Thermoregulation,gas exchange,and ventilation in Adelie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae)

Summary Adelie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) experience a wide range of ambient temperatures (T _a) in their natural habitat. We examined body temperature (T _b), oxygen consumption ( ), carbon dioxide production ( ), evaporative water loss ( ), and ventilation atT _a from –20 to 30 °C. Body temperature did not change significantly between –20 and 20°C (meanT _b=39.3°C).T _b increased slightly to 40.1 °C atT _a=30°C. Both and were constant and minimal atT _a between –10 and 20°C, with only minor increases at –20 and 30°C. The minimal of adult penguins (mean mass 4.007 kg) was 0.0112 ml/[g·min], equivalent to a metabolic heat production (MHP) of 14.9 Watt. The respiratory exchange ratio was approximately 0.7 at allT _a. Values of were low at lowT _a, but increased to 0.21 g/min at 30°C, equivalent to 0.3% of body mass/h. Dry conductance increased 3.5-fold between –20 and 30°C. Evaporative heat loss (EHL) comprised about 5% of MHP at lowT _a, rising to 47% of MHP atT _a=30°C. The means of ventilation parameters (tidal volume [VT], respiration frequency [f], minute volume [I], and oxygen extraction [ ]) were fairly stable between –20 and 10°C (VT did not change significantly over the entireT _a range). However, there was considerable inter- and intra-individual variation in ventilation patterns. AtT _a=20–30°C,f increased 7-fold over the minimal value of 7.6 breaths/min, and I showed a similar change. fell from 28–35% at lowT _a to 6% atT _a=30°C.Abbreviations C thermal conductance - EHL evaporative heat loss - oxygen extraction - f respiratory frequency - MHP metabolic heat production - evaporative water loss - LCT lower critical temperature - RE respiratory exchange ratio - T _a ambient temperature - T _b body temperature - rate of oxygen consumption - rate of carbon dioxide production - I inspiratory minute volume - VT tidal volume     

Effects of temperature and altitude on ventilation and gas exchange in chukars (Alectoris chukar)

Summary The effects of ambient temperature (T _a) on ventilation and gas exchange in chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) were determined after acclimation to low and high altitute (LA and HA; 340 and 3,800 m, respectively).At both LA and HA, oxygen consumption ( ) increased with decreasingT _a atT _a from 20 to –20°C. AtT _a of 35 to 40°C, increased above thermoneutral values at HA but remained constant and minimal at LA. Water loss rates increased rapidly atT _a>30°C at both altitudes as birds began to pant. Ventilation rates (f) during panting were 5-to 23-fold greater than the minimalf at thermoneutralT _a.Increased atT _a below thermoneutrality was supported by increased minute volume (V i) at both altitudes. The change inV i was primarily a function of changing tidal volume (V t), althoughf increased slightly asT _a declined. Oxygen extraction ( ) remained fairly constant atT _a below 20°C at both altitudes. BothV t and were considerably lower when birds were panting than at lowerT _a.Chukars showed few obvious ventilatory adaptations to HA. The 35% change in between 340 and 3,800 m was accommodated by a corresponding change inV i (btps), most of which was accomplished by increasedf at HA, along with a slight increase in .Abbreviations and symbols HA high altitude - LA low altitude - rate of evaporative water loss - oxygen extraction efficiency - f respiratory frequency - V t tidal volume - V i minute volume - BMR basal metabolic rate - MHP metabolic heat production     

Ventilation and oxygen consumption in rosy finches and house finches at sea level and high altitude

Summary Rosy finches (Leucosticte arctoa) breed at altitudes above 3500 m in eastern California. House finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) belong to the same subfamily (Carduelinae), but breed at much lower elevations. Oxygen consumption ( ) and ventilatory parameters of these two species were measured over a wide range of ambient temperatures (T _a) at low altitude (LA; 150 m) and at high altitude (HA; 3800 m).Minimal nighttime 's of rosy finches and house finches at LA (T _a=30°C) were close to allometrically predicted values for passerine birds. At both altitudes, increased linearly with decreasingT _a betweenT _a=20 and –10°C. Resting 's were slightly higher at HA than at LA on average.In both species, minute volume ( ) was inversely related toT _a.T _a-correlated increases in resulted from significant increases in both ventilatory frequency (f) and tidal volume (V T) at both altitudes. Oxygen extraction efficiency ( ) was independent ofT _a in rosy finches at LA, but declined significantly with decreasingT _a in rosy finches at HA and in house finches at both altitudes.At a givenT _a, both species had significantly greater (BTPS) at HA than at LA. Altitude-correlated increases in resulted primarly from increases inf with little change inV T. was significantly greater at HA than at LA in both species.In spite of the difference in altitudinal distributions of rosy finches and house finches, there were few conspicuous interspecific differences in metabolic or ventilatory adaptation to altitude or lowT _a over the range of conditions examined.Symbols and abbreviations BMR basal metabolic rate - BTPS at body temperature and pressure, saturated - oxygen extraction efficiency - f ventilation frequency - h mean coefficient of heat transfer - HA high altitude - instantaneous oxygen consumption - LA low altitude - RH relative humidity - SMR standard metabolic rate - STPD standard temperature and pressure, dry - T temperature - a ambient - b body - lc lower critical of thermoneutral zone - minute volume - V T tidal volume     

Effects of ambient temperature and altitude on ventilation and gas exchange in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus)

Summary The effects of different ambient temperatures (T _a) on gas exchange and ventilation in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) were determined after acclimation to low and high altitude (340 and 3,800 m).At both low and high altitude, oxygen consumption ( ) decreased with increasingT _a atT _a from –10 to 30 °C. The was 15–20% smaller at high altitude than at low altitude atT _a below 30 °C.Increased atT _a below thermoneutrality was supported by increased minute volume ( ) at both low and high altitude. At mostT _a, the change in was primarily a function of changing respiration frequency (f); relatively little change occurred in tidal volume (V _T) or oxygen extraction efficiency (O₂EE). AtT _a=0 °C and below at high altitude, was constant due to decliningV _T and O₂EE increased in order to maintain high .At high altitude, (BTP) was 30–40% higher at a givenT _a than at low altitude, except atT _a below 10 °C. The increased at high altitude was due primarily to a proportional increase inf, which attained mean values of 450–500 breaths/min atT _a below 0 °C. The (STP) was equivalent at high and low altitude atT _a of 10 °C and above. At lowerT _a, (STPD) was larger at low altitude.At both altitudes, respiratory heat loss was a small fraction (<10%) of metabolic heat production, except at highT _a (20–30 °C).Abbreviations EHL evaporative heat loss - f respiration frequency - HL _a heat loss from warming tidal air - HL _e evaporative heat loss in tidal air - HL total respiratory heat loss - MHP metabolic heat production - O ₂ EE oxygen extraction efficiency - RQ respiratory quotient - T _a ambient temperature - T _b body temperatureT _lc lower critical temperature - carbon dioxide production - evaporative water loss - oxygen consumption - minute volume - V _T tidal volume     

Dynamics of cardiorespiratory function in Standardbred horses during different intensities of constant-load exercise

Summary Six Standardbred horses were used to evaluate the time course of pulmonary gas exchange, ventilation, heart rate (HR) and acid base balance during different intensities of constant-load treadmill exercise. Horses were exercised at approximately 50%, 75% and 100% maximum oxygen uptake ( max) for 5 min and measurements taken every 30 s throughout exercise. At all work rates, the minute ventilation, respiratory frequency and tidal volume reached steady state values by 60 s of exercise. At 100% max, the oxygen consumption ( ) increased to mean values of approximately 130 ml/kg·min, which represents a 40-fold increase above resting . At the low and moderate work rates, showed no significant change from 30 s to 300 s of exercise. At the high work rate, the mean at 30 s was 80% of the value at 300 s. The HR showed no significant change over time at the moderate work rate but differing responses at the low and high work rates. At the low work rate, the mean HR decreased from 188 beats/min at 30 s to 172 beats/min at 300 s exercise, whereas at the high work rate the mean HR increased from 204 beats/min at 30 s to 221 beats/min at 300 s exercise. No changes in acid base status occurred during exercise at the low work rate. At the moderate work rate, a mild metabolic acidosis occurred which was nonprogressive with time, whereas the high work rate resulted in a progressive metabolic acidosis with a base deficit of 16 mmol/l by 300 s exercise. It is concluded that the kinetics of gas exchange during exercise are more rapid in the horse than in man, despite the relatively greater change in in the horse when going from rest to high intensity exercise.Symbols and abbreviations E minute ventilation - V _T tidal volume - oxygen uptake - carbon dioxide output - oxygen pulse - ventilatory equivalent for oxygen - ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide - R respiratory exchange ratio - HR heart rate - SBC standard bicarbonate - STPD standard temperature and pressure dry - BTPS body temperature and pressure saturated - arterial oxygen content - arteriovenous oxygen content difference - Rf respiratory frequency     

Metabolism,temperature relations,maternal behavior,and reproductive energetics in the ball python (Python regius)

Summary Thermogenic incubation has been documented in two large species of pythons, but the phenomenon has not been studied in small species with concomitantly large heat transfer coefficients. We describe behavior, metabolic rates, mass changes, and temperature relations for adult ball pythons (Python regius), the smallest member of the genus, during the reproductive cycle. Egg and hatchling metabolism and hatchling growth rates were also examined.Rates of oxygen consumption ( ) of both gravid and non-gravid snakes showed typical ectothermic responses to changing ambient temperature (T _a). TheQ ₁₀ forT _a's of 20–35°C was 2.2–2.3. The of gravid females was significantly greater than that of non-gravid snakes at allT _a. Maximum oxygen consumption ( max) during forced exercise was about 12 times resting atT _a=30°C.Eggs (5–6 per female) were laid in April. Total clutch mass was approximately 32% of the females' pre-oviposition mass. After oviposition, mother snakes coiled tightly around their clutches and remained in close attendance until the eggs hatched in June. Sudden decreases inT _a elicited abrupt but transient 2- to 4-fold increases in the of incubating females. Similar responses were not observed in non-incubating snakes. The steady-state of incubating females was independent ofT _a. In no case was body temperature (T _b) elevated more than a few tenths of a degree aboveT _a in steady-state conditions.The of developing eggs increased sigmoidally through the 58–70 day incubation period. Total oxygen consumption during incubation atT _a=29.2°C was about 3.61 per egg. Young snakes quadrupled their mass during their first year of growth.Compared to larger python species which are endothermic during incubation, ball pythons have similar aerobic scopes and higher mass-specific max. However, effective endothermy in ball pythons is precluded by high thermal conductance and limited energy stores.     

Altitudinal and seasonal effects on aerobic metabolism of deer mice

Summary I compared the maximal aerobic metabolic rates ( ), field metabolic rates (FMR), aerobic reserves ( -FMR), and basal metabolic rates (BMR) of wild and recently captured deer mice from low (440 m) and high (3800 m) altitudes. To separate the effects of the thermal environment from other altitudinal effects, I examined mice from different altitudes, but similar thermal environments (i.e., summer mice from high altitude and winter mice from low altitude). When the thermal environment was similar, , FMR, and aerobic reserve of low and high altitude mice did not differ, but BMR was significantly higher at high altitude. Thus, in the absence of thermal differences, altitude had only minor effects on the aerobic metabolism of wild or recently captured deer mice.At low altitude, there was significant seasonal variation in , FMR, and aerobic reserve, but not BMR. BMR was correlated with , but not with FMR. The significant positive correlation of BMR with indicates a cost of high , because higher BMR increases food requirements and energy use during periods of thermoneutral conditions.Abbreviations BMR basal metabolic rate - FMR field metabolic rate - partial pressure of oxygen - T _a ambient temperature - T _b body temperature - T _e operative temperature - maximal aerobic metabolic rate     

Skeletal muscle [(V)\dot]O2 \dot V_{O_2 } in rat and lemming: Effect of blood flow rate

Summary The rate of oxygen consumption ( ) by skeletal muscle was investigated in isolated perfused hindlimbs of laboratory rats and lemmings (Lemmus). In both species, increased in proportion to blood flow rate, even at flow rates 4–5 times above resting level. The slope of the line relating to skeletal muscle blood flow was significantly greater in the lemming than in the rat. This may be related to the inverse relationship between body weight and metabolic rate. These data support the hypothesis that in small animals a dependent relationship exists between blood flow and skeletal muscle .     

Resting metabolic rates in boid snakes: allometric relationships and temperature effects

Summary Resting metabolic rates (RMR) of 34 species from 18 genera of boas and pythons (Serpentes: Boidae), with body masses ranging from 2 to 67,800 g, were determined as oxygen consumption ( ) and carbon dioxide production ( ) at three ambient temperatures (T _a).The temperature coefficient of metabolism (Q₁₀) averaged 2.61 betweenT _a of 20–30°C and 2.65 between 30 and 34°C. The respiratory exchange ratio RE (= / ) increased slightly with increasingT _a (0.795 at 20°C, 0.819 at 30°C, and 0.834 at 34°C). Interspecific differences in Q₁₀ and RE were slight or insignificant.A multiple regression relating metabolism ( ) to mass andT _a explained 97% of the variance in the pooled interspecific data. The mass exponent was 0.806, which is approximately the same as reported for squamates and for all reptilian taxa combined. The mean within-species slope (0.732) was significantly less than the slope for pooled data, but did not differ significantly from 0.75. In 40 of 42 cases (14 species at 3T _a), within-species slopes did not differ from each other. Values of the adjusted mean Y, from covariance analysis, were significantly and positively correlated with mass, indicating that the mass coefficient increases with increasing mass.Considerable variation in metabolic rate is apparent both within and between ecological and taxonomic categories.Original metabolic data are available from the National Auxiliary Publications Services, c/o Microfiche Publication, P.O. Box 3153 Grand Central Station, New York, New York 10017, USA     

Physiological responses to cold (10° C) in men after six months' practice of yoga exercises

A study was conducted on 30 healthy soldiers (age: 40–46 years) to assess the effect of selected yogic exercises (asanas) on some physiological responses to cold exposure. They were randomly divided into two groups of 15 each. One group performed regular physical exercises of physical training (PT), while the other group practised yogic exercises. At the end of 6 months of training, both the groups were exposed together to cold stress at 10°C for 2 h, and the following parameters were periodically monitored during cold exposure: heart rate (fH), blood pressure (BP), cardiac output , oral temperature (T_or), skin temperature (T _sk), respiratory rate (fR), minute ventilation , oxygen consumption , and shivering response by integrated electromyogram (EMG). There were progressive increases inBP, fR, , , and and decreases infH,T _or andT _sk during cold exposure in both the groups. However, the decrease inT _or and the increases in and were relatively lower (P<0.01) in the yoga group as compared to the PT group. The shivering response appeared much earlier and was more intense in the PT group. These findings suggest that practice of yoga exercises may improve cold tolerance.     

Aerobic metabolism of the lizardVaranus exanthematicus: Effects of activity, temperature, and size

Summary Oxygen consumption was measured at rest and during spontaneous activity at body temperatures of 25 and 35°C in 14 fasting Savanna monitor lizards,Varanus exanthematicus ranging in weight from 172 to 7500 g. The allometric relationship between metabolic rate at 25°C and body weight (W) is given by: (ml O₂ STPD·g^–1·hr^–1)=0.88W ^–0.43 (Fig. 2). Although statistical comparisons are equivocal, this intraspecific size dependence exceeds that reported for interspecific comparisons among reptiles and other vertebrate groups (Fig 3). A reproducible diurnal pattern of activity was observed in undisturbed animals with minimum values of between 2400 and 0800 h (Fig. 1). Spontaneous activity and generally reached peak values between 1200 and 2000 hrs. The average ratio of active aerobic metabolic rate (AMR) to minimum (standard) aerobic metabolic rate (SMR) was 8.2. This voluntary AMR/SMR inVaranus exceeds the AMR/SMR for most reptiles stimulated to exhaustion. The high aerobic capacity is consistent with other evidence for efficient exchange and transport of respiratory gases inV. exanthematicus; e.g., low or absent intracardiac shunt flow resulting in high arterial saturation and low ventilation and perfusion requirements.     

Energy requirements of Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) chicks

Summary The energy requirements of Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) chicks were analysed with respect to body mass (W, 0.145–3.35 kg, n=36) and various forms of activity (lying, standing, minor activity, locomotion, walking on a treadmill). Direct respirometry was used to measure O₂ consumption ( ) and CO₂ production. Heart rate (HR, bpm) was recorded from the ECG obtained by both externally attached electrodes and implantable HR-transmitters. The parameters measured were not affected by hand-rearing of the chicks or by implanting transmitters. HR measured in the laboratory and in the field were comparable. Oxygen uptake ranged from in lying chicks to at maximal activity, RQ=0.76. Metabolic rate in small wild chicks (0.14–0.38 kg) was not affected by time of day, nor was their feeding frequency in the colony (Dec 20–21). Regressions of HR on were highly significant (p< 0.0001) in transmitter implanted chicks (n=4), and two relationships are proposed for the pooled data, one for minor activities ( ), and one for walking ( ). Oxygen consumption, mass of the chick (2–3 kg), and duration of walking (T, s) were related as , whereas mass-specific O₂ consumption was related to walking speed (S, m·s^-1) as .Abbreviations bpm beats per minute - D distance walked (m) - ECG electrocardiogram - HR heart rate (bpm) - ns number of steps - RQ respiratory quotient - S walking speed (m·s^-1) - T time walked (s) - W body mass (kg)     

Effect of temperature and humidity on evaporative water loss in Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna)

Summary Evaporative water loss (EWL), oxygen concumption , and body temperature (T_b) of Anna's Hummingbirds (Calypte anna; ca. 4.5g) were measured at combinations of ambient temperature (T_a) and water vapor density (_va) ranging from 20 to 37 °C and 2 to 27 g·m^-3, respectively. The EWL decreased linearly with increasing _va at all temperatures. The slopes of least squares regression lines relating EWL to _va at different temperatures were not significantly different and averaged-0.50 mg H₂O·m^-3·g^-2·h^-1 (range:-0.39 to-0.61). Increased _va restricted EWL in C. anna more than has been reported for other endotherms in dry air. The percent of metabolic heat production dissipated by evaporation ( ) was lower than that of other birds in dry air, but higher than that for other birds at high humidity when T_a 33 °C. When T_a>33 °C the effect of humidity on was similar to that in other birds. Calypte anna might become slightly hyperthermic at T_a>37 °C, which could augment heat transfer by increasing the T_b-T_a gradient. Body temperature for C. anna in this study was 43 °C (intramuscular) at T_as between 25 and 35 °C, which is above average for birds. It is estimated that field EWL is less than 30% of daily water loss in C. anna under mild temperature conditions (<35 °C).Abbreviations BMR basal metabolic rate - EWL evaporative water loss - percent of metabolic heat production dissipated by evaporation - ambient water vapor density - body surface water vapor density - RMR resting metabolic rate - T_a ambient-temperature - T_b body temperature - T_d dew-point temperature - TNZ thermoneutral zone - T_s body surface temperature - carbon dioxide production - oxygen consumption     

Adaptive variations in heat production within Gerbils (genus Gerbillus) from different habitats

Summary Species of the genus Gerbillus are very common among the rodent fauna inhabiting arid zones and dune habitats in the palaearctic region. In Israel G. nanus is distributed in extreme arid areas, while G. allenbyi is common in coastal plain dune habitats, of mesic and semi-arid areas. Therefore, their distribution pattern is considered allopatric.Heat production, estimated by the oxygen consumption (Vo2), and body temperature (T _b) at various ambient temperatures were measured in both gerbils. The thermoneutral zone for G. allenbyi is between T _a=28–35° C ( T _b=36.3–38.3° C) and for G. nanus is at T _a=33±1° C ( , T _b=38.8° C). The values at thermoneutrality are 75.7% and 50.6% respectively of the calculated values for rodents with a mean body weight of 35.3 g and 28.4 g.Nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) was measured in both species as the maximal response to an injection of noradrenaline (2.0 mg/Kg s.c.). NST magnitude was the same for both species.The results show that both gerbils are adapted to arid environments. The difference in the thermoneutral zones of the two species is discussed in terms of its adaptive nature.     

Temperature induced peripheral blood flow changes in lizards

Summary The influence of local temperature changes within the posterior portion of the body on dorsal aorta blood flow ( ), femoral arterial pressure (P _a ), peripheral resistance (R), skin blood flow ( ) and skeletal muscle blood flow ( ) was examined in unanesthetized lizards (Iguana iguana andTubinambis nigropunctatus). In response to local heating of the hind legs and tail and increased,P _a was generally unchanged,R decreased and decreased or was unchanged (Fig. 2). It is suggested that the acquisition of heat may be favored by diverting the increase in away from the muscle to the warmer skin. In response to cooling and decreased,P _a was generally unchanged, R increased and increased or was unchanged. Hence, during cooling the retention of heat may be favored by diverting blood away from the skin to the deeper muscle. The muscle-skin shunt is under sympathetic control since following blockade with phenoxybenzamine HCL (Dibenzyline) muscle blood flow changes in response to temperature were qualitatively similar to those of skin (Fig. 4). These changes in peripheral circulatory patterns are independent of changes in heart rate or deep body temperature.Baker and Weathers were predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees, respectively, under USPHS Grant HE-05696. This study was also supported by NSF Grant GB-8523 and Los Angeles County Heart Association Grant 437IG.     

The nucleotide sequence ofBeneckea harveyi 5S rRNA

Summary The complete sequence of the 5S rRNA from the bioluminescent bacterium,Beneckea harveyi has been determined to be p U G C U U G G C G C C A U A G C G A U U-G G A C C C A C U G A (U) C U U C A U U C C-G A A C C A G A A G U G A A C G A A U U A-G G C C G A U G G U G U G U G G G G C U-C C C C A U G U A G A G U A G G A A U C G-C C A G G U (U)_OH.Two sites of sensitivity to ribonuclease T₂ cleavage were identified; at A₄₁ and either A₅₄ or A₅₅. Comparison with existing sequence information fromEscherichia coli andPhotobacterium phosphoreum clarifies the amount of diversity among the bioluminescent bacteria and provides further insight into their phylogenetic position. Sequence heterogeneities were encountered and the importance of these in interpreting 5S rRNA data is discussed.     

Activity and oxygen consumption during hypoxic exposure in high altitude and lowland sceloporine lizards

Summary Resting rates of O₂ consumption against , exercise endurance times and during recovery from vigorous exercise were measured inSceloporus occidentalis captured near sea level and inS. graciosus captured above 2850 m. Oxygen consumption against was also measured inS. occidentalis captured above 2850 m. When was recorded continuously, as ambient was slowly reduced from 155 Torr, it became directly dependent upon ambient between 110 and 120 Torr. The critical for the high altitude lizards was lower than that for the lowland lizards, which enabled the former to maintain relatively higher 's when ambient was reduced below 120 Torr. The high altitude lizards also had significantly greater endurance when stimulated to exercise at 1600 m ( 130 Torr). Both the higher under hypoxia and the greater endurance roughly parallel a significantly greater maximum in the high altitude lizards. At a simulated altitude of 3600 m ( 100 Torr), maximum and rate of recovery of the O₂ debt calculated from post active were significantly reduced in the lowland but not the high altitude lizards. The effects of simulated altitude conditions on the lowland but not the mountaine animals indicate adaptations to altitude in these sceloporine lizards. We did not find any consistent relationship between organ/body weight ratios or hematocrit and our measures of endurance or the altitude at which the lizards were captured.     

Ventilation and gas exchange during rest and exercise in adult green sea turtles

Summary Ventilation and metabolic rate were measured during exercise in adult female green turtles at Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Six turtles were studied at night on the beach while actively covering their nests. Five turtles, captured after nesting, were studied at rest, during 20 min of spontaneous activity, and during recovery from the activity. Arterial blood samples were obtained from the latter animals and analyzed for pH, , O₂ concentration and lactate concentration. Blood was obtained by heart puncture from 8 turtles immediately after nesting and analyzed for blood lactate. Active metabolism ( ) in both groups was almost 10 times the standard resting value (0.024 l/kg·h). The increase in ventilation during exercise, due exclusively to higher breathing frequency, exceeded the increase in , so that the ratio (the air convection requirement), more than doubled. The respiratory exchange ratio, , that averaged 0.56 in the resting turtles, increased to 1.08 during exercise in the captured turtles and was 0.90 in the nesting animals. Arterial and O₂ saturation remained unchanged during exercise, indicating efficient gas exchange in the lungs. Pre-exercise values of all variables were restored 1 h after the end of exercise. Blood acid-base changes associated with activity in the captive turtles were variable and not statistically significant, but suggested partially compensated metabolic acidosis. Lactate concentrations were significantly elevated in the nesting turtles.     

The effect of ambient temperature on the relationship between ventilation and metabolism in a small parrot (Agapornis roseicollis)

Summary Values for basal metabolism, standard tidal volume (V _T), standard minute volume ( ), and mean extraction efficiency (EO₂) in the thermal neutral zone (TNZ) inAgapornis roseicollis (1.84 ml·min^–1; 0.95 ml·br^–1, STPD; and 33.3 ml·min^–1, STPD; and 22.5%; respectively) were all very similar to values for these parameters previously measured inBolborhynchus lineola, a similarly sized, closely related species from a distinctly different habitat.Having both a lower critical temperature (T_lc) below and an upper critical temperature (T_uc) above those ofB. lineola, the TNZ ofA. roseicollis extended from 25° to at least 35°C. The thermal conductance below the TNZ ofA. roseicollis was 14% less than that ofB. lineola. Therefore, at 5°C the standard metabolic rate (SMR) of the former is 17% less than that of the latter, and at 35°C it is 20% less. At 5°CA. roseicollis has a lower EO₂ and at 35°C a higher EO₂ than that ofB. lineola. The patterns of resting energy metabolism and of ventilation ofA. roseicollis and ofB. lineola are consistent with the former species being better suited to living in a more variable thermal environment than the latter.MeanV _T has a weak positive correlation with the rate of oxygen consumption ( ) at a constant ambient temperature (T _a) but a much stronger correlation when resting increases in response to a decrease inT _a.V _t is the only ventilatory parameter which is linearly correlated toT _a from 35° to –25°C. The data suggest thatT _a may have a regulatory effect onV _T somewhat independent of or .     

Effects of long scotophase and cold acclimation on heat production in two diurnal rodents

Summary Heat production of two diurnal rodents,Rhabdomys pumilio andLemniscomys griselda was measured in long scotophase-LS (8L: 16D; 25°C) acclimated and long scotophase and cold — LSAC (8L: 16D; 6°C) acclimated animals and compared to a control group (12L: 12D; 25°C).LS increased in both species. Further acclimation of LSAC increased inR. pumilio and decreased inL. griselda. LS increased body temperature (T _b) inL. griselda only. LS increased overall thermal conductance in both species. LSAC caused a further increase in this parameter inR. pumilio.A singificant (P<0.001) increase in the magnitude of maximal nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) was observed in both species due to LS acclimation. LSAC did not change this maximal NST but increased its obligatory part (minimal , P<0.05, inL. griselda, andP<0.001, inR. pumilio).The results of this study show that winter acclimatization of heat production mechanisms, in both species, may be due to extension of scotophase.Abbreviations LS long scotophase - LSAC long scotophase and cold - NA noradrenaline - NST nonshivering thermogenesis - RMR resting metabolic rate