Postprandial exercise: prioritization or additivity of the metabolic responses?

Constraints of digestion on swimming performance and stress tolerance vary with habitat in freshwater fish species

Limited aerobic scope (AS) during digestion might be the main constraint on the performance of bodily functions in water-breathing animals. Thus, investigating the postprandial changes in various physiological functions and determining the existence of a shared common pattern because of possible dependence on residual AS during digestion in freshwater fish species are very important in conservation physiology. All species from slow-flow habitats showed impaired swimming speed while digesting, whereas all species from fast-flow habitats showed strong swimming performance, which was unchanged while digesting. Only two species from slow-flow habitats showed impaired heat tolerance during digestion, suggesting that whether oxygen limitation is involved in the heat tolerance process is species-specific. Three species from slow- or intermediate-flow habitats showed impaired hypoxia tolerance during digestion because feeding metabolism cannot cease completely under hypoxia. Overall, there was no common pattern in postprandial changes in different physiological functions because: (1) the digestion process was suppressed under oxygen-limiting conditions, (2) the residual AS decreased during digestion, and (3) performance was related to residual AS, while digestion was context-dependent and species-specific. However, digestion generally showed a stronger effect on bodily functions in species from slow-flow habitats, whereas it showed no impairment in fishes from fast-flow habitats. Nevertheless, the postprandial change in physiological functions varies with habitat, possibly due to divergent selective pressure on such functions. More importantly, the present study suggests that a precise prediction of how freshwater fish populations will respond to global climate change needs to incorporate data from postprandial fishes.

Aerobic scope in fishes with different lifestyles and across habitats: Trade-offs among hypoxia tolerance, swimming performance and digestion

Exercise and aerobic scope in fishes have attracted scientists' attention for several decades. While it has been suggested that aerobic scope may limit behavioral expression and tolerance to environmental stressors in fishes, the exact importance of aerobic scope in an ecological context remains poorly understood. In this review, we examine the ecological relevance of aerobic scope by reconsidering and reanalyzing the existing literature on Chinese freshwater fishes across a wide-range of habitats and lifestyles. The available evidence suggests that natural selection in fast-flowing aquatic habitats may favor species with a high aerobic scope and anaerobic capacity for locomotion, whereas in relatively slow-flowing habitats, hypoxia tolerance may be favored at the cost of reduced locomotor capacity. In addition, while physical activity can usually cause fishes from fast-flowing habitats to reach their aerobic metabolic ceiling (i.e., maximum metabolic rate), possibly due to selection pressure on locomotion, most species from slow-flowing habitats can only reach their metabolic ceiling during digestion, either alone or in combination with physical activity. Overall, we suggest that fish exhibit a continuum of metabolic types, from a 'visceral metabolic type' with a higher digestive performance to a 'locomotion metabolic type' which appears to have reduced capacity for digestion but enhanced locomotor performance. Generally, locomotor-type species can either satisfy the demands of their high swimming capacity with a high oxygen uptake capacity or sacrifice digestion while swimming. In contrast, most visceral-type species show a pronounced decrease in swimming performance while digesting, probably owing to conflicts within their aerobic scope. In conclusion, the ecological relevance of aerobic scope and the consequent effects on other physiological functions are closely related to habitat and the lifestyle of a given species. These results suggest that swimming performance, digestion and hypoxia tolerance might coevolve due to dependence on metabolic traits such as aerobic scope.

New tools suggest a middle Jurassic origin for mammalian endothermy: Advances in state-of-the-art techniques uncover new insights on the evolutionary patterns of mammalian endothermy through time: Advances in state-of-the-art techniques uncover new insights on the evolutionary patterns of mammalian endothermy through time

We suggest that mammalian endothermy was established amongst Middle Jurassic crown mammals, through reviewing state-of-the-art fossil and living mammal studies. This is considerably later than the prevailing paradigm, and has important ramifications for the causes, pattern, and pace of physiological evolution amongst synapsids. Most hypotheses argue that selection for either enhanced aerobic activity, or thermoregulation was the primary driver for synapsid physiological evolution, based on a range of fossil characters that have been linked to endothermy. We argue that, rather than either alternative being the primary selective force for the entirety of endothermic evolution, these characters evolved quite independently through time, and across the mammal family tree, principally as a response to shifting environmental pressures and ecological opportunities. Our interpretations can be tested using closely linked proxies for both factors, derived from study of fossils of a range of Jurassic and Cretaceous mammaliaforms and early mammals.

Physiological changes in post-hatchling green turtles (Chelonia mydas) following short-term fasting: implications for release protocols

Relocation of sea turtle nests and the retention of post-hatchlings for head-starting programs are both commonly used to improve conservation outcomes and facilitate eco-tourism ventures. Currently, there is little literature surrounding the husbandry protocols required during these programs to optimize post-release outcomes. To assess the impact of varied feeding regimes on exercise performance, (which will hereafter be referred to as 'fitness'), 40 10-month-old captive post-hatchling green turtles (Chelonia mydas) were divided into four groups of 10 and fasted for either 3, 9, 10 or 15 h. The animals were then subjected to a fitness test via repetitive use of the 'righting reflex' on land. Health assessments were conducted prior to the fitness test, including; heart rate, haematocrit (Hct), heterophil to lymphocyte ratio and the measurement of 11 biochemical analytes, including pH, partial pressures of carbon dioxide (P_vCO₂) and oxygen (P_vO₂), lactate, bicarbonate (HCO₃ ^-), sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), chloride (Cl^-), ionized calcium (iCa²⁺), glucose and urea. Results were corrected for multiple comparisons and significant differences among groups were demonstrated for temperature, pH, HCO₃ ^-, iCa²⁺, urea and lactate. To investigate physiological relationships between analytes, correlation coefficients were calculated between fitness and glucose, fitness and lactate, glucose and lactate, pH and iCa²⁺, pH and K⁺, pH and P_vCO₂, pH and HCO₃ ^- and Hct and K⁺. Following correction for multiple comparisons, significant relationships were seen between pH and iCa²⁺ and pH and HCO₃ ^-. Post-hatchling turtles appear to enter a catabolic state when exposed to short-term fasting. While this did not have a direct impact on fitness, the production of an intense energetic output from a catabolic state may induce a physiological debt. This study suggests that handling that induces a physical response should be minimized and animals should be fed within 10 h of release.

Experimental setup influences the cardiovascular responses of decapod crustaceans to environmental change

The effects of different holding methods on heart rate (HR) changes in the green crab, Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758), were investigated. Green crabs were held in perforated plastic boxes (with or without a layer of sand) suspended above the bottom of the tank or strapped to a weighted plastic grate. The HR of green crabs classified as unrestrained (plastic box with or without sand) dropped more rapidly compared with restrained (hanging from band, strapped to grate) green crabs. Within 1 h, unrestrained green crabs exhibited periods of cardiac pausing accounting for between 8% and 14% of the hourly time. In contrast, restrained green crabs rarely exhibited cardiac pausing. When the green crabs were subjected to a temperature increase (10–30 °C), the HR of unrestrained green crabs reached higher levels than that of the restrained animals. The four restraining methods were also used to investigate cardiac responses to hypoxia. During progressive hypoxia (100%–20% oxygen), the HR of unrestrained green crabs declined to lower levels than that of the restrained animals. The restraining methods appeared to be more stressful for the green crabs that maintained elevated HRs and were less able to respond to environmental change compared with green crabs that could move freely within a small chamber. This suggests that even subtle changes in experimental design may alter physiological responses.

Resting vs. active: a meta-analysis of the intra- and inter-specific associations between minimum, sustained, and maximum metabolic rates in vertebrates

Variation in aerobic capacity has far reaching consequences for the physiology, ecology, and evolution of vertebrates. Whether at rest or active, animals are constrained to operate within the energetic bounds determined by their minimum (minMR) and sustained or maximum metabolic rates (upperMR). MinMR and upperMR can differ considerably among individuals and species but are often presumed to be mechanistically linked to one another. Specifically, minMR is thought to reflect the idling cost of the machinery needed to support upperMR. However, previous analyses based on limited datasets have come to conflicting conclusions regarding the generality and strength of their association.

Here we conduct the first comprehensive assessment of their relationship, based on a large number of published estimates of both the intra‐specific (n = 176) and inter‐specific (n = 41) phenotypic correlations between minMR and upperMR, estimated as either exercise‐induced maximum metabolic rate (VO₂max), cold‐induced summit metabolic rate (Msum), or daily energy expenditure (DEE).

Our meta‐analysis shows that there is a general positive association between minMR and upperMR that is shared among vertebrate taxonomic classes. However, there was stronger evidence for intra‐specific correlations between minMR and Msum and between minMR and DEE than there was for a correlation between minMR and VO₂max across different taxa. As expected, inter‐specific correlation estimates were consistently higher than intra‐specific estimates across all traits and vertebrate classes.

An interesting exception to this general trend was observed in mammals, which contrast with birds and exhibit no correlation between minMR and Msum. We speculate that this is due to the evolution and recruitment of brown fat as a thermogenic tissue, which illustrates how some species and lineages might circumvent this seemingly general association.

We conclude that, in spite of some variability across taxa and traits, the contention that minMR and upperMR are positively correlated generally holds true both within and across vertebrate species. Ecological and comparative studies should therefore take into consideration the possibility that variation in any one of these traits might partly reflect correlated responses to selection on other metabolic parameters.

A lay summary is available for this article.

Simultaneously Occurring Elevated Metabolic States Expose Constraints in Maximal Levels of Oxygen Consumption in the Oviparous Snake Lamprophis fuliginosus

African house snakes (Lamprophis fuliginosus) were used to compare the metabolic increments associated with reproduction, digestion, and activity both individually and when combined simultaneously. Rates of oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]) and carbon dioxide production ([Formula: see text]) were measured in adult female (nonreproductive and reproductive) and adult male snakes during rest, digestion, activity while fasting, and postprandial activity. We also compared the endurance time (i.e., time to exhaustion) during activity while fasting and postprandial activity in males and females. For nonreproductive females and males, our results indicate that the metabolic increments of digestion (∼3-6-fold) and activity while fasting (∼6-10-fold) did not interact in an additive fashion; instead, the aerobic scope associated with postprandial activity was 40%-50% lower, and animals reached exhaustion up to 11 min sooner. During reproduction, there was no change in digestive [Formula: see text], but aerobic scope for activity while fasting was 30% lower than nonreproductive values. The prioritization pattern of oxygen delivery exhibited by L. fuliginosus during postprandial activity (in both males and females) and for activity while fasting (in reproductive females) was more constrained than predicted (i.e., instead of unchanged [Formula: see text], peak values were 30%-40% lower). Overall, our results indicate that L. fuliginosus's cardiopulmonary system's capacity for oxygen delivery was not sufficient to maintain the metabolic increments associated with reproduction, digestion, and activity simultaneously without limiting aerobic scope and/or activity performance.

Economic thermoregulatory response explains mismatch between thermal physiology and behaviour in newts

Temperature is an important factor determining distribution and abundance of organisms. Predicting the impact of warming climate on ectotherm populations requires information about species' thermal requirements, i.e. their so-called 'thermal niche'. The characterization of thermal niche remains a complicated task. We compared the applicability of two indirect approaches, based on reaction norm (aerobic scope curve) and optimality (preferred body temperature) concepts, for indirect estimation of thermal niche while using newts, Ichthyosaura alpestris, as a study system. If the two approaches are linked, then digesting newts should keep their body temperatures close to values maximizing aerobic scope for digestion. After feeding, newts maintained their body temperatures within a narrower range than did hungry individuals. The range of preferred body temperatures was well below the temperature maximizing aerobic scope for digestion. Optimal temperatures for factorial aerobic scope fell within the preferred body temperature range of digesting individuals. We conclude that digesting newts prefer body temperatures that are optimal for the maximum aerobic performance but relative to the maintenance costs. What might be termed the 'economic' thermoregulatory response explains the mismatch between thermal physiology and behaviour in this system.

Patterns of oxygen consumption during simultaneously occurring elevated metabolic states in the viviparous snake Thamnophis marcianus

Snakes exhibit large factorial increments in oxygen consumption during digestion and physical activity, and long-lasting sub-maximal increments during reproduction. Under natural conditions, all three physiological states may occur simultaneously, but the integrated response is not well understood. Adult male and female checkered gartersnakes (Thamnophis marcianus) were used to examine increments in oxygen consumption (i.e. V̇(O2)) and carbon dioxide production (i.e. V̇(CO2)) associated with activity (Act), digestion (Dig) and post-prandial activity (Act+Dig). For females, we carried out these trials in the non-reproductive state, and also during the vitellogenic (V) and embryogenic (E) phases of a reproductive cycle. Endurance time (i.e. time to exhaustion, TTE) was recorded for all groups during Act and Act+Dig trials. Our results indicate that male and non-reproductive female T. marcianus exhibit significant increments in V̇(O2) during digestion (∼5-fold) and activity (∼9-fold), and that Act+Dig results in a similar increment in V̇(O2) (∼9- to 10-fold). During reproduction, resting V̇(O2) increased by 1.6- to 1.7-fold, and peak increments during digestion were elevated by 30-50% above non-reproductive values, but values associated with Act and Act+Dig were not significantly different from non-reproductive values. During Act+Dig, endurance time remained similar for all of the groups in the present study. Overall, our results indicate that prioritization is the primary pattern of interaction in oxygen delivery exhibited by this species. We propose that the metabolic processes associated with digestion, and perhaps reproduction, are temporarily compromised during activity.

Pregnancy limits lung function during exercise and depresses metabolic rate in the skink Tiliqua nigrolutea

High gestational loads have been associated with a range of ecological costs, such as decreased locomotor ability; however, the physiological mechanisms that underpin these changes are poorly understood. In this study, breathing patterns, metabolic rates, lung volume and lung diffusing capacity were measured at rest and during exercise in the pregnant skink Tiliqua nigrolutea. Breathing patterns were largely unaffected by gestation; however, decreases in metabolic rate (rate of oxygen consumption) in the late stages of pregnancy induced a relative hyperventilation. The reductions in metabolic rate during late pregnancy prevent the calculation of the maintenance cost of pregnancy based on post-partum and neonatal metabolic rates. Despite the high relative litter mass of 38.9±5.3%, lung diffusing capacity was maintained during all stages of pregnancy, suggesting that alterations in diffusion at the alveolar capillary membrane were not responsible for the relative hyperventilation. Lung volume was increased during pregnancy compared with non-pregnant females, but lung volume was significantly lower during pregnancy compared with post-partum lung volume. Pregnant females were unable to produce the same metabolic and ventilatory changes induced by exercise in non-pregnant females. This lack of ability to respond to increased respiratory drive during exercise may underpin the locomotor impairment measured during gestation in previous studies.

Species-specific effects of near-future CO(2) on the respiratory performance of two tropical prey fish and their predator

Ocean surface CO2 levels are increasing in line with rising atmospheric CO2 and could exceed 900μatm by year 2100, with extremes above 2000μatm in some coastal habitats. The imminent increase in ocean pCO2 is predicted to have negative consequences for marine fishes, including reduced aerobic performance, but variability among species could be expected. Understanding interspecific responses to ocean acidification is important for predicting the consequences of ocean acidification on communities and ecosystems. In the present study, the effects of exposure to near-future seawater CO2 (860μatm) on resting (M˙ O2rest) and maximum (M˙O2max) oxygen consumption rates were determined for three tropical coral reef fish species interlinked through predator-prey relationships: juvenile Pomacentrus moluccensis and Pomacentrus amboinensis, and one of their predators: adult Pseudochromis fuscus. Contrary to predictions, one of the prey species, P. amboinensis, displayed a 28-39% increase in M˙O2max after both an acute and four-day exposure to near-future CO2 seawater, while maintaining M˙O2rest. By contrast, the same treatment had no significant effects on M˙O2rest or M˙O2max of the other two species. However, acute exposure of P. amboinensis to 1400 and 2400μatm CO2 resulted in M˙O2max returning to control values. Overall, the findings suggest that: (1) the metabolic costs of living in a near-future CO2 seawater environment were insignificant for the species examined at rest; (2) the M˙O2max response of tropical reef species to near-future CO2 seawater can be dependent on the severity of external hypercapnia; and (3) near-future ocean pCO2 may not be detrimental to aerobic scope of all fish species and it may even augment aerobic scope of some species. The present results also highlight that close phylogenetic relatedness and living in the same environment, does not necessarily imply similar physiological responses to near-future CO2.

Ablation of the ability to control the right-to-left cardiac shunt does not affect oxygen consumption, specific dynamic action or growth in rattlesnakes, Crotalus durissus

The morphologically undivided ventricle of the heart in non-crocodilian reptiles permits the mixing of oxygen-rich blood returning from the lungs and oxygen-poor blood from the systemic circulation. A possible functional significance for this intra-cardiac shunt has been debated for almost a century. Unilateral left vagotomy rendered the single effective pulmonary artery of the South American rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus, unable to adjust the magnitude of blood flow to the lung. The higher constant perfusion of the lung circulation and the incapability of adjusting R-L shunt in left-denervated snakes persisted over time, providing a unique model for investigation of the long-term consequences of cardiac shunting in a squamate. Oxygen uptake recorded at rest, during spontaneous and forced activity, was not affected by removing control of the cardiac shunt. Furthermore, metabolic rate and energetic balance during the post-prandial metabolic increment, plus the food conversion efficiency and growth rate were all similarly unaffected. These results show that control of cardiac shunting is not associated with a clear functional advantage in adjusting metabolic rate, effectiveness of digestion or growth rates.

Peripheral-central chemoreceptor interaction and the significance of a critical period in the development of respiratory control

Respiratory control entails coordinated activities of peripheral chemoreceptors (mainly the carotid bodies) and central chemosensors within the brain stem respiratory network. Candidates for central chemoreceptors include Phox2b-containing neurons of the retrotrapezoid nucleus, serotonergic neurons of the medullary raphé, and/or multiple sites within the brain stem. Extensive interconnections among respiratory-related nuclei enable central chemosensitive relay. Both peripheral and central respiratory centers are not mature at birth, but undergo considerable development during the first two postnatal weeks in rats. A critical period of respiratory development (∼P12-P13 in the rat) exists when abrupt neurochemical, metabolic, ventilatory, and electrophysiological changes occur. Environmental perturbations, including hypoxia, intermittent hypoxia, hypercapnia, and hyperoxia alter the development of the respiratory system. Carotid body denervation during the first two postnatal weeks in the rat profoundly affects the development and functions of central respiratory-related nuclei. Such denervation delays and prolongs the critical period, but does not eliminate it, suggesting that the critical period may be intrinsically and genetically determined.

Gestation increases the energetic cost of breathing in the lizard, Tiliqua rugosa

High gestational loads result in fetuses that occupy a large proportion of the body cavity and may compress maternal organs. Compression of the lungs results in alterations in breathing patterns during gestation which may affect the oxidative cost of breathing. In this study, the oxidative cost of breathing during gestation was determined in the viviparous skink, Tiliqua rugosa. Radiographic imaging showed progressive lung compression during gestation and a 30% reduction in the lung compression index (rib number at which the caudal margin of the lung was imaged). Pneumotachography and open flow respirometry were used to measure breathing patterns and metabolic rates. Gestation induced a two fold increase in minute ventilation via increases in breathing frequency but no change in inspired tidal volume. The rates of O2 consumption and CO2 production did not change significantly during gestation. Together, these results suggest that a relative hyperventilation occurs during gestation in Tiliqua rugosa. This relative hyperventilation suggests that diffusion and/or perfusion limitations may exist at the lung during gestation. The oxidative cost of breathing was estimated as a percentage of resting metabolic rate using hypercapnia to stimulate ventilation at different stages of pregnancy. The oxidative cost of breathing in non pregnant lizards was 19.96±3.85% and increased 3 fold to 62.80±10.11% during late gestation. This significant increase in the oxidative cost of breathing may have significant consequences for energy budgets during gestation.

Prioritizing blood flow: cardiovascular performance in response to the competing demands of locomotion and digestion for the Burmese python, Python molurus

Individually, the metabolic demands of digestion or movement can be fully supported by elevations in cardiovascular performance, but when occurring simultaneously, vascular perfusion may have to be prioritized to either the gut or skeletal muscles. Burmese pythons (Python molurus) experience similar increases in metabolic rate during the digestion of a meal as they do while crawling, hence each would have an equal demand for vascular supply when these two actions are combined. To determine, for the Burmese python, whether blood flow is prioritized when snakes are digesting and moving, we examined changes in cardiac performance and blood flow in response to digestion, movement, and the combination of digestion and movement. We used perivascular blood flow probes to measure blood flow through the left carotid artery, dorsal aorta, superior mesenteric artery and hepatic portal vein, and to calculate cardiac output, heart rate and stroke volume. Fasted pythons while crawling experienced a 2.7- and 3.3-fold increase, respectively, in heart rate and cardiac output, and a 66% decrease in superior mesenteric flow. During the digestion of a rodent meal equaling in mass to 24.7% of the snake's body mass, heart rate and cardiac output increased by 3.3- and 4.4-fold, respectively. Digestion also resulted in respective 11.6- and 14.1-fold increases in superior mesenteric and hepatic portal flow. When crawling while digesting, cardiac output and dorsal aorta flow increased by only 21% and 9%, respectively, a modest increase compared with that when they start to crawl on an empty stomach. Crawling did triggered a significant reduction in blood flow to the digesting gut, decreasing superior mesenteric and hepatic portal flow by 81% and 47%, respectively. When faced with the dual demands of digestion and crawling, Burmese pythons prioritize blood flow, apparently diverting visceral supply to the axial muscles.

Physiological responses of postprandial red rock crabs (Cancer productus) during emersion

The physiological responses of unfed and postprandial red rock crabs ( Cancer productus J.W. Randal, 1840) were investigated during periods of emersion. During aerial exposure, oxygen uptake quickly fell to very low levels and was no longer detectable in the haemolymph after 12 h. The resulting anaerobic respiration led to a build up in lactic acid and the resulting acidosis was more pronounced in the postprandial crabs. There was also a concomitant rise in PCO2and CCO2, and in both cases these were higher in postprandial animals. Higher ammonia levels in postprandial crabs showed that cellular activities were still proceeding anaerobically, suggesting that although crabs can delay mechanical digestion during emersion, once intracellular digestion occurs they may be committed to these processes. Increased mortality rates of postprandial animals were probably due to a combination of the high lactate and CO2levels coupled with an increased ammonia concentration. For C. productus stranded in the intertidal zone there may be little effect of feeding, as they are only exposed for short periods and recovery occurs during re-immersion. The crabs are more likely to become moribund and death ensue during longer term exposure such as commercial live shipment.

The behavioural, digestive and metabolic characteristics of fishes with different foraging strategies

To test the hypothesis that digestion has a more notable physiological effect on ambush foragers than on active foragers, we investigated the behavioural, digestive and metabolic characteristics, as well as the postprandial locomotory capacity, of four species of juvenile fish distributed along the Yangtze River, China, with distinct foraging strategies. The ambush foraging southern catfish (Silurus meridionlis) had the fewest movements per minute (MPM), lowest per cent time spent moving (PTM), slowest critical swimming speed (Ucrit), lowest maintenance metabolism(V̇O2rest) and lowest maximum locomotory metabolism(V̇O2max). However, the southern catfish had the highest feeding level and maximum feeding metabolism(V̇O2peak) and the greatest decrease in Ucrit after consumption of a large meal. Thus, this fish is highly adapted to its ambush behavioural strategy and sedentary life style. In the herbivorous grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), a low digestive capacity led to little change in postprandial locomotory performance, which benefits its frequent grazing behaviour. In this species, the greater amount of energy spent on routine activity and avoiding predators versus Ucrit might be related to its herbivorous life style and high predation risk. The active foraging crucian carp(Carassius auratus) adopts a unique high energy cost strategy that allows for high capacity in both routine activity and digestion, and the great flexibility of its cardio-respiratory capacity (increased V̇O2max after feeding) guarantees a small decrease in Ucrit even after maximum feeding. Finally, the sluggish foraging darkbarbel catfish(Pelteobagrus vachelli) has low digestive and locomotory capacity,but its energy-efficient venomous defence strategy may be related to its abundance. These results show that the digestive, behavioural and metabolic strategies differ among these fish species. The locomotory capacity in the sedentary fishes decreased profoundly after feeding, whereas it decreased little or not at all in the active fishes. The maintenance of high locomotory capacity after eating in the active fishes is probably related to a large metabolic capacity, a lower digestive capacity or an improvement in cardio-respiratory capacity after feeding.

Effects of feeding and hypoxia on cardiac performance and gastrointestinal blood flow during critical speed swimming in the sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax

Previous studies have shown that if European sea bass are exercised after feeding, they can achieve a significantly higher maximum metabolic rate (MMR) than when fasted. They can meet combined metabolic demands of digestion (specific dynamic action, SDA) and maximal aerobic exercise, with no decline in swimming performance. If, however, exposed to mild hypoxia (50% saturation), bass no longer achieve higher MMR after feeding but they swim as well fed as fasted, due to an apparent ability to defer the SDA response. This study explored patterns of cardiac output (Q(A)) and blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract (Q(GI)) associated with the higher MMR after feeding, and with the ability to prioritise swimming in hypoxia. Sea bass (mean mass approximately 325 g, forklength approximately 27 cm) were instrumented with flow probes to measure Q(A) and Q(GI) during an incremental critical swimming speed (U(crit)) protocol in a tunnel respirometer, to compare each animal either fasted or 6h after a meal of fish fillet equal to 3% body mass. Feeding raised oxygen uptake (M(O2)) prior to exercise, an SDA response associated with increased Q(A) (+30%) and Q(GI) (+100%) compared to fasted values. As expected, when exercised the fed bass maintained the SDA load throughout the protocol and achieved 14% higher MMR than when fasted, and the same U(crit) (approximately 100 cm s(-1)). Both fed and fasted bass showed pronounced increases in Q(A) and decreases in Q(GI) during exercise and the higher MMR of fed bass was not associated with higher maximum Q(A) relative to when fasted, or to any differences in Q(GI) at maximum Q(A). In hypoxia prior to exercise, metabolic and cardiac responses to feeding were similar compared to normoxia. Hypoxia caused an almost 60% reduction to MMR and 30% reduction to U(crit), but neither of these traits differed between fed or fasted bass. Despite hypoxic limitations to MMR and U(crit), maximum Q(A) and patterns of Q(GI) during exercise in fasted and fed bass were similar to normoxia. Estimating GI oxygen supply from Q(GI) indicated that the ability of bass to prioritise aerobic exercise over SDA when metabolically limited by hypoxia was linked to an ability to defer elements of the SDA response occurring outside the GI tract.

Postnatal development of metabolic rate during normoxia and acute hypoxia in rats: implication for a sensitive period

Previously, we reported that the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) in rats was weakest at postnatal day (P) P13, concomitant with neurochemical changes in respiratory nuclei. A major determinant of minute ventilation (Ve) is reportedly the metabolic rate [O(2) consumption (Vo(2)) and CO(2) production (Vco(2))]. The present study aimed at testing our hypothesis that daily metabolic rates changed in parallel with ventilation during development and that a weak HVR at P13 was attributable mainly to an inadequate metabolic rate in hypoxia. Ventilation and metabolic rates were monitored daily in P0-P21 rats. We found that 1) ventilation and metabolic rates were not always correlated, and Ve/Vo(2) and Ve/Vco(2) ratios were not constant during development; 2) metabolic rate and Ve/Vo(2) and Ve/Vco(2) ratios at P0-P1 were significantly different from the remaining first postnatal week in normoxia and hypoxia; 3) at P13, metabolic rates and Ve/Vo(2) and Ve/Vco(2) ratios abruptly increased in normoxia and were compromised in acute hypoxia, unlike more stable trends during the remaining second and third postnatal weeks; and 4) the respiratory quotient (Vco(2)/Vo(2)) was quite stable in normoxia and fluctuated slightly in hypoxia from P0 to P21. Thus our data revealed heretofore unsuspected metabolic adjustments at P0-P1 and P13. At P0-P1, ventilation and metabolic rates were uncorrelated, whereas at P13, they were closely correlated under normoxia and hypoxia. The findings further strengthened the existence of a critical period of respiratory development around P13, when multiple physiological and neurochemical adjustments occur simultaneously.

Specific dynamic action: a review of the postprandial metabolic response

For more than 200 years, the metabolic response that accompanies meal digestion has been characterized, theorized, and experimentally studied. Historically labeled "specific dynamic action" or "SDA", this physiological phenomenon represents the energy expended on all activities of the body incidental to the ingestion, digestion, absorption, and assimilation of a meal. Specific dynamic action or a component of postprandial metabolism has been quantified for more than 250 invertebrate and vertebrate species. Characteristic among all of these species is a rapid postprandial increase in metabolic rate that upon peaking returns more slowly to prefeeding levels. The average maximum increase in metabolic rate stemming from digestion ranges from a modest 25% for humans to 136% for fishes, and to an impressive 687% for snakes. The type, size, composition, and temperature of the meal, as well as body size, body composition, and several environmental factors (e.g., ambient temperature and gas concentration) can each significantly impact the magnitude and duration of the SDA response. Meals that are large, intact or possess a tough exoskeleton require more digestive effort and thus generate a larger SDA than small, fragmented, or soft-bodied meals. Differences in the individual effort of preabsorptive (e.g., swallowing, gastric breakdown, and intestinal transport) and postabsorptive (e.g., catabolism and synthesis) events underlie much of the variation in SDA. Specific dynamic action is an integral part of an organism's energy budget, exemplified by accounting for 19-43% of the daily energy expenditure of free-ranging snakes. There are innumerable opportunities for research in SDA including coverage of unexplored taxa, investigating the underlying sources, determinants, and the central control of postprandial metabolism, and examining the integration of SDA across other physiological systems.

The interactive effects of exercise and feeding on oxygen uptake, activity levels, and gastric processing in the graceful crab Cancer gracilis

Exercise and digestive processes are known to elevate the metabolic rate of organisms independently. In this study, the effects of simultaneous exercise and digestion were examined in the graceful crab Cancer gracilis. This species exhibited resting oxygen uptake levels between 29 and 42 mg O(2) kg(-1) h(-1). In postprandial crabs, oxygen uptake was approximately double that of unfed crabs. During exercise, oxygen uptake increased three- to fourfold, reaching maximal levels of more than 130 mg O(2) kg(-1 ) h(-1). However, there was no difference in oxygen uptake during activity between unfed and postprandial animals. There was also no difference in exercise endurance levels between unfed and postprandial animals; both sets of animals were unable to right themselves after being turned on their backs, reaching exhaustion after 13-15 attempts. To determine whether increased activity affected gastric processes, the passage of a meal through the digestive system was followed using a fluoroscope. Passage of digesta through the gut system was slower in active animals than in resting crabs. Resting crabs cleared the foregut after approximately 18 h, which was significantly faster than the 34.5 h for constantly active animals. Likewise, the midgut region of resting animals was cleared at a faster rate than that of active animals. Because of residual amounts of digesta remaining in the hindgut, no difference in clearance rates of this section of the gut was evident. The slower clearance times of the foregut were due to a significantly slower rate of mastication of food, as evidenced by a lower cardiac stomach contraction rate. Contraction of the pyloric region of the foregut functions to move the digesta along the midgut, and there was a direct correlation between slower contraction rates of this region and the increased time of passage for digesta through the midgut of active animals. Because increased activity levels affected gastric processing, the crabs exhibited a behavioral response. During a 24-h period after feeding, there was a significant reduction in locomotor activity. The findings of this study suggest a prioritization of metabolic responses toward activity at the expense of digestion. This is discussed in relation to the ability of the crabs to balance the demands of competing physiological systems.

Feeding and digestion in low salinity in an osmoconforming crab, Cancer gracilis. I. Cardiovascular and respiratory responses

The osmoregulatory physiology of decapod crustaceans has received extensive attention. Within this field there is a growing body of literature on cardiovascular and respiratory responses to low salinity. Most species exhibit a tachycardia coupled with an increase in ventilation rate and oxygen uptake. However, these previous experiments were conducted on animals that were starved prior to experimentation in order to avoid increases in metabolism associated with digestive processes. Because organisms are not necessarily starved prior to experiencing environmental perturbations, results from previous experiments may not represent natural physiological responses. The present study investigated how an osmoconforming decapod, the graceful crab Cancer gracilis, balanced the demands of physiological systems (prioritization or additivity of events) during feeding and digestion in a low salinity environment. Cancer gracilis exhibited a typical increase in oxygen uptake and less pronounced increases in cardiovascular variables (heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output) during feeding in 100% seawater. In 3-day starved crabs, exposure to 65% seawater resulted in a pronounced bradycardia, with a concomitant decrease in cardiac output and haemolymph flow rates and a temporary decrease in oxygen uptake. When crabs were exposed to low salinity, 3 h and 24 h after food ingestion, heart rate increased slightly and cardiac output and ventilation rates remained stable. Although oxygen uptake decreased transiently, feeding levels were quickly regained. During a recovery phase in 100%SW there was an overshoot in parameters, suggesting repayment of an oxygen debt. Thus, it appears that feeding and digestion are prioritized in this species, allowing it to survive acute exposure to hyposaline water. Furthermore, the results show that the nutritional state of an animal is important in modulating its physiological responses to environmental perturbations. This underscores the importance of studying physiological responses at the whole organism level under conditions closely approximating those of the natural environment.

Effect of feeding and fasting on excess post-exercise oxygen consumption in juvenile southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis Chen)

The impact of feeding (fed to satiation, 13.85% body mass) on excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC, chasing for 2.5 min) was investigated in juvenile southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis Chen) (38.62-57.55 g) at 25. Cutlets of freshly killed loach species without viscera, head and tail were used as the test meal, and oxygen consumption (VO(2)) was adjusted to a standard body mass of 1 kg using a mass exponent of 0.75. Resting VO(2) increased significantly above fasting levels (49.89 versus 148.25 mg O(2) h(-)(1)) in 12 h postprandial catfish. VO(2) and ventilation frequency (V(f)) both increased immediately after exhaustive exercise and slowly returned to pre-exercise values in all experimental groups. The times taken for post-exercise VO(2) to return to the pre-exercise value were 20, 25 and 30 min in 12 h, 60 h and 120 h postprandial catfish, respectively. Peak VO(2) levels were 257.36+/-6.06, 219.32+/-6.32 and 200.91+/-5.50 mg O(2) h(-1) in 12 h, 60 h and 120 h postprandial catfish and EPOC values were 13.85+/-4.50, 27.24+/-3.15 and 41.91+/-3.02 mg O(2) in 12 h, 60 h and 120 h postprandial southern catfish, respectively. There were significant differences in both EPOC and peak VO(2) during the post-exercise recovery process among three experimental groups (p<0.05). These results showed that: (1) neither digestive nor exhaustive exercise could elicit maximal VO(2) in southern catfish, (2) both the digestive process and exercise (also the post-exercise recovery process) were curtailed under postprandial exercise, (3) the change of V(f) was smaller than that of VO(2) during the exhaustive exercise recovery process, (4) for a similar increment in VO(2), the change in V(f) was larger during the post-exercise process than during the digestive process.

Feeding and digestion in low salinity in an osmoconforming crab, Cancer gracilis II. Gastric evacuation and motility

Gastric evacuation and gut contraction rates were followed in the graceful crab Cancer gracilis during exposure to low salinity. Crabs were fed a radio-opaque meal and then exposed to 100% seawater (SW), 80%SW or 60%SW;passage of digesta was followed using a fluoroscope. Exposure to low salinity increased the time for food passage through the gut system. Times for emptying of the foregut, midgut and hindgut varied in a dose-dependent manner. In the lowest salinity, crabs regurgitated food from the foregut after approximately 6 h. This may act as a protective response, clearing the gut and avoiding subsequent increases in metabolism associated with digestion. Contraction rate of the cardiac stomach and gastric mill was sporadic and there was no significant change with salinity. In contrast, contractions of the pyloric region were more constant and rapid. Pyloric contractions decreased at each salinity within 2-4 h after feeding. Contraction rates of the pyloric chamber were significantly lower in 60%SW compared with 100%SW and 80%SW. During a salinity cycle there was also slowing of gut contractions and food passage through the gut system. Pre-treatment levels were only regained slowly when the animals were returned to 100%SW. Cancer gracilis was able to slow digestion during low salinity exposure, which may spare resources for other systems. However, the crabs could not halt digestion completely and may be committed to protein synthesis once intracellular digestion has begun.

Postprandial intestinal blood flow, metabolic rates, and exercise in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Following a relatively large meal (2% body mass of dry pellets), intestinal blood flow in chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) increased significantly, up to 81%, between 14 and 29 h postprandially. Also, 15 h postprandially, oxygen consumption (M(2)) was elevated by 128% compared with a measurement of routine M(2) made after 1 wk of fasting. The postprandial increase in MO(2) (the heat increment) was 33 micromol O(2) min(-1) kg(-1). Because intestinal blood flow is known to decrease during swimming activity in fish, we therefore tested the hypothesis that swimming fish would have to make a trade-off between maximum swimming activity and digestive activity by comparing the swimming performance and metabolic rates of fed and fasted chinook salmon. As expected, MO(2) increased exponentially with swimming velocity in both fed and fasted fish. Moreover, the heat increment was irreducible during swimming, such that MO(2) remained approximately 39 micromol O(2) min(-1) kg(-1) higher in fed fish than in fasted fish at all comparable swimming speeds. However, maximum M dot o2 was unaffected by feeding and was identical in both fed and fasted fish (approximately 250 micromol O(2) min(-1) kg(-1)), and, as a result, the critical swimming speed (U(crit)) was 9% lower in the fed fish. Three days after the fish were fed and digestion was completed, MO(2) and U(crit) were not significantly different from those measured in fasted fish. The ability of salmonids to maintain feeding metabolism during prolonged swimming performance is discussed, and it is suggested that reduced swimming performance may be due to postprandial sparing of intestinal blood to support digestion, thereby limiting the allocation of blood flow to locomotory muscles.

Metabolic Response to Feeding inTupinambis merianae: Circadian Rhythm and a Possible Respiratory Constraint

The diurnal tegu lizard Tupinambis merianae exhibits a marked circadian variation in metabolism that is characterized by the significant increase in metabolism during part of the day. These increases in metabolic rate, found in the fasting animal, are absent during the first 2 d after meal ingestion but reappear subsequently, and the daily increase in metabolic rate is added to the increase in metabolic rate caused by digestion. During the first 2 d after feeding, priority is given to digestion, while on the third and following days, the metabolic demands are clearly added to each other. This response seems to be a regulated response of the animal, which becomes less active after food ingestion, rather than an inability of the respiratory system to support simultaneous demands at the beginning of digestion. The body cavity of Tupinambis is divided into two compartments by a posthepatic septum (PHS). Animals that had their PHS surgically removed showed no significant alteration in the postprandial metabolic response compared to tegus with intact PHS. The maximal metabolic increment during digestion, the relative cost of meal digestion, and the duration of the process were virtually unaffected by the removal of the PHS.

Prioritization or Summation of Events? Cardiovascular Physiology of Postprandial Dungeness Crabs in Low Salinity

Decapod crustaceans commonly forage in estuarine environments. The osmoregulatory mechanisms that allow them to cope with periodic episodes of low salinity have been well documented. There is less information on how ventilatory and cardiovascular mechanisms aid survival in low salinity. Prior experiments have shown that most species exhibit a tachycardia coupled with an increase in ventilation rate and oxygen uptake. However, these previous experiments were conducted on animals that were starved before experimentation in order to avoid increases in metabolism associated with digestive processes. This study investigated how the Dungeness crab Cancer magister balances the demands of physiological systems during feeding and digestion in low salinity. Cardiac and ventilatory parameters increased during feeding. When the crabs were subjected to low salinity after feeding, heart rate increased in 25% seawater (SW) but decreased in 50% SW. Instead of an expected increase in ventilation rate during low-salinity exposure, there was a decrease. Feeding was associated with an increase in sternal artery flow, with subsequent decreases in flows through the sternal and anterolateral arteries in low salinity. When low salinity was administered first, a tachycardia occurred, coupled with decreased stroke volume and cardiac output. There was also an increase in ventilation rate. When crabs were fed in low salinity, heart rate decreased in 50% SW but was maintained in 25% SW. Ventilation rate decreased when crabs fed in 50% and 25% SW. Flow through the sternal artery and anterolateral arteries decreased in low salinity, and except for transient increases while feeding, there were further decreases during digestion. Cardiac and ventilatory parameters were rapidly regained when control conditions were restored. The results suggest that events during low salinity are prioritized. Nevertheless, these alterations in physiological parameters may not be beneficial; although digestive processes did not affect osmoregulatory ability, postprandial crabs did not survive as long as starved crabs in 25% SW. The results show that the digestive state of an animal is important in modulating its physiological responses to environmental perturbations, underscoring the importance of an integrative approach to studying physiological responses at the organismal level.

Terrestrial locomotion does not constrain venous return in the American alligator,Alligator mississippiensis

The effects of treadmill exercise on components of the cardiovascular(heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, venous return) and respiratory (minute ventilation, tidal volume, breathing frequency, rate of oxygen consumption, rate of carbon dioxide production)systems and on intra-abdominal pressure were measured in the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, at 30°C. Alligators show speed-dependent increases in tidal volume and minute ventilation,demonstrating that the inhibition of ventilation during locomotion that is present in some varanid and iguanid lizards was not present in alligators. Exercise significantly increases intra-abdominal pressure; however,concomitant elevations in central venous pressure acted to increase the transmural pressure of the post caval vein and thus increased venous return. Therefore, despite elevated intra-abdominal pressure, venous return was not limited during exercise in alligators, as was the case in Varanus exanthematicus and Iguana iguana. Respiratory cycle variations in intra-abdominal pressure, central venous pressure and venous return indicate that, at high tidal volumes, inspiration causes a net reduction in venous return during active ventilation and thus may act to limit venous return during exercise. These results suggest that, while tonically elevated intra-abdominal pressure induced by exercise does not inhibit venous return,phasic fluctuations during each breath cycle may contribute to venous flow limitation during exercise.

Linking swimming performance, cardiac pumping ability and cardiac anatomy in rainbow trout

We exploited the inherent individual diversity in swimming performance of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss to investigate the hypothesis that maximum cardiac performance is linked to active metabolic rate (AMR) and critical swimming speed (Ucrit). Six hundred juveniles(body mass ∼150 g) were screened using a swimming challenge of 1.2 m s-1 to identify `poor swimmers' and `good swimmers', i.e. the first and last 60 fish to fatigue, respectively. These 120 fish were individually tagged and then reared in common tanks for 9 months, where they grew at similar rates and achieved a similar body mass of approximately 1100 g. Critical swimming speed (Ucrit) was then measured individually in tunnel respirometers, with simultaneous recordings of cardiac output via a ventral aortic flow probe. The group of individuals that were screened as poor swimmers remained so, with a significantly (27%) lower Ucrit than good swimmers [89±10 cm s-1vs 123±5 cm s-1 (mean ± s.e.m.), respectively, N=6], a 19%lower AMR (147±12 μmol min-1 kg-1vs181±11 μmol min-1 kg-1, respectively), and a 30% lower maximum in vivo cardiac output (47.3±4.7 ml min-1 kg-1vs 68.0±5.2 ml min-1 kg-1, respectively). When cardiac performance was compared with an in situ heart preparation, hearts from poor swimmers had a significantly (26%) lower maximum cardiac output (45.9±1.9 ml min-1 kg-1vs 56.4±2.3 ml min-1 kg-1, respectively) and a 32% lower maximum cardiac power output at a high afterload (3.96±0.58 mW g-1vs 5.79±1.97 mW g-1, respectively). Cardiac morphology was visualised in vivo by Doppler echography on anaesthetised individual fish and revealed that poor swimmers had a significantly more rounded ventricle (reduced ventricle length to height ratio) compared with good swimmers, which in turn was correlated with fish condition factor. These results provide clear evidence that maximum cardiac performance is linked to AMR and Ucrit and indicate that a simple screening test can distinguish between rainbow trout with lower active metabolic rate, Ucrit, maximal cardiac pumping capacity and a more rounded ventricular morphology. These distinguishing traits may have been retained for 9 months despite a common growing environment and growth.

Does feeding limit cardiovascular modulation in the Dungeness crabCancer magisterduring hypoxia?

Decapod crustaceans inhabit aquatic environments that are frequently subjected to changes in oxygen content. The physiological mechanisms that allow them to cope with periodic episodes of hypoxia have been well documented. Most crustaceans exhibit a bradycardia coupled with diversion of haemolymph from digestive organs towards ventral structures. However, all these experiments were conducted on animals that were starved prior to experimentation in order to avoid increases in metabolism associated with digestive processes. The present study sought to determine how the Dungeness crab Cancer magister balances the demands of physiological systems when they feed and digest in hypoxia. Cardiac parameters and haemolymph flow rates through each arterial system exiting the heart were measured using a pulsed-Doppler flowmeter. Scaphognathite beat frequency (ventilation rate) was calculated by recording changes in pressure in the branchial chamber. There was an increase in both cardiac and ventilatory parameters following feeding. Digestive processes were facilitated by an increase in haemolymph flow rates through the anterior aorta, hepatic arteries and sternal artery. Cancer magister showed a typical bradycardia during hypoxia (3.2 kPa). However,food intake caused a significant reduction in this response. Likewise,ventilation rate also showed effects of addivity, increasing in response to both food intake and hypoxia. Digestion during hypoxia was associated with a decrease in both stroke volume and cardiac output. Blood was diverted away from digestive structures, suggesting that blood flow events are prioritized during hypoxia. The changes in haemolymph flow rates paralleled those in previous reports on reductions in protein synthesis in the hepatopancreas during hypoxia. Haemolymph flow rates through the anterior aorta did not change; thus the blood supply to the supraoesophageal ganglion was maintained during feeding in hypoxia. The results show that the nutritional state of an animal is important in modulating its physiological responses to environmental perturbations. This underscores the importance of an integrative approach,studying physiological responses at the organismal level.

Factorial scopes of cardio-metabolic variables remain constant with changes in body temperature in the varanid lizard, Varanus rosenbergi

The majority of information concerning the cardio-metabolic performance of varanids during exercise is limited to a few species at their preferred body temperature (T(b)) even though, being ectotherms, varanids naturally experience rather large changes in T(b). Although it is well established that absolute aerobic scope declines with decreasing T(b), it is not known whether changes in cardiac output (V(b)) and/or tissue oxygen extraction, (Ca(O2) - Cv(O2)), are in proportion to the rate of oxygen consumption (Vo(2)). To test this, we studied six Rosenberg's goannas (Varanus rosenbergi) while at rest and while maximally exercising on a treadmill both at 25 and 36 degrees C. During maximum exercise both at 25 and 36 degrees C, mass-specific rate of oxygen consumption (Vo(2kg)) increased with an absolute scope of 8.5 ml min(-1) kg(-1) and 15.7 ml min(-1) kg(-1), respectively. Interestingly, the factorial aerobic scope was temperature-independent and remained at 7.0 which, at each T(b), was primarily the result of an increase in V(bkg), governed by approximate twofold increases both in heart rate (f(H)) and cardiac stroke volume (V(Skg)). Both at 25 degrees C and 36 degrees C, the increase in V(bkg) alone was not sufficient to provide all of the additional oxygen required to attain maximal Vo(2kg), as indicated by a decrease in the blood convection requirement V(bkg)/Vo(2kg); hence, there was a compensatory twofold increase in (Ca(O2) - Cv(O2)). Although associated with an increase in hemoglobin-oxygen affinity, a decrease in T(b) did not impair unloading of oxygen at the tissues and act to reduce (Ca(O2) - Cv(O2)); both Ca(O2)) and Cv(O2)) were maintained across T(b). The change in Vo(2kg) with T(b), therefore, is solely reliant on the thermal dependence of V(bkg). Maintaining a high factorial aerobic scope across a range of T(b) confers an advantage in that cooler animals can achieve higher absolute aerobic scopes and presumably improved aerobic performance than would otherwise be achievable.

Eat and run: prioritization of oxygen delivery during elevated metabolic states

The principal function of the cardiopulmonary system is the matching of oxygen and carbon dioxide transport to the metabolic requirements of different tissues. Increased oxygen demands (VO2), for example during physical activity, result in a rapid compensatory increase in cardiac output and redistribution of blood flow to the appropriate skeletal muscles. These cardiovascular changes are matched by suitable ventilatory increments. This matching of cardiopulmonary performance and metabolism during activity has been demonstrated in a number of different taxa, and is universal among vertebrates. In some animals, large increments in aerobic metabolism may also be associated with physiological states other than activity. In particular, VO2 may increase following feeding due to the energy requiring processes associated with prey handling, digestion and ensuing protein synthesis. This large increase in VO2 is termed "specific dynamic action" (SDA). In reptiles, the increase in VO2 during SDA may be 3-40-fold above resting values, peaking 24-36 h following ingestion, and remaining elevated for up to 7 days. In addition to the increased metabolic demands, digestion is associated with secretion of H+ into the stomach, resulting in a large metabolic alkalosis (alkaline tide) and a near doubling in plasma [HCO3-]. During digestion then, the cardiopulmonary system must meet the simultaneous challenges of an elevated oxygen demand and a pronounced metabolic alkalosis. This paper will compare and contrast the patterns of cardiopulmonary response to similar metabolic increments in these different physiological states (exercise and/or digestion) in a variety of reptiles, including the Burmese python, Python morulus, savannah monitor lizard, Varanus exanthematicus, and American alligator Alligator mississipiensis.

Elevated intra-abdominal pressure limits venous return during exercise inVaranus exanthematicus

The effects of treadmill exercise on components of the cardiovascular(venous return, heart rate, arterial blood pressure) and respiratory systems(minute ventilation, tidal volume, breathing frequency, oxygen consumption,carbon dioxide production) and intra-abdominal pressure were investigated in the Savannah monitor lizard, Varanus exanthematicus B., at 35°C. Compared with resting conditions, treadmill exercise significantly increased lung ventilation, gular pumping, intra-abdominal pressure, mean arterial blood pressure and venous return (blood flow in the post caval vein). However,venous return declines at high levels of activity, and mean arterial pressure and venous return did not attain peak values until the recovery period,immediately following activity. Elevating intra-abdominal pressure in resting lizards (via saline infusion) resulted in significant reductions in venous return when the transmural pressure of the post caval vein became negative (i.e. when intra-abdominal pressure exceeded central venous pressure). Together these results suggest that increments in intra-abdominal pressure compress the large abdominal veins and inhibit venous return. During locomotion, the physical compression of the large abdominal veins may represent a significant limitation to cardiac output and maximal oxygen consumption in lizards.

Cardiorespiratory effects of forced activity and digestion in toads

Digestion and physical activity are associated with large and sometimes opposite changes in several physiological parameters. Gastric acid secretion during digestion causes increased levels of plasma bicarbonate ([HCO-3](pl)), whereas activity leads to a metabolic acidosis with increased lactate and decrease in plasma bicarbonate. Here we describe the combined effects of feeding and activity in the toad Bufo marinus to investigate whether the increased bicarbonate buffering capacity during digestion (the so-called alkaline tide) protects the acid-base disturbance during activity and enhances the subsequent recovery. In addition, we describe the changes in arterial oxygen levels and plasma ion composition, as well as rates of gas exchange, heart rates, and blood pressures. Toads were equipped with catheters in the femoral artery and divided into four experimental regimes: control, digestion, forced activity, and forced activity during the postprandial period (N=6 in each). Digestion induced a significant metabolic alkalosis with increased [HCO-3](pl) that was completely balanced by a respiratory acidosis; that is, increased arterial Pco(2) (P(a)co(2)), so that arterial pH (pH(a)) did not change. Forced activity led to a substantial reduction in pH(a) by 0.43 units, an increase in plasma lactate concentration by 12.5 mmol L(-1), and a reduction in [HCO-3](pl) of similar magnitude. While digesting animals had higher P(a)co(2) and [HCO-3](pl) at rest, the magnitude and duration of the changes in arterial acid-base parameters were similar to those of fasting animals, although the reduction in pH(a) was somewhat lower (0.32 units). In conclusion, while recovery from the acidosis following exercise did not seem to be affected by digestion, the alkaline tide did slightly dampen the reduction in pH(a) during activity.

Temperature and meal size effects on the postprandial metabolism and energetics in a boid snake

We investigated the combined effect of meal size and temperature on the aerobic metabolism and energetics of digestion in Boa constrictor amarali. Oxygen uptake rates (Vd2;o2) and the duration of the digestion were determined in snakes fed with meals equaling to 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40% of the snake's body mass at 25 degrees and 30 degrees C. The maximum Vd2;o2 values attained during digestion were greater at 30 degrees C than at 25 degrees C. Both maximal Vd2;o2 values and the duration of the specific dynamic action (SDA) were attained sooner at 30 degrees C than at 25 degrees C. Therefore, the temperature effect on digestion in Boa is characterized by the shortening of the SDA duration at the expense of increased Vd2;o2. Energy allocated to SDA was not affected by meal size but was greater at 25 degrees C compared to 30 degrees C. This indicates that a postprandial thermophilic response can be advantageous not only by decreasing the duration of digestion but also by improving digestive efficiency. Maximal Vd2;o2 and SDA duration increased with meal size at both temperatures.