The Effects Of Dissolved Oxygen Content Of Water On Blood Ph, Pco4, Po4 And Rocking Activity For Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis

The effects of dissolved O₂ content of water on in vivo blood pH, pCO₂, pO₂ and rocking activity were measured for Cryptobranchus alleganiensis. Measurements were taken at 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% and 0% saturation levels while temperature was held constant at 12°C. Results indicate that reduction of dissolved O₂ content of water does not have a significant effect on blood pH, pCO₂, pO₂ until O₂ saturation of water is lowered to 20%. Rocking activity increased significantly as the O₂ saturation was decreased from 100% to 25%. Furthermore, as O₂ saturation of water was lowered to approximately 0%, rocking activity decreased, blood pCO₂ increased and blood pH and pO₂ decreased significantly. There appeared to be a relationship between rocking versus non-rocking activity and the ability to maintain stable blood pO₂ levels in water less than 100% saturated with oxygen. Furthermore, rocking activity did not appear to be a response to respiratory stress, per se; but could be more appropriately termed a response to potential stress on the respiratory functions of the blood.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Biology

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year

1978

Author dc:creator

• Harlan, Richard A.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Robert Wilkinson

• Biology

Statement dc:rights

• © Richard A. Harlan

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/998

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1999