1
|
Felipo-Benavent M, Valls M, Monteiro MC, Jávega B, García-Párraga D, Rubio-Guerri C, Martínez-Romero A, O’Connor JE. Platelet phosphatidylserine exposure and microparticle production as health bioindicators in marine mammals. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1393977. [PMID: 38799726 PMCID: PMC11117335 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1393977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
In human medicine, various pathologies, including decompression sickness, thrombocytopenia, and rheumatoid arthritis, have been linked to changes in cellular microparticles (MP) formation, particularly platelet microparticles (PMP). Similar disorders in marine mammals might be attributed to anthropogenic threats or illnesses, potentially impacting blood PMP levels. Thus, detecting platelet phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure and PMP formation could serve as a crucial diagnostic and monitoring approach for these conditions in marine mammals. Our group has developed a methodology to assess real-time PS exposure and PMP formation specifically tailored for marine mammals. This method, pioneered in species such as bottlenose dolphins, beluga whales, walruses, and California sea lions, represents a novel approach with significant implications for both clinical assessment and further research into platelet function in these animals. The adapted methodology for evaluating PS exposure and PMP formation in marine mammals has yielded promising results. By applying this approach, we have observed significant correlations between alterations in PMP levels and specific pathologies or environmental factors. These findings underscore the potential of platelet function assessment as a diagnostic and monitoring tool in marine mammal health. The successful adaptation and application of this methodology in marine mammals highlight its utility for understanding and managing health concerns in these animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mar Felipo-Benavent
- Laboratory of Cytomics, Joint Research Unit CIPF-UVEG, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mónica Valls
- Veterinary Services, Oceanogràfic, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria Céu Monteiro
- 1H-TOXRUN—One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Jávega
- Laboratory of Cytomics, Joint Research Unit CIPF-UVEG, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Daniel García-Párraga
- Veterinary Services, Oceanogràfic, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Valencia, Spain
- Research Department, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunitat Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | - Consuelo Rubio-Guerri
- Research Department, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunitat Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - José-Enrique O’Connor
- Laboratory of Cytomics, Joint Research Unit CIPF-UVEG, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Le-Bert CR, Bukoski A, Downs J, Hodgson DS, Thombs L, Ridgway SH, Bailey J. Apneustic anesthesia ventilation improves pulmonary function in anesthetized bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus). Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1287478. [PMID: 38645641 PMCID: PMC11027569 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1287478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Use of mechanical ventilation during general anesthesia is a necessary practice in the anesthetization of small cetaceans as spontaneous ventilation fails to provide adequate gas exchange. Currently available methods of ventilation do not account for the intermittent breathing strategy of representative species within this infraorder of fully aquatic mammals and may have a significant effect on cardiac and respiratory physiology. Methods To understand the impact of mechanical ventilation on cardiopulmonary function in one small species of cetacean, the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), we compared controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) to a novel ventilation method known as apneustic anesthesia ventilation (AAV). AAV simulates the normal inspiratory breath-hold pattern of dolphins. Ten anesthetic procedures (dental procedure, n = 9; bronchoscopy, n = 2) were performed on nine dolphins (age range: 10-42 years; mean = 32 years; median = 37 years; female = 3, 40%; male = 6, 60%). In a cross-over study design, dolphins were instrumented and randomly assigned to AAV or CMV as the initial mode of ventilation, then switched to the alternate mode. Baseline cardiopulmonary data were collected and again after 30 min on each mode of ventilation. Cardiac index, stroke volume index, systemic vascular resistance, alveolar dead space, alveolar-arterial oxygen tension gradient, arterial oxygen content, oxygen delivery index, and dynamic respiratory system compliance index were calculated at each of the four time points. Results During AAV, dolphins had higher arterial oxygen tension, higher mean airway pressure, reduced alveolar dead space ventilation and lower alveolar-arterial oxygen difference. Cardiovascular performance was not statistically different between the two modes. Discussion Our study suggests AAV, which more closely resembles the conscious intermittent respiratory pattern phenotype of dolphins, improves ventilation and pulmonary function in the anesthetized dolphin. Future studies should evaluate the cardiopulmonary effects of neutral buoyancy and cardiopulmonary sparing drug protocols to reduce the need for hemodynamic support of current protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina R. Le-Bert
- U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Alex Bukoski
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - John Downs
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Innovative Veterinary Medicine, Ponte Vedra, FL, United States
| | - David S. Hodgson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Lori Thombs
- Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Sam H. Ridgway
- U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - James Bailey
- Innovative Veterinary Medicine, Ponte Vedra, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guo B, Sun Y, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Zheng Y, Xu S, Yang G, Ren W. Evolutionary genetics of pulmonary anatomical adaptations in deep-diving cetaceans. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:339. [PMID: 38575860 PMCID: PMC10993460 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10263-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cetaceans, having experienced prolonged adaptation to aquatic environments, have undergone evolutionary changes in their respiratory systems. This process of evolution has resulted in the emergence of distinctive phenotypic traits, notably the abundance of elastic fibers and thickened alveolar walls in their lungs, which may facilitate alveolar collapse during diving. This structure helps selective exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, while minimizing nitrogen exchange, thereby reducing the risk of DCS. Nevertheless, the scientific inquiry into the mechanisms through which these unique phenotypic characteristics govern the diving behavior of marine mammals, including cetaceans, remains unresolved. RESULTS This study entails an evolutionary analysis of 42 genes associated with pulmonary fibrosis across 45 mammalian species. Twenty-one genes in cetaceans exhibited accelerated evolution, featuring specific amino acid substitutions in 14 of them. Primarily linked to the development of the respiratory system and lung morphological construction, these genes play a crucial role. Moreover, among marine mammals, we identified eight genes undergoing positive selection, and the evolutionary rates of three genes significantly correlated with diving depth. Specifically, the SFTPC gene exhibited convergent amino acid substitutions. Through in vitro cellular experiments, we illustrated that convergent amino acid site mutations in SFTPC contribute positively to pulmonary fibrosis in marine mammals, and the presence of this phenotype can induce deep alveolar collapse during diving, thereby reducing the risk of DCS during diving. CONCLUSIONS The study unveils pivotal genetic signals in cetaceans and other marine mammals, arising through evolution. These genetic signals may influence lung characteristics in marine mammals and have been linked to a reduced risk of developing DCS. Moreover, the research serves as a valuable reference for delving deeper into human diving physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boxiong Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioaffiliationersity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Yixuan Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioaffiliationersity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuehua Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioaffiliationersity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Ya Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioaffiliationersity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioaffiliationersity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Shixia Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioaffiliationersity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioaffiliationersity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhua Ren
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioaffiliationersity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210023, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fahlman A. Cardiorespiratory adaptations in small cetaceans and marine mammals. Exp Physiol 2024; 109:324-334. [PMID: 37968859 PMCID: PMC10988691 DOI: 10.1113/ep091095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The dive response, or the 'master switch of life', is probably the most studied physiological trait in marine mammals and is thought to conserve the available O2 for the heart and brain. Although generally thought to be an autonomic reflex, several studies indicate that the cardiovascular changes during diving are anticipatory and can be conditioned. The respiratory adaptations, where the aquatic breathing pattern resembles intermittent breathing in land mammals, with expiratory flow exceeding 160 litres s-1 has been measured in cetaceans, and where exposure to extreme pressures results in alveolar collapse (atelectasis) and recruitment upon ascent. Cardiorespiratory coupling, where breathing results in changes in heart rate, has been proposed to improve gas exchange. Cardiorespiratory coupling has also been reported in marine mammals, and in the bottlenose dolphin, where it alters both heart rate and stroke volume. When accounting for this respiratory dependence on cardiac function, several studies have reported an absence of a diving-related bradycardia except during dives that exceed the duration that is fuelled by aerobic metabolism. This review summarizes what is known about the respiratory physiology in marine mammals, with a special focus on cetaceans. The cardiorespiratory coupling is reviewed, and the selective gas exchange hypothesis is summarized, which provides a testable mechanism for how breath-hold diving vertebrates may actively prevent uptake of N2 during routine dives, and how stress results in failure of this mechanism, which results in diving-related gas emboli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fahlman
- Global Diving Research SLValenciaSpain
- Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunidad ValencianaValenciaSpain
- Kolmården Wildlife ParkKolmårdenSweden
- IFMLinköping UniversityLinköpingSweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Robinson NJ, García-Párraga D, Stacy BA, Costidis AM, Blanco GS, Clyde-Brockway CE, Haas HL, Harms CA, Patel SH, Stacy NI, Fahlman A. A Baseline Model For Estimating the Risk of Gas Embolism in Sea Turtles During Routine Dives. Front Physiol 2021; 12:678555. [PMID: 34539425 PMCID: PMC8440993 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.678555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea turtles, like other air-breathing diving vertebrates, commonly experience significant gas embolism (GE) when incidentally caught at depth in fishing gear and brought to the surface. To better understand why sea turtles develop GE, we built a mathematical model to estimate partial pressures of N2 (PN2), O2 (PO2), and CO2 (PCO2) in the major body-compartments of diving loggerheads (Caretta caretta), leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea), and green turtles (Chelonia mydas). This model was adapted from a published model for estimating gas dynamics in marine mammals and penguins. To parameterize the sea turtle model, we used values gleaned from previously published literature and 22 necropsies. Next, we applied this model to data collected from free-roaming individuals of the three study species. Finally, we varied body-condition and cardiac output within the model to see how these factors affected the risk of GE. Our model suggests that cardiac output likely plays a significant role in the modulation of GE, especially in the deeper diving leatherback turtles. This baseline model also indicates that even during routine diving behavior, sea turtles are at high risk of GE. This likely means that turtles have additional behavioral, anatomical, and/or physiologic adaptions that serve to reduce the probability of GE but were not incorporated in this model. Identifying these adaptations and incorporating them into future iterations of this model will further reveal the factors driving GE in sea turtles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J. Robinson
- Department of Research, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | - Daniel García-Párraga
- Department of Research, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | - Brian A. Stacy
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, University of Florida (duty station), Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Gabriela S. Blanco
- Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos (IBIOMAR-CCT CONICET-CENPAT), Puerto Madryn, Argentina
| | | | - Heather L. Haas
- Northeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Woods Hole, MA, United States
| | - Craig A. Harms
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Samir H. Patel
- Coonamessett Farm Foundation, East Falmouth, MA, United States
| | - Nicole I. Stacy
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Andreas Fahlman
- Department of Research, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
- Global Diving Research, Inc., Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Blawas AM, Nowacek DP, Rocho-Levine J, Robeck TR, Fahlman A. Scaling of heart rate with breathing frequency and body mass in cetaceans. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200223. [PMID: 34121456 PMCID: PMC8200651 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasticity in the cardiac function of a marine mammal facilitates rapid adjustments to the contrasting metabolic demands of breathing at the surface and diving during an extended apnea. By matching their heart rate (fH) to their immediate physiological needs, a marine mammal can improve its metabolic efficiency and maximize the proportion of time spent underwater. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is a known modulation of fH that is driven by respiration and has been suggested to increase cardiorespiratory efficiency. To investigate the presence of RSA in cetaceans and the relationship between fH, breathing rate (fR) and body mass (Mb), we measured simultaneous fH and fR in five cetacean species in human care. We found that a higher fR was associated with a higher mean instantaneous fH (ifH) and minimum ifH of the RSA. By contrast, fH scaled inversely with Mb such that larger animals had lower mean and minimum ifHs of the RSA. There was a significant allometric relationship between maximum ifH of the RSA and Mb, but not fR, which may indicate that this parameter is set by physical laws and not adjusted dynamically with physiological needs. RSA was significantly affected by fR and was greatly reduced with small increases in fR. Ultimately, these data show that surface fHs of cetaceans are complex and the fH patterns we observed are controlled by several factors. We suggest the importance of considering RSA when interpreting fH measurements and particularly how fR may drive fH changes that are important for efficient gas exchange. This article is part of the theme issue 'Measuring physiology in free-living animals (Part I)'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M. Blawas
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Laboratory, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Douglas P. Nowacek
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Laboratory, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
- Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | | | | | - Andreas Fahlman
- Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunitat Valenciana, Valencia, Spain 46005
- Global Diving Research, Inc., Ottawa, Canada, K2 J 5E8
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
García de los Ríos y Loshuertos Á, Soler Laguía M, Arencibia Espinosa A, Martínez Gomariz F, Sánchez Collado C, López Fernández A, Gil Cano F, Seva Alcaraz J, Ramírez Zarzosa G. Endoscopic Study of the Oral and Pharyngeal Cavities in the Common Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Risso's Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise and Pilot Whale: Reinforced with Other Diagnostic and Anatomic Techniques. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061507. [PMID: 34067447 PMCID: PMC8224762 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, the fetal and newborn anatomical structures of the dolphin oropharyngeal cavities were studied. The main technique used was endoscopy, as these cavities are narrow tubular spaces and the oral cavity is difficult to photograph without moving the specimen. The endoscope was used to study the mucosal features of the oral and pharyngeal cavities. Two pharyngeal diverticula of the auditory tubes were discovered on either side of the choanae and larynx. These spaces begin close to the musculotubaric channel of the middle ear, are linked to the pterygopalatine recesses (pterygoid sinus) and they extend to the maxillopalatine fossa. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), osteological analysis, sectional anatomy, dissections, and histology were also used to better understand the function of the pharyngeal diverticula of the auditory tubes. These data were then compared with the horse's pharyngeal diverticula of the auditory tubes. The histology revealed that a vascular plexus inside these diverticula could help to expel the air from this space to the nasopharynx. In the oral cavity, teeth remain inside the alveolus and covered by gums. The marginal papillae of the tongue differ in extension depending on the fetal specimen studied. The histology reveals that the incisive papilla is vestigial and contain abundant innervation. No ducts were observed inside lateral sublingual folds in the oral cavity proper and caruncles were not seen in the prefrenular space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro García de los Ríos y Loshuertos
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (Á.G.d.l.R.y.L.); (F.M.G.); (C.S.C.); (F.G.C.); (J.S.A.)
- Centro de Estudio y Conservación de Animales Marinos (CECAM), 51001 Ceuta, Spain
| | - Marta Soler Laguía
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Alberto Arencibia Espinosa
- Departamento de Morfología, Anatomía y Embriología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña, Arucas, 35416 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain;
| | - Francisco Martínez Gomariz
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (Á.G.d.l.R.y.L.); (F.M.G.); (C.S.C.); (F.G.C.); (J.S.A.)
| | - Cayetano Sánchez Collado
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (Á.G.d.l.R.y.L.); (F.M.G.); (C.S.C.); (F.G.C.); (J.S.A.)
| | - Alfredo López Fernández
- Departamento de Biología—CESAM, Campus Universitario de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
- Coordinadora para el Estudio de los Mamíferos Marinos–CEMMA, Ap. 15, Gondomar, 36380 Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Francisco Gil Cano
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (Á.G.d.l.R.y.L.); (F.M.G.); (C.S.C.); (F.G.C.); (J.S.A.)
| | - Juan Seva Alcaraz
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (Á.G.d.l.R.y.L.); (F.M.G.); (C.S.C.); (F.G.C.); (J.S.A.)
| | - Gregorio Ramírez Zarzosa
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (Á.G.d.l.R.y.L.); (F.M.G.); (C.S.C.); (F.G.C.); (J.S.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-868-887-546; Fax: +34-868-884-147
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Blasi MF, Caserta V, Bruno C, Salzeri P, Di Paola AI, Lucchetti A. Behaviour and vocalizations of two sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) entangled in illegal driftnets in the Mediterranean Sea. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250888. [PMID: 33914839 PMCID: PMC8084192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Illegal driftnetting causes each year several entanglements and deaths of sperm whales in different Mediterranean areas, primarily in the Tyrrhenian Sea. In summer 2020, during the June-July fishing season, two sperm whales were found entangled in illegal driftnets in the Aeolian Archipelago waters, Southern Italy. These two rare events were an exceptional chance to collect behavioural and acoustics data about entangled sperm whales. We analysed 1132 one-minute sets of breathing/behavioural data and 1575 minutes of acoustic recording, when the whales were found entangled, during the rescue operation, immediately after release, and in the days thereafter. The first whale was generally quiet showing a general status of debilitation/weakness, numerous skin lesions, and low breathing rate (0.31 (0.60)); it collaborated during rescue operations. On the contrary, the second whale showed a high level of agitation with a high breathing rate (1.48 (1.31)) during both the entanglement period and the net cutting operations, vigorously moving its fluke and pectoral fins, opening its mouth, sideway rolling or side fluking and frequently defecating. Acoustically, the first whale produced mainly single clicks in all phases except for two series of creaks during rescuing operations while the second whale produced a wide range of vocalizations (single clicks, likely either slow clicks or regular clicks, creaks, and codas). Our observations indicate that acoustics, respiratory and behavioural parameters may be useful to monitor the physical/physiological status of sperm whales during disentanglement operations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Francesca Blasi
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato, Filicudi, Lipari (ME), Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Valentina Caserta
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato, Filicudi, Lipari (ME), Italy
| | - Chiara Bruno
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato, Filicudi, Lipari (ME), Italy
| | - Perla Salzeri
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato, Filicudi, Lipari (ME), Italy
| | - Agata Irene Di Paola
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato, Filicudi, Lipari (ME), Italy
| | - Alessandro Lucchetti
- Centro Nazionale Ricerca - Istituto per le Risorse Biologiche e le Biotecnologie Marine (CNR-IRBBM), Ancona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Otero-Sabio C, Centelleghe C, Corain L, Graïc JM, Cozzi B, Rivero M, Consoli F, Peruffo A. Microscopic anatomical, immunohistochemical, and morphometric characterization of the terminal airways of the lung in cetaceans. J Morphol 2020; 282:291-308. [PMID: 33338275 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The lungs of cetaceans undergo anatomical and physiological adaptations that facilitate extended breath-holding during dives. Here, we present new insights on the ontogeny of the microscopic anatomy of the terminal portion of the airways of the lungs in five cetacean species: the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus); the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), the Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris); the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus); and the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). We (a) studied the histology of the terminal portion of the airways; (b) used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to characterize the muscle fibers with antibodies against smooth muscle (sm-) actin, sm-myosin, and desmin; (c) the innervation of myoelastic sphincters (MESs) with an antibody against neurofilament protein; and (d) defined the diameter of the terminal bronchioles, the diameter and length of the alveoli, the thickness of the septa, the major and minor axis, perimeter and section area of the cartilaginous rings by quantitative morphometric analyses in partially inflated lung tissue. As already reported in the literature, in bottlenose and striped dolphins, a system of MESs was observed in the terminal bronchioles. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of smooth muscle in the terminal bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveolar septa in all the examined species. Some neurofilaments were observed close to the MESs in both bottlenose and striped dolphins. In fin, sperm, and Cuvier's beaked whales, we noted a layer of longitudinal smooth muscle going from the terminal bronchioles to the alveolar sacs. The morphometric analysis allowed to quantify the structural differences among cetacean species by ranking them into groups according to the adjusted mean values of the morphometric parameters measured. Our results contribute to the current understanding of the anatomy of the terminal airways of the cetacean lung and the role of the smooth muscle in the alveolar collapse reflex, crucial for prolonged breath-holding diving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Otero-Sabio
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Cinzia Centelleghe
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Livio Corain
- Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padova, Vicenza, Padova, Italy
| | - Jean-Marie Graïc
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Bruno Cozzi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Miguel Rivero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Francesco Consoli
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Antonella Peruffo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Harms CA, Boylan SM, Stacy BA, Beasley JF, García-Párraga D, Godfrey MH. Gas embolism and massive blunt force trauma to sea turtles entrained in hopper dredges in North and South Carolina, USA. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2020; 142:189-196. [PMID: 33331286 DOI: 10.3354/dao03542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Decompression sickness (DCS) has been described mainly in loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta bycaught in trawls and gillnets. Here we present cases of gas emboli (GE) in 8 green turtles Chelonia mydas and 2 Kemp's ridleys Lepidochelys kempii entrained in hopper dredges that were working at 8.8-15.2 m depths during shipping channel maintenance or beach renourishment activities. Turtle weights ranged from 2.2 to 6.7 kg. All were found alive with blunt force injuries from passage through the dredge and were taken to rehabilitation facilities. Four green turtles died or were euthanized within 24 h. Six turtles survived. Radiographic or ultrasonographic evidence of GE was detected in 4 turtles, including 3 mortalities. Computed tomography (CT) revealed perirenal and cervical GE in 4 turtles, including 1 mortality. No GE were detected in 2 of the survivors. Upon necropsy, GE were found in mesenteric vessels, the right atrium, and kidneys. Histopathology confirmed that tissues were in a good state of preservation without evidence of bacterial overgrowth or putrefactive gas formation. Death likely resulted primarily from massive tissue trauma from the dredge, but moderate GE could have led to DCS and complicated recovery. The surviving turtles weighed less than those that did not survive. Besides hypothesized stress/exercise-induced circulatory changes of blood through the lungs and pressure reduction of forced surfacing from depth, drastic pressure change within the dredge pipes before and after the pump could contribute to GE. Hopper dredge entrainment is an additional cause of GE and potential DCS in sea turtles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig A Harms
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, and Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fahlman A, Cozzi B, Manley M, Jabas S, Malik M, Blawas A, Janik VM. Conditioned Variation in Heart Rate During Static Breath-Holds in the Bottlenose Dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus). Front Physiol 2020; 11:604018. [PMID: 33329056 PMCID: PMC7732665 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.604018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous reports suggested the existence of direct somatic motor control over heart rate (f H) responses during diving in some marine mammals, as the result of a cognitive and/or learning process rather than being a reflexive response. This would be beneficial for O2 storage management, but would also allow ventilation-perfusion matching for selective gas exchange, where O2 and CO2 can be exchanged with minimal exchange of N2. Such a mechanism explains how air breathing marine vertebrates avoid diving related gas bubble formation during repeated dives, and how stress could interrupt this mechanism and cause excessive N2 exchange. To investigate the conditioned response, we measured the f H-response before and during static breath-holds in three bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) when shown a visual symbol to perform either a long (LONG) or short (SHORT) breath-hold, or during a spontaneous breath-hold without a symbol (NS). The average f H (if Hstart), and the rate of change in f H (dif H/dt) during the first 20 s of the breath-hold differed between breath-hold types. In addition, the minimum instantaneous f H (if Hmin), and the average instantaneous f H during the last 10 s (if Hend) also differed between breath-hold types. The dif H/dt was greater, and the if Hstart, if Hmin, and if Hend were lower during a LONG as compared with either a SHORT, or an NS breath-hold (P < 0.05). Even though the NS breath-hold dives were longer in duration as compared with SHORT breath-hold dives, the dif H/dt was greater and the if Hstart, if Hmin, and if Hend were lower during the latter (P < 0.05). In addition, when the dolphin determined the breath-hold duration (NS), the f H was more variable within and between individuals and trials, suggesting a conditioned capacity to adjust the f H-response. These results suggest that dolphins have the capacity to selectively alter the f H-response during diving and provide evidence for significant cardiovascular plasticity in dolphins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fahlman
- Global Diving Research Inc., Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Research Department, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | - Bruno Cozzi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Mercy Manley
- Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, The Mirage, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Sandra Jabas
- Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, The Mirage, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Marek Malik
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Internal Cardiology Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ashley Blawas
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Laboratory, Beaufort, NC, United States
| | - Vincent M. Janik
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Arango BG, Harfush-Meléndez M, Marmolejo-Valencia JA, Merchant-Larios H, Crocker DE. Blood oxygen stores of olive ridley sea turtles, Lepidochelys olivacea are highly variable among individuals during arribada nesting. J Comp Physiol B 2020; 191:185-194. [PMID: 33064209 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-020-01321-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sea turtles dive with a full lung of air and these O2 stores are supplemented by O2 stored in blood and muscle. Olive ridley sea turtles exhibit polymorphic nesting behavior, mass nesting behavior called arribada, where thousands of turtles will nest at once, and solitary nesting behavior. The potential physiological differences between the individuals using these strategies are not well understood. We measured blood volume and associated variables, including blood hemoglobin content and hematocrit, to estimate total blood O2 stores. There were no significant differences in mean values between nesting strategies, but arribada nesting individuals were more variable than those performing solitary nesting. Mass-specific plasma volume was relatively invariant among individuals but mass specific blood volume and blood oxygen stores varied widely, twofold and threefold, respectively. Blood O2 stores represented 32% of total body O2 stores. Under typical mean diving conditions of 26 °C and high levels of activity, blood stores confer ~ 14 min to aerobic dive times and are likely critical for the long duration, deep diving exhibited by the species. Individual differences in blood O2 stores strongly impact estimated aerobic dive limits and may constrain the ability of individuals to respond to changes on ocean climate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Gabriela Arango
- Biology Department, Sonoma State University, 1801 East Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA, 94928, USA.
| | | | | | - Horacio Merchant-Larios
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Daniel E Crocker
- Biology Department, Sonoma State University, 1801 East Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA, 94928, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Favilla AB, Costa DP. Thermoregulatory Strategies of Diving Air-Breathing Marine Vertebrates: A Review. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.555509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
14
|
Thompson LA, Hindle AG, Black SR, Romano TA. Variation in the hemostatic complement (C5a) responses to in vitro nitrogen bubbles in monodontids and phocids. J Comp Physiol B 2020; 190:811-822. [PMID: 32815023 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-020-01297-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Immune responses to nitrogen gas bubbles, particularly activation of inflammation via the complement cascade, have been linked to the development of symptoms and damage associated with decompression sickness (DCS) in humans. Marine mammals were long thought not to be susceptible to such dive-related injury, yet evidence of DCS-like injury and new models of tissue nitrogen super-saturation suggest that bubbles may routinely form. As such, it is possible that marine mammals have protective adaptations that allow them to deal with a certain level of bubble formation during normal dives, without acute adverse effects. This work evaluated the complement response, indicative of inflammation, to in vitro nitrogen bubble exposures in several marine mammal species to assess whether a less-responsive immune system serves a protective role against DCS-like injury in these animals. Serum samples from beluga (Delphinapterus leucas), and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) (relatively shallow divers) and deep diving narwhal (Monodon monoceros), and Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) were exposed to nitrogen bubbles in vitro. Complement activity was evaluated by measuring changes in the terminal protein C5a in serum, and results suggest marine mammal complement is less sensitive to gas bubbles than human complement, but the response varies between species. Species-specific differences may be related to dive ability, and suggest moderate or shallow divers may be more susceptible to DCS-like injury. This information is an important consideration in assessing the impact of changing dive behaviors in response to anthropogenic stressors, startle responses, or changing environmental conditions that affect prey depth distributions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Thompson
- Mystic Aquarium, a Division of SeaResearch Inc., Mystic, CT, 06355, USA.
| | | | | | - Tracy A Romano
- Mystic Aquarium, a Division of SeaResearch Inc., Mystic, CT, 06355, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fahlman A, Sato K, Miller P. Improving estimates of diving lung volume in air-breathing marine vertebrates. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 223:223/12/jeb216846. [PMID: 32587107 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.216846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The air volume in the respiratory system of marine tetrapods provides a store of O2 to fuel aerobic metabolism during dives; however, it can also be a liability, as the associated N2 can increase the risk of decompression sickness. In order to more fully understand the physiological limitations of different air-breathing marine vertebrates, it is therefore important to be able to accurately estimate the air volume in the respiratory system during diving. One method that has been used to do so is to calculate the air volume from glide phases - periods of movement during which no thrust is produced by the animal - which many species conduct during ascent periods, when gases are expanding owing to decreasing hydrostatic pressure. This method assumes that there is conservation of mass in the respiratory system, with volume changes only driven by pressure. In this Commentary, we use previously published data to argue that both the respiratory quotient and differences in tissue and blood gas solubility potentially alter the mass balance in the respiratory system throughout a dive. Therefore, near the end of a dive, the measured volume of gas at a given pressure may be 12-50% less than from the start of the dive; the actual difference will depend on the length of the dive, the cardiac output, the pulmonary shunt and the metabolic rate. Novel methods and improved understanding of diving physiology will be required to verify the size of the effects described here and to more accurately estimate the volume of gas inhaled at the start of a dive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fahlman
- Global Diving Research Inc., Ottawa, ON, Canada, K2J 5E8 .,Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunitat Valenciana, Gran Vía Marqués del Turia 19, 46005 Valencia, Spain
| | - Katsufumi Sato
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8564, Japan
| | - Patrick Miller
- SMRU (Sea Mammal Research Unit), University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hindle AG. Diving deep: understanding the genetic components of hypoxia tolerance in marine mammals. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 128:1439-1446. [PMID: 32324472 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00846.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine mammals have highly specialized physiology, exhibited in many species by extreme breath-holding capabilities that allow deep dives and extended submergence. Cardiovascular control and cell-level hypoxia tolerance are key features of this phenotype. Identifying genomic signatures tied to physiology will be valuable in understanding these natural model species, which may generate translational opportunities to human diseases arising from hypoxic stress or tissue injury. Genomic analyses have now been conducted in dolphins, river dolphins, minke whales, bowhead whales, and polar bears, with multispecies studies exploring evolutionary signals across marine mammal lineages, encompassing extinct and extant divers. Single-species genome studies for sirenians do not yet exist. Extant marine mammals arose in three lineages from separate aquatic recolonizations. Their physiological specializations, along with these independent origins create an interesting case to examine convergent evolution. Although molecular mechanisms of hypoxia tolerance are not universally apparent across marine mammal genomic studies, altered evolutionary rates have been identified for genes linked to oxygen binding and transport (e.g., MB, HBA, and HBB), blood pressure control (e.g., endothelin pathway genes), and cell protection in multiple species. Despite convergent phenotypes across clades, instances of identical molecular convergence have been uncommon. Given the inherent logistical and regulatory difficulties associated with functional genetic experiments in marine mammals, several avenues of further investigation are suggested to enable validation of candidate genes for hypoxia tolerance: leveraging phylogeny to better understand convergent phenotypes; ontogenic studies to identify regulation of key genes underlying the elite, adult, hypoxia-tolerant physiology; and cell culture manipulations to understand gene function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allyson G Hindle
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Denk M, Fahlman A, Dennison-Gibby S, Song Z, Moore M. Hyperbaric tracheobronchial compression in cetaceans and pinnipeds. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb217885. [PMID: 32041809 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.217885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Assessment of the compressibility of marine mammal airways at depth is crucial to understanding vital physiological processes such as gas exchange during diving. Very few studies have directly assessed changes in cetacean and pinniped tracheobronchial shape, and none have quantified changes in volume with increasing pressure. A harbor seal, gray seal, harp seal, harbor porpoise and common dolphin were imaged promptly post mortem via computed tomography in a radiolucent hyperbaric chamber. Volume reconstructions were performed of segments of the trachea and bronchi of the pinnipeds and bronchi of the cetaceans for each pressure treatment. All specimens examined demonstrated significant decreases in airway volume with increasing pressure, with those of the harbor seal and common dolphin nearing complete collapse at the highest pressures. The common dolphin bronchi demonstrated distinctly different compression dynamics between 50% and 100% lung inflation treatments, indicating the importance of air in maintaining patent airways, and collapse occurred caudally to cranially in the 50% treatment. Dynamics of the harbor seal and gray seal airways indicated that the trachea was less compliant than the bronchi. These findings indicate potential species-specific variability in airway compliance, and cessation of gas exchange may occur at greater depths than those predicted in models assuming rigid airways. This may potentially increase the likelihood of decompression sickness in these animals during diving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Denk
- Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Andreas Fahlman
- Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunitat Valenciana, Gran Vía Marqués del Turia 19, 46005 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Zhongchang Song
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
- Key Laboratory of Underwater Acoustic Communication and Marine Information Technology of the Ministry of Education, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People's Republic of China
| | - Michael Moore
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Fernandez A, Baird RW, Brownell RL, Aguilar de Soto N, Allen D, Arbelo M, Arregui M, Costidis A, Fahlman A, Frantzis A, Gulland FMD, Iñíguez M, Johnson M, Komnenou A, Koopman H, Pabst DA, Roe WD, Sierra E, Tejedor M, Schorr G. Advances in research on the impacts of anti-submarine sonar on beaked whales. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 286:20182533. [PMID: 30963955 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mass stranding events (MSEs) of beaked whales (BWs) were extremely rare prior to the 1960s but increased markedly after the development of naval mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). The temporal and spatial associations between atypical BW MSEs and naval exercises were first observed in the Canary Islands, Spain, in the mid-1980s. Further research on BWs stranded in association with naval exercises demonstrated pathological findings consistent with decompression sickness (DCS). A 2004 ban on MFASs around the Canary Islands successfully prevented additional BW MSEs in the region, but atypical MSEs have continued in other places of the world, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, with examined individuals showing DCS. A workshop held in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, in September 2017 reviewed current knowledge on BW atypical MSEs associated with MFAS. Our review suggests that the effects of MFAS on BWs vary among individuals or populations, and predisposing factors may contribute to individual outcomes. Spatial management specific to BW habitat, such as the MFAS ban in the Canary Islands, has proven to be an effective mitigation tool and mitigation measures should be established in other areas taking into consideration known population-level information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Bernaldo de Quirós
- 1 Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School , C/Transmontaña s/n, 35416, Arucas, Las Palmas , Spain
| | - A Fernandez
- 1 Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School , C/Transmontaña s/n, 35416, Arucas, Las Palmas , Spain
| | - R W Baird
- 2 Cascadia Research Collective , 218½ W. 4th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501 , USA
| | - R L Brownell
- 3 NOAA Fisheries, Southwest Fisheries Science Center , Monterey, CA 93940 , USA
| | - N Aguilar de Soto
- 4 BIOECOMAC. Dept. Animal Biology, Geology and Edaphology, University of La Laguna , Tenerife , Spain
| | - D Allen
- 5 US Marine Mammal Commission , 4340 East-West Highway, Suite 700, Bethesda, MD 20814 , USA
| | - M Arbelo
- 1 Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School , C/Transmontaña s/n, 35416, Arucas, Las Palmas , Spain
| | - M Arregui
- 1 Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School , C/Transmontaña s/n, 35416, Arucas, Las Palmas , Spain
| | - A Costidis
- 6 Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Stranding Response Program , 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 , USA
| | - A Fahlman
- 7 Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunitat Valenciana , Gran Vía Marqués del Turia 19, 46005, Valencia , Spain
| | - A Frantzis
- 8 Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute , Terpsichoris 21, 16671 Vouliagmeni , Greece
| | - F M D Gulland
- 5 US Marine Mammal Commission , 4340 East-West Highway, Suite 700, Bethesda, MD 20814 , USA.,9 The Marine Mammal Center , 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965 , USA
| | - M Iñíguez
- 10 Fundación Cethus and WDC , Cap J. Bermúdez 1598, (1636), Olivos, Prov. Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - M Johnson
- 11 Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews , St Andrews , UK
| | - A Komnenou
- 12 School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - H Koopman
- 13 Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington , Wilmington, NC 28403 , USA
| | - D A Pabst
- 13 Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington , Wilmington, NC 28403 , USA
| | - W D Roe
- 14 Massey University , Palmerston North, PN4222 , New Zealand
| | - E Sierra
- 1 Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School , C/Transmontaña s/n, 35416, Arucas, Las Palmas , Spain
| | - M Tejedor
- 15 Canary Islands Stranding Network , Irlanda 7, Playa Blanca, 35580, Lanzarote , Spain
| | - G Schorr
- 16 Marine Ecology & Telemetry Research , 2468 Camp McKenzie Tr NW, Seabeck, WA 98380 , USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Burggren W, Filogonio R, Wang T. Cardiovascular shunting in vertebrates: a practical integration of competing hypotheses. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 95:449-471. [PMID: 31859458 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This review explores the long-standing question: 'Why do cardiovascular shunts occur?' An historical perspective is provided on previous research into cardiac shunts in vertebrates that continues to shape current views. Cardiac shunts and when they occur is then described for vertebrates. Nearly 20 different functional reasons have been proposed as specific causes of shunts, ranging from energy conservation to improved gas exchange, and including a plethora of functions related to thermoregulation, digestion and haemodynamics. It has even been suggested that shunts are merely an evolutionary or developmental relic. Having considered the various hypotheses involving cardiovascular shunting in vertebrates, this review then takes a non-traditional approach. Rather than attempting to identify the single 'correct' reason for the occurrence of shunts, we advance a more holistic, integrative approach that embraces multiple, non-exclusive suites of proposed causes for shunts, and indicates how these varied functions might at least co-exist, if not actually support each other as shunts serve multiple, concurrent physiological functions. It is argued that deposing the 'monolithic' view of shunting leads to a more nuanced view of vertebrate cardiovascular systems. This review concludes by suggesting new paradigms for testing the function(s) of shunts, including experimentally placing organ systems into conflict in terms of their perfusion needs, reducing sources of variation in physiological experiments, measuring possible compensatory responses to shunt ablation, moving experiments from the laboratory to the field, and using cladistics-related approaches in the choice of experimental animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Warren Burggren
- Department of Biological Sciences, Developmental Integrative Biology Cluster, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203-5220, U.S.A
| | - Renato Filogonio
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Tobias Wang
- Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark.,Aarhus Institute of Advanced Sciences (AIAS), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Deep-diving pilot whales make cheap, but powerful, echolocation clicks with 50 µL of air. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15720. [PMID: 31673021 PMCID: PMC6823382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51619-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Echolocating toothed whales produce powerful clicks pneumatically to detect prey in the deep sea where this long-range sensory channel makes them formidable top predators. However, air supplies for sound production compress with depth following Boyle’s law suggesting that deep-diving whales must use very small air volumes per echolocation click to facilitate continuous sensory flow in foraging dives. Here we test this hypothesis by analysing click-induced acoustic resonances in the nasal air sacs, recorded by biologging tags. Using 27000 clicks from 102 dives of 23 tagged pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), we show that click production requires only 50 µL of air/click at 500 m depth increasing gradually to 100 µL at 1000 m. With such small air volumes, the metabolic cost of sound production is on the order of 40 J per dive which is a negligible fraction of the field metabolic rate. Nonetheless, whales must make frequent pauses in echolocation to recycle air between nasal sacs. Thus, frugal use of air and periodic recycling of very limited air volumes enable pilot whales, and likely other toothed whales, to echolocate cheaply and almost continuously throughout foraging dives, providing them with a strong sensory advantage in diverse aquatic habitats.
Collapse
|
21
|
Fahlman A, Miedler S, Rocho-Levine J, Jabois A, Arenarez J, Marti-Bonmati L, García-Párraga D, Cauture F. Re-evaluating the significance of the dive response during voluntary surface apneas in the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8613. [PMID: 31197193 PMCID: PMC6565721 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45064-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The dive response is well documented for marine mammals, and includes a significant reduction in heart rate (fH) during submersion as compared while breathing at the surface. In the current study we assessed the influence of the Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) while estimating the resting fH while breathing. Using transthoracic echocardiography we measured fH, and stroke volume (SV) during voluntary surface apneas at rest up to 255 s, and during recovery from apnea in 11 adult bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, 9 males and 2 females, body mass range: 140–235 kg). The dolphins exhibited a significant post-respiratory tachycardia and increased SV. Therefore, only data after this RSA had stabilized were used for analysis and comparison. The average (±s.d.) fH, SV, and cardiac output (CO) after spontaneous breaths while resting at the surface were 44 ± 6 beats min−1, 179 ± 31 ml, and 7909 ± 1814 l min−1, respectively. During the apnea the fH, SV, and CO decreased proportionally with the breath-hold duration, and after 255 s they, respectively, had decreased by an average of 18%, 1–21%, and 12–37%. During recovery, the fH, SV, and CO rapidly increased by as much as 117%, 34%, and 190%, respectively. Next, fH, SV and CO rapidly decreased to resting values between 90–110 s following the surface apnea. These data highlight the necessity to define how the resting fH is estimated at the surface, and separating it from the RSA associated with each breath to evaluate the significance of cardiorespiratory matching during diving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Fahlman
- Research Group on Biomedical Imaging (GIBI230), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria la Fe, 46026, Valencia, Spain. .,Departamento de Investigación, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Gran Vía Marqués del Turia 19, 46005, Valencia, Spain.
| | - S Miedler
- Departamento de Investigación, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Gran Vía Marqués del Turia 19, 46005, Valencia, Spain.,Veterinary Cardiology, Plaza Mayor 7/10, 46120 Alboraya, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - A Jabois
- Departamento de Biología, Avanqua-Oceanográfic SL, Gran Vía Marqués del Turia 19, 46005, Valencia, Spain
| | - J Arenarez
- Departamento de Biología, Avanqua-Oceanográfic SL, Gran Vía Marqués del Turia 19, 46005, Valencia, Spain
| | - L Marti-Bonmati
- Research Group on Biomedical Imaging (GIBI230), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria la Fe, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - D García-Párraga
- Departamento de Investigación, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Gran Vía Marqués del Turia 19, 46005, Valencia, Spain.,Departamento de Biología, Avanqua-Oceanográfic SL, Gran Vía Marqués del Turia 19, 46005, Valencia, Spain
| | - F Cauture
- Departamento de Investigación, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Gran Vía Marqués del Turia 19, 46005, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hindle AG, Allen KN, Batten AJ, Hückstädt LA, Turner-Maier J, Schulberg SA, Johnson J, Karlsson E, Lindblad-Toh K, Costa DP, Bloch DB, Zapol WM, Buys ES. Low guanylyl cyclase activity in Weddell seals: implications for peripheral vasoconstriction and perfusion of the brain during diving. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2019; 316:R704-R715. [PMID: 30892912 PMCID: PMC6620652 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00283.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent vasodilator, which improves perfusion and oxygen delivery during tissue hypoxia in terrestrial animals. The vertebrate dive response involves vasoconstriction in select tissues, which persists despite profound hypoxia. Using tissues collected from Weddell seals at necropsy, we investigated whether vasoconstriction is aided by downregulation of local hypoxia signaling mechanisms. We focused on NO-soluble guanylyl cyclase (GC)-cGMP signaling, a well-known vasodilatory transduction pathway. Seals have a lower GC protein abundance, activity, and capacity to respond to NO stimulation than do terrestrial mammals. In seal lung homogenates, GC produced less cGMP (20.1 ± 3.7 pmol·mg protein-1·min-1) than the lungs of dogs (-80 ± 144 pmol·mg protein-1·min-1 less than seals), sheep (-472 ± 96), rats (-664 ± 104) or mice (-1,160 ± 104, P < 0.0001). Amino acid sequences of the GC enzyme α-subunits differed between seals and terrestrial mammals, potentially affecting their structure and function. Vasoconstriction in diving Weddell seals is not consistent across tissues; perfusion is maintained in the brain and heart but decreased in other organs such as the kidney. A NO donor increased median GC activity 49.5-fold in the seal brain but only 27.4-fold in the kidney, consistent with the priority of cerebral perfusion during diving. Nos3 expression was high in the seal brain, which could improve NO production and vasodilatory potential. Conversely, Pde5a expression was high in the seal renal artery, which may increase cGMP breakdown and vasoconstriction in the kidney. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that alterations in the NO-cGMP pathway facilitate the diving response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allyson G Hindle
- Anesthesia Center for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kaitlin N Allen
- Anesthesia Center for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Annabelle J Batten
- Anesthesia Center for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Luis A Hückstädt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California , Santa Cruz, California
| | - Jason Turner-Maier
- Vertebrate Genome Biology, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - S Anne Schulberg
- Anesthesia Center for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeremy Johnson
- Vertebrate Genome Biology, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Elinor Karlsson
- Vertebrate Genome Biology, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kerstin Lindblad-Toh
- Vertebrate Genome Biology, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Daniel P Costa
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California , Santa Cruz, California
| | - Donald B Bloch
- Anesthesia Center for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Warren M Zapol
- Anesthesia Center for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Emmanuel S Buys
- Anesthesia Center for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Peng CK, Huang KL, Wu CP, Wu YK, Tzeng IS, Lan CC. Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitor Roflumilast Attenuates Pulmonary Air Emboli-Induced Lung Injury. J Surg Res 2019; 241:24-30. [PMID: 31004869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary air embolism (PAE)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) can be caused by massive air entry into the lung circulation. PAE can occur during diving, aviation, and some iatrogenic invasive procedures. PAE-induced ALI presents with severe inflammation, hypoxia, and pulmonary hypertension, and it is a serious complication resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors can regulate inflammation and are therefore expected to have a therapeutic effect on ALI. However, the effect of the PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast on PAE-induced ALI is unknown. METHODS The PAE model was undertaken in isolated-perfused rat lungs. Four groups (n = 6 in each group) were defined as follows: control, PAE, PAE + roflumilast 2.5 mg/kg, and PAE + roflumilast 5 mg/kg. Induction of PAE-induced ALI was achieved via the infusion of 0.7 cc air through the pulmonary artery. Roflumilast was administered via perfusate. All groups were assessed for pulmonary microvascular permeability, lung histopathology changes, pulmonary edema (lung weight/body weight, lung wet/dry weight ratio), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-17, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and inhibitor of NF-κB alpha (IκB-α). RESULTS After the induction of air, PAE-induced ALI presented with pulmonary edema, pulmonary microvascular hyperpermeability, and lung inflammation with neutrophilic sequestration. The PAE-induced ALI also presented with increased expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, TNF-α, and NF-κB and decreased expression of IκB-α. The administration of roflumilast decreased pulmonary edema, inflammation, cytokines, NF-κB, and restored IκB-α level. CONCLUSIONS PAE-induced ALI presents with lung inflammation with neutrophilic sequestration, pulmonary edema, hyperpermeability, increased cytokine levels, and activation of the NF-κB pathway. Roflumilast attenuates lung edema and inflammation and downregulates the NF-κB pathway and cytokines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Kan Peng
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, Institute of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Lun Huang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, Institute of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Pyng Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Li-Shin Hospital, Tao-Yuan County, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Kuang Wu
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, School of Medicine, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - I-Shiang Tzeng
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chou-Chin Lan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, School of Medicine, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Fahlman A, Brodsky M, Miedler S, Dennison S, Ivančić M, Levine G, Rocho-Levine J, Manley M, Rocabert J, Borque-Espinosa A. Ventilation and gas exchange before and after voluntary static surface breath-holds in clinically healthy bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.192211. [PMID: 30760549 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.192211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
We measured respiratory flow (V̇), breathing frequency (f R), tidal volume (V T), breath duration and end-expired O2 content in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) before and after static surface breath-holds ranging from 34 to 292 s. There was considerable variation in the end-expired O2, V T and f R following a breath-hold. The analysis suggests that the dolphins attempt to minimize recovery following a dive by altering V T and f R to rapidly replenish the O2 stores. For the first breath following a surface breath-hold, the end-expired O2 decreased with dive duration, while V T and f R increased. Throughout the recovery period, end-expired O2 increased while the respiratory effort (V T, f R) decreased. We propose that the dolphins alter respiratory effort following a breath-hold according to the reduction in end-expired O2 levels, allowing almost complete recovery after 1.2 min.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fahlman
- Departamento de investigación, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunitat Valenciana, Gran Vía Marqués del Turia 19, 46005 Valencia, Spain .,Departamento de Zoología, Grupo de Investigación Biomédica en Imagen GIBI230, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Micah Brodsky
- Micah Brodsky, V.M.D. Consulting, 1287 NE 96th Street, Miami Shores, FL 33138, USA
| | - Stefan Miedler
- Departamento de investigación, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunitat Valenciana, Gran Vía Marqués del Turia 19, 46005 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sophie Dennison
- TeleVet Imaging Solutions, PLLC, PO BOX 3344, Oakton, VA 22124, USA
| | - Marina Ivančić
- Chicago Zoological Society, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA
| | - Gregg Levine
- Dolphin Quest, Oahu, 5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
| | | | - Mercy Manley
- Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, The Mirage, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
| | - Joan Rocabert
- Mellow Design, C/ Bany dels pavesos 3, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Alicia Borque-Espinosa
- Departamento de investigación, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunitat Valenciana, Gran Vía Marqués del Turia 19, 46005 Valencia, Spain.,Departamento de Zoología, Grupo de Investigación Biomédica en Imagen GIBI230, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain.,Universidad de Valencia, Av. de Blasco Ibáñez, 13, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ponganis PJ. State of the art review: from the seaside to the bedside: insights from comparative diving physiology into respiratory, sleep and critical care. Thorax 2019; 74:512-518. [PMID: 30826734 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-212136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Anatomical and physiological adaptations of animals to extreme environments provide insight into basic physiological principles and potential therapies for human disease. In that regard, the diving physiology of marine mammals and seabirds is especially relevant to pulmonary and cardiovascular function, and to the pathology and potential treatment of patients with hypoxaemia and/or ischaemia. This review highlights past and recent progress in the field of comparative diving physiology with emphasis on its potential relevance to human medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Ponganis
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Fahlman A, Epple A, García-Párraga D, Robeck T, Haulena M, Piscitelli-Doshkov M, Brodsky M. Characterizing respiratory capacity in belugas (Delphinapterus leucas). Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2019; 260:63-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
27
|
García-Párraga D, Lorenzo T, Wang T, Ortiz JL, Ortega J, Crespo-Picazo JL, Cortijo J, Fahlman A. Deciphering function of the pulmonary arterial sphincters in loggerhead sea turtles ( Caretta caretta). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.179820. [PMID: 30348649 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.179820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
To provide new insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying gas emboli (GE) in bycaught loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), we investigated the vasoactive characteristics of the pulmonary and systemic arteries, and the lung parenchyma (LP). Tissues were opportunistically excised from recently dead animals for in vitro studies of vasoactive responses to four different neurotransmitters: acetylcholine (ACh; parasympathetic), serotonin (5HT), adrenaline (Adr; sympathetic) and histamine. The significant amount of smooth muscle in the LP contracted in response to ACh, Adr and histamine. The intrapulmonary and systemic arteries contracted under both parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation and when exposed to 5HT. However, proximal extrapulmonary arterial (PEPA) sections contracted in response to ACh and 5HT, whereas Adr caused relaxation. In sea turtles, the relaxation in the pulmonary artery was particularly pronounced at the level of the pulmonary artery sphincter (PASp), where the vessel wall was highly muscular. For comparison, we also studied tissue response in freshwater sliders turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans). Both PEPA and LP from freshwater sliders contracted in response to 5HT, ACh and also Adr. We propose that in sea turtles, the dive response (parasympathetic tone) constricts the PEPA, LP and PASp, causing a pulmonary shunt and limiting gas uptake at depth, which reduces the risk of GE during long and deep dives. Elevated sympathetic tone caused by forced submersion during entanglement with fishing gear increases the pulmonary blood flow causing an increase in N2 uptake, potentially leading to the formation of blood and tissue GE at the surface. These findings provide potential physiological and anatomical explanations on how these animals have evolved a cardiac shunt pattern that regulates gas exchange during deep and prolonged diving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel García-Párraga
- Fundación Oceanografic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Gran Vía Marques del Turia 19, 46005 Valencia, Spain
| | - Teresa Lorenzo
- Fundación Oceanografic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Gran Vía Marques del Turia 19, 46005 Valencia, Spain
| | - Tobias Wang
- Zoophysiology, Department of Biosciences, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jose-Luis Ortiz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Joaquín Ortega
- Patología y Sanidad Animal, Departamento PASAPTA, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Moncada, 46018 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose-Luis Crespo-Picazo
- Fundación Oceanografic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Gran Vía Marques del Turia 19, 46005 Valencia, Spain
| | - Julio Cortijo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Andreas Fahlman
- Fundación Oceanografic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Gran Vía Marques del Turia 19, 46005 Valencia, Spain.,Department of Life Science, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Fahlman A, McHugh K, Allen J, Barleycorn A, Allen A, Sweeney J, Stone R, Faulkner Trainor R, Bedford G, Moore MJ, Jensen FH, Wells R. Resting Metabolic Rate and Lung Function in Wild Offshore Common Bottlenose Dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, Near Bermuda. Front Physiol 2018; 9:886. [PMID: 30065656 PMCID: PMC6056772 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diving mammals have evolved a suite of physiological adaptations to manage respiratory gases during extended breath-hold dives. To test the hypothesis that offshore bottlenose dolphins have evolved physiological adaptations to improve their ability for extended deep dives and as protection for lung barotrauma, we investigated the lung function and respiratory physiology of four wild common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) near the island of Bermuda. We measured blood hematocrit (Hct, %), resting metabolic rate (RMR, l O2 ⋅ min-1), tidal volume (VT, l), respiratory frequency (fR, breaths ⋅ min-1), respiratory flow (l ⋅ min-1), and dynamic lung compliance (CL, l ⋅ cmH2O-1) in air and in water, and compared measurements with published results from coastal, shallow-diving dolphins. We found that offshore dolphins had greater Hct (56 ± 2%) compared to shallow-diving bottlenose dolphins (range: 30–49%), thus resulting in a greater O2 storage capacity and longer aerobic diving duration. Contrary to our hypothesis, the specific CL (sCL, 0.30 ± 0.12 cmH2O-1) was not different between populations. Neither the mass-specific RMR (3.0 ± 1.7 ml O2 ⋅ min-1 ⋅ kg-1) nor VT (23.0 ± 3.7 ml ⋅ kg-1) were different from coastal ecotype bottlenose dolphins, both in the wild and under managed care, suggesting that deep-diving dolphins do not have metabolic or respiratory adaptations that differ from the shallow-diving ecotypes. The lack of respiratory adaptations for deep diving further support the recently developed hypothesis that gas management in cetaceans is not entirely passive but governed by alteration in the ventilation-perfusion matching, which allows for selective gas exchange to protect against diving related problems such as decompression sickness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fahlman
- Fundación Oceanografic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Gran Vía Marques del Turia, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States.,Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States
| | - Katherine McHugh
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, United States
| | - Jason Allen
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, United States
| | - Aaron Barleycorn
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, United States
| | - Austin Allen
- Duke University Marine Lab, Beaufort, NC, United States
| | | | - Rae Stone
- Dolphin Quest, Waikoloa, HI, United States
| | | | - Guy Bedford
- Wildlife Consulting Service, Currumbin, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael J Moore
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States
| | - Frants H Jensen
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States.,Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Randall Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fahlman A, Jensen FH, Tyack PL, Wells RS. Modeling Tissue and Blood Gas Kinetics in Coastal and Offshore Common Bottlenose Dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. Front Physiol 2018; 9:838. [PMID: 30072907 PMCID: PMC6060447 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are highly versatile breath-holding predators that have adapted to a wide range of foraging niches from rivers and coastal ecosystems to deep-water oceanic habitats. Considerable research has been done to understand how bottlenose dolphins manage O2 during diving, but little information exists on other gases or how pressure affects gas exchange. Here we used a dynamic multi-compartment gas exchange model to estimate blood and tissue O2, CO2, and N2 from high-resolution dive records of two different common bottlenose dolphin ecotypes inhabiting shallow (Sarasota Bay) and deep (Bermuda) habitats. The objective was to compare potential physiological strategies used by the two populations to manage shallow and deep diving life styles. We informed the model using species-specific parameters for blood hematocrit, resting metabolic rate, and lung compliance. The model suggested that the known O2 stores were sufficient for Sarasota Bay dolphins to remain within the calculated aerobic dive limit (cADL), but insufficient for Bermuda dolphins that regularly exceeded their cADL. By adjusting the model to reflect the body composition of deep diving Bermuda dolphins, with elevated muscle mass, muscle myoglobin concentration and blood volume, the cADL increased beyond the longest dive duration, thus reflecting the necessary physiological and morphological changes to maintain their deep-diving life-style. The results indicate that cardiac output had to remain elevated during surface intervals for both ecotypes, and suggests that cardiac output has to remain elevated during shallow dives in-between deep dives to allow sufficient restoration of O2 stores for Bermuda dolphins. Our integrated modeling approach contradicts predictions from simple models, emphasizing the complex nature of physiological interactions between circulation, lung compression, and gas exchange.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fahlman
- Global Diving Research, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Fundación Oceanografic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | - Frants H. Jensen
- Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter L. Tyack
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Randall S. Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|