Brazil. Specimens were collected and kept in the laboratory under controlled temperature and light regimes. We compared oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood pressure, rate-pressure product (RPP), and blood gases in toads during aestivation (dry winter season) and their early active season (spring). Oxygen uptake of winter toads at 25 degrees C was considerably lower than that of spring toads (winter: 24.0 +/- 1.8 ml/(kgh); early spring: 44.4 +/- 5.1 ml/(kgh); mean +/- SE; same in the following). A seasonal dichotomy was also observed at 15 degrees C although the differences was less pronounced (15.8 +/- 1.8 ml/(kgh) winter; 23 +/- 2.1 ml/(kgh) early spring). Chronic arterial cannulation permitted measurements of cardiodynamic variables without any undesired change in VO2. Heart rates of winter toads were significantly lower than those of early spring animals at both experimental temperatures (25 degrees C: winter 25 +/- 1.4 beats/min.; early spring: 35.2 +/- 5.1 beats/min. 15 degrees C: winter 15, 4 +/- 1.8 beats/min.; early spring: 23.9 +/- 2.1 beats/min). Systemic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures decreased slightly but not significantly during aestivation. We conclude that: (1) Bufo paracnemis downregulates metabolic rate during the dry season and (2) heart rate is also downregulated with little change of blood pressure. While the energetics of these responses are probably beneficial for survival during aestivation, the underlying biochemical mechanisms remain obscure.

Characterization of the atrial natriuretic factor system in lungs of the toad Bufo paracnemis

Blood pressure in the amphibian pulmonary circulation is relatively high because a single ventricle serves both the systemic and pulmonary circulation, creating a high degree of plasma filtration from pulmonary capillaries. Previous studies have shown that lung atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) may have an important physiological function in preventing edema in mammals. In this study, we report the presence of the complete ANF system in the lungs of the toad Bufo paracnemis. Radioimmunoassay of tissue homogenates revealed that toad lung ANF concentration was approximately twice as high (928.5 +/- 83.0 pg mg-1 protein) as that of lung tissue in mammals of a similar size. The amount of ANF was significantly higher in the left than in the right atrium (15.0 +/- 1.2 versus 1.9 +/- 0.8 ng mg-1 protein; N = 4, P &lt; 0.001), while the ventricle contained 488.3 +/- 41.8 pg mg-1 protein. In extracts of both lungs and atria, high-performance liquid chromatography revealed two forms of the peptide; prohormone and a carboxy-terminal peptide of low molecular mass, which is the biologically active form of peptide. The presence of the prohormone suggests that ANF is synthesized in toad lungs and atria. Characterization of toad lung receptors by a competitive binding assay demonstrated three different subtypes of ANF receptors: the guanylyl cyclase (GC) receptors, GC-A and GC-B, as well as clearance (C) receptors. We conclude that the toad Bufo paracnemis has a well-developed complete ANF system in the lung, suggesting that it has a role in toad lung physiology.

Regulation of acid-base status in ectothermic vertebrates: the consequences for oxygen pressures in lung gas and arterial blood

Extensive literature reports a negative delta pHa/delta t in ectothermic vertebrates, but data are scarce as to its consequences for O2 transport. In reptiles, the negative delta pHa/delta t results from an elevated lung gas PCO2 (PACO2) at higher temperatures, implying a corresponding fall of PAO2. In parallel, arterial PO2 rises with temperature, due to a combination of central vascular shunt and decreasing Hb.O2 affinity. As a result, the PO2 gradient between lung gas and blood (PA-aO2) becomes reduced at higher temperatures. In amphibians, the negative delta pHa/delta t results from combined cutaneous and pulmonary CO2 elimination. We propose that this leads to a rather temperature-independent lung gas PO2. Moreover, our calculations suggest that resting reptiles and amphibians maintain a relatively large PA-aO2 also at high temperatures. The negative delta pHa/delta t in teleost fish is generally considered to be a result of modulated plasma [HCO3-]. Recent data from our laboratory suggest that acute pH adjustments at high temperatures may involve alterations of PaCO2 through gill ventilation, leading to a decrease of PaO2 with rising temperature.

Ventilatory responses to carboxyhaemoglobinaemia and hypoxic hypoxia in Bufo paracnemis

The modality of the O2 drive to breathe was evaluated in unanaesthetized Bufo paracnemis. Carbon monoxide (CO) hypoxia was applied to reduce CaO2 (arterial O2 content). Arterial PO2 (PaO2) was reduced through inspiration of hypoxic gas mixtures (hypoxic hypoxia). Measurements included pulmonary ventilation, CaO2, PaO2, pHa, blood pressure and heart rate. Application of fractional concentrations of CO equivalent to 0.001 reduced CaO2 from 11.6 +/- 1.2 to 8.6 +/- 0.7 vol% (mean +/- S.E.M., N = 6) without any effect on heart rate, blood pressure or ventilation. Inspiration of fractional concentrations of CO equivalent to 0.01 reduced CaO2 to 5.1 +/- 0.7 vol%, which was accompanied by increased ventilation. This response, however, correlated with a decreased arterial pH. The effect of a fractional concentration of CO of 0.01 on ventilation was abolished by compensation of pH through bicarbonate infusion. Consequently, carboxyhaemoglobinaemia per se failed to increase ventilation. By contrast, reductions of PaO2 clearly stimulated ventilation, which indicates that O2 partial pressure provides the principal O2 stimulus to breathe in Bufo paracnemis.

Ventilatory responses to hypoxia in the toad Bufo paracnemis before and after a decrease in haemoglobin oxygen-carrying capacity

The ventilatory and cardiovascular effects of a decreased O2-carrying capacity of the blood were evaluated in the toad Bufo paracnemis. Pulmonary ventilation was monitored using a pneumotachographic technique. Chronic arterial catheters served to record both cardiac frequency and blood pressure and enabled the withdrawal of blood samples for analysis of pH and partial pressure of O2 (PO2). Haemoglobin concentrations were determined by the cyanmethaemoglobin method. The ventilatory response to hypoxia was not affected by the reduction in blood O2-carrying capacity, which suggests that PO2 rather than O2 content is the regulated variable. The reduction in capacity is accompanied by an increased normoxic heart rate and by a reversal of the hypoxic tachycardia normally observed.

Temperature and central chemoreceptor drive to ventilation in toad (Bufo paracnemis)

The central chemoreceptor drive to ventilation was assessed in unanesthetized toads, Bufo paracnemis, exposed to three different temperatures: 15, 25 and 35 degrees C. The acid-base status of the fourth ventricle was manipulated by mock CSF perfusion. In additional experiments, arterial pH was varied by inspiration of hypercapnic gas mixtures. Ventilation was measured directly by pneumotachography and arterial blood samples were analyzed using electrodes for pH and PO2. Regardless of temperature, the ventilatory control of acid-base status was predominantly central. Moreover, an increase in temperature was accompanied by a proportional increase in the ventilatory response to chemoreceptor stimulation by either lowered mock CSF pH or hypercapnia. The alphastat hypothesis could not adequately account for the temperature effects on the ventilatory responses to hypercapnia or on air convection requirements in the toad.

Dependence on body size of respiratory function in Hoplias malabaricus (Teleostei, Erythrinidae) during graded hypoxia

Oxygen uptake and ventilatory responses to environmental hypoxia were assessed for two groups of Hoplias malabaricus of nearly tenfold different body weights (mean weights, group I = 39 g; group II = 365 g). The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationships between body weight and the critical O2 tension (PCO2) for maintenance of normal resting O2 uptake. The smaller specimens had a threefold larger weight-specific O2 uptake compared to that of the larger specimens. Moreover, smaller size coincided with a higher PCO2, i.e., a more limited range for maintenance of O2 uptake during hypoxia. Likewise, at any inspired PO2 the weight-specific gill ventilation was largest for group I. This was most pronounced during severe hypoxia where both tidal volume and respiratory frequency increased markedly. In addition, the oxygen cost of breathing tended to be highest in the smaller individuals. The results open questions as to correlations between development, weight-dependent O2 demands, and tolerance to hypoxia on an intraspecific level.

Development of blood pressure and cardiac reflexes in the frog Pseudis paradoxsus

Systemic arterial blood pressure and heart rate (fH) were measured in unanesthetized, unrestrained larvae and adults of the paradoxical frog, Pseudis paradoxus from São Paulo State in Brazil. Four developmental groups were used, representing the complete transition from aquatic larvae to primarily air-breathing adults. fH (49-66 beats/min) was not significantly affected by development, whereas mean arterial blood pressure was strongly affected, being lowest in the stage 37-39 larvae (10 mmHg), intermediate in the stage 44-45 larvae (18 mmHg), and highest in the juveniles and adults (31 and 30 mmHg, respectively). Blood pressure was not significantly correlated with body mass, which was greatest in the youngest larvae and smallest in the juveniles. In the youngest larvae studied (stages 37-39), lung ventilation was infrequent, causing a slight decrease in arterial blood pressure but no change in heart rate. Lung ventilation was more frequent in stages 44-45 larvae and nearly continuous in juveniles and adults floating at the surface. Bradycardia during both forced and voluntary diving was observed in almost every advanced larva, juvenile, and adult but in only one of four young larvae. Developmentally related changes in blood pressure were not complete until metamorphosis, whereas diving bradycardia was present at an earlier stage.

Autonomic basis for hypoxia-induced hyperglycaemia in toads (Bufo paracnemis)

1. Toads were exposed to steady hypoxic conditions (inspired PO2 = 40 mmHg) for 60 min. 2. Within the exposure time, glucose concentrations rose from about 30 mg% to a steady level of 45 mg%. The development of hyperglycaemia reached a stable level within 40 min. 3. This effect was eliminated by treatment with either propranolol or atropine, suggesting combined cholinergic and adrenergic activation.

Transient changes in blood pressure during spontaneous deep breaths in rats with sinoaortic deafferentation

Sinoaortic deafferentation (SAD) in rats produces moderate increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) along with a large augmentation of arterial pressure lability (APL). The mechanisms generating this APL are incompletely understood. To study the possible influence of breathing activity on APL in conscious SAD rats, we simultaneously recorded pulmonary ventilation and arterial blood pressure. The general pattern of pulmonary ventilation was the same in normal, sham-operated, and SAD rats. In all groups single large tidal volumes were regularly interposed in 1- to 2-min periods of shallower breathing. In SAD rats these single large inspirations were consistently accompanied by substantial and abrupt reductions of MAP, whereas this effect was markedly smaller or absent in normal and sham-operated rats. The data reflect the lack of fast moment-to-moment control of arterial pressure normally exerted by the aortic and carotid baroreceptors. In this context, effects of ventilatory changes must be considered along with humoral and neurogenic factors to explain APL after SAD.

Central chemoreceptor drive to breathing in unanesthetized toads, Bufo paracnemis

Central chemoreceptor drive to breathing was studied in unanesthetized toads, equipped with face masks to measure pulmonary ventilation and arterial catheters to analyze blood gases. Two series of experiments were performed. Expt. 1: The fourth cerebral ventricle was perfused with solutions of mock CSF, adjusted to stepwise decreasing pH values. Concomitant perfusion-induced increases of pulmonary ventilation, pHa and PaO2 were measured. Expt. 2: Inspiration of hypercapnic gas mixtures was applied to stimulate both central and peripheral chemoreceptors. Subsequently, only peripheral chemoreceptors were stimulated. This was accomplished by repeating the hypercapnic conditions while the fourth ventricle was perfused with mock CSF at pH 7.7. This procedure reduced the slope of the ventilatory response curve by about 80%. Taken together, the experiments suggest a highly dominant role of central chemoreceptors in the ventilatory acid-base regulation of the toad.

Effect of selective denervation of baroreceptors on pulmonary ventilation and arterial pressure lability in rat

Earlier studies report that sinoaortic baroreceptor denervation (SAD) in rats causes moderate elevation of mean arterial pressure along with a marked increase of arterial pressure lability (APL). In this context, we studied the effects of selective aortic denervation (AD) or selective carotid denervation (CD) on the regulation of blood pressure. In addition, we evaluated the effects of selective or total baroreceptor denervation on pulmonary ventilation and ventilation-related changes of arterial pressure. Mean arterial pressure was evaluated by computer-assisted techniques, and ventilation was measured by whole body plethysmography on conscious freely moving rats. With this approach, equal increases of mean arterial pressure were obtained for rats that had undergone AD, CD, and SAD. The APL was higher in SAD rats than in selectively denervated rats. CD and AD rats had an elevated APL relative to sham-operated animals, and its increase was approximately equal for the two selectively denervated groups. Total as well as selective denervation had relatively small effects on ventilation and on the general pattern of breathing. In all groups, this pattern consisted of regular ventilation, periodically interrupted by single deeper breaths. In SAD, AD, and CD animals, these larger tidal volumes were associated with marked transient reductions of mean arterial pressure, whereas small decreases of pressure occurred in sham-operated rats. The results indicate that both groups of baroreceptors must be present to keep mean arterial pressure at its normal level. Moreover, both receptor groups are equally important in reducing APL. Ventilation contributes to generation of APL after total or selective baroreceptor removal. Such ventilation-induced pressure changes are kept at a minimum in baroreceptor-intact rats.

Oxygen transfer kinetics of red blood cells of the turtle Pseudemys scripta elegans

The kinetics of O2 uptake into, and release from, the red blood cells (RBC) of the turtle Pseudemys scripta elegans were determined with a stopped-flow technique at varied temperature (10-30 degrees C) and pH (7.5-7.9). The results were compared to those obtained for RBC of other vertebrates and related to morphometric and physiological data on gas/blood diffusion in turtle lungs. The O2 transfer conductance of RBC, G, for O2 release into high concentrations of dithionite, considered to represent the best estimate of true RBC transfer conductance for O2 uptake and release, averaged 0.17 +/- 0.01 at 30 degrees C, 0.13 +/- 0.01 at 20 degrees C, 0.09 +/- 0.01 at 10 degrees C (mean +/- SD, in mmol.min-1.Torr-1.(mlRBC)-1). These values are about one half the corresponding value for human RBC, and this difference may be due to the larger size of turtle RBC (volume, 327 microns 3) compared to human RBC (90 microns 3). The temperature dependence of G, Q10 = 1.3 indicates that, as in human RBC, diffusion through aqueous media is the main limiting factor for O2 exchange. Morphometric data on the lungs of Pseudemys scripta suggest that the resistance to O2 transfer by RBC is lower than that offered by the gas-blood barrier. The total apparent transfer resistance to CO, obtained from previous measurements of pulmonary diffusing capacity for CO in the same species, is much higher than that predicted from the combination of RBC O2 kinetics and morphometric data on gas-blood barrier.

Control of breathing in an amphibian Bufo paracnemis: effects of temperature and hypoxia

Lung ventilation was measured in the toad, Bufo paracnemis, weight 500-800 g, at 15, 25 and 32 degree C during normoxia and hypoxia (5, 10, and 15% inspired O2). Arterial blood gases were measured during normoxic breathing. Typically breath-holds alternated with ventilatory periods, which were initiated by a stepwise pulmonary deflation. Then a series of breaths consisting of both expiratory and inspiratory volumes followed. At the end of the period the lungs were inflated in several steps. Increased temperature markedly augmented ventilation mostly through a five-fold increase in the number of ventilatory periods per unit time. Ventilation was also enhanced by hypoxia and this response was greatest at the highest temperature. Arterial PO2 rose from 35 to 96 Torr when temperature increased from 15 to 32 degrees C. Bufo resembles reptiles regarding these responses.

Pulmonary function of the green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas

Lung volumes, oxygen uptake (VO2), end-tidal PO2, and PCO2, diffusing capacity of the lungs for CO (DLCO), pulmonary blood flow (QL) and respiratory frequency were measured in the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) (49-127 kg body wt). Mean lung volume (VL) determined from helium dilution was 57 ml/kg and physiological dead space volume (VD) was about 3.6 ml/kg. QL, determined from acetylene uptake during rebreathing, increased in proportion to VO2 with temperature. Therefore, constant O2 content difference was maintained between pulmonary arterial and venous blood. DLCO, measured using a rebreathing technique, was 0.04 ml X kg-1 X min-1 X Torr-1 at 25 degrees C. Several cardiopulmonary characteristics in C. mydas are advantageous to diving: large tidal volume relative to functional residual capacity promotes fast exchange of the alveolar gas when the turtle surfaces for breathing: and the concomitant rise of pulmonary blood flow and O2 uptake with temperature assures efficient O2 transport regardless of wide temperature variations encountered during migrations.

The relative distribution of pulmocutaneous blood flow in Rana catesbeiana: effects of pulmonary or cutaneous hypoxia

The distribution of pulmocutaneous heart output to lungs and skin was determined in non-anaesthetized, fully recovered bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) by application of the microsphere method in order to study the modulation of blood flow to different gas exchange sites in amphibians during environmental air and water hypoxia. The relative perfusion of various skin areas was found to be rather heterogeneously distributed with an over-proportionately high blood flow to the ventral body surface. This distribution of flow among different skin areas remained unaffected by any type of environmental hypoxia. The relative perfusion of lungs and skin, however, was significantly affected by the pattern of environmental oxygen partial pressure. The relative lung perfusion (approximately equal to 80% of pulmocutaneous flow in normoxic control conditions) was increased during water hypoxia, and reduced with lowered inspired PO2. This mechanism could be interpreted as a readjustment of blood flow towards the gas exchange site with higher oxygen partial pressure, but may also represent a mechanism to prevent oxygen loss from the body stores at gas exchange sites of low oxygen tension.

Pulmonary diffusing capacity of the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity of the lungs (DLCO) was measured in bullfrogs, Rana catesbeiana (mean body weight 260 g) along with oxygen uptake, pulmonary perfusion and lung volume. The measurements were all performed by methods depending on mass-spectrometry. Pulmonary oxygen uptake, DLCO and perfusion all increased with body temperature. At 20 degrees C O2-uptake was 0.49 ml STPD . kg-1 . min-1 at rest and DLCO was 0.022 ml STPD . kg-1 . min-1 . Torr-1. At 30 degrees C the values for O2-uptake and DLCO approximately doubled. Lung volume was large (90 ml . kg-1) and independent of body temperature. Oxygen uptake and DLCO of the bullfrog were small compared to values for a similar-sized mammal but the ratios of DLCO to O2-uptake quite similar. Analysis of available data on DLCO and O2-uptake in ectotherms also suggests a close correlation between O2-uptake and DLCO.

Acid-base regulation during heating and cooling in the lizard, Varanus exanthematicus

Current concepts of acid-base balance in ectothermic animals require that arterial pH vary inversely with body temperature in order to maintain a constant OH-/H+ and constant net charge on proteins. The present study evaluates acid-base regulation in Varanus exanthematicus under various regimes of heating and cooling between 15 and 38 degrees C. Arterial blood was sampled during heating and cooling at various rates, using restrained and unrestrained animals with and without face masks. Arterial pH was found to have a small temperature dependence, i.e., pH = 7.66--0.005 (T). The slope (dpH/dT = -0.005), while significantly greater than zero (P less than 0.05), is much less than that required for a constant OH-/H+ or a constant imidazole alphastat (dpH/dT congruent to 0.018). The physiological mechanism that distinguishes this species from most other ectotherms is the presence of a ventilatory response to temperature-induced changes in CO2 production and O2 uptake, i.e., VE/VO2 is constant. This results in a constant O2 extraction and arterial saturation (approx. 90%), which is adaptive to the high aerobic requirements of this species.

Periodic breathing in the crocodile, Crocodylus niloticus: consequences for the gas exchange ratio and control of breathing

The ventilatory pattern in the Nile crocodile consists of episodes of breathing, interrupted by periods of breath-holding, the latter occupying 80% of total time during normal breathing at 25 degrees C. End-tidal gas composition varied with the periodic breathing but PO2 was always high (PO2 less than 110 torr) and PCO2 low (PCO2 less than 25 torr). The alveolar gas exchange ratio, RE, was very low during the non-ventilatory periods (RE congruent to 0.5), but increased markedly during ventilation. Breathing of hypoxic and hpercapnic gases caused a pronounced decrease in the duration of breath-holds. Hypercapnia decreased breathing frequency during ventilatory periods, but increased tidal volume. The results are discussed in relation to the practice of prolonged breath-holding associated with diving in crocodiles.

Pulmonary ventilation: perfusion relationships in terrestrial and aquatic chelonian reptiles

Pulmonary ventilation and perfusion have been measured directly in unanaesthetized turtles (Pelomedusa subrufa) and tortoises (Testudo pardalis) during normal air breathing and during the inspiration of both hypoxic and hypercapnic gases. Lung ventilation in air was intermittent in both species and particularly in the turtle was accompanied by transient increases in pulmonary perfusion. Hypercapnia (4% CO2 in air) elicited a twofold to threefold increase in pulmonary perfusion but a sixfold increase in pulmonary ventilation in both species. Consequently the ventilation:perfusion ratio more than doubled in value. Unlike the hypercapnic responses, hypoxia (5% O2 in N2) increased pulmonary perfusion by two to five times but increased pulmonary ventilation by less than two times, and so the ventilation:perfusion ratio fell by one-half during hypoxic exposure. These data are interpreted in terms of intermittent breathing and processes of O2 and CO2 transport.