title: Effect of breath-hold on blood gas analysis in captive Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens).
abstract: The effect of a breath-hold on blood gas was evaluated in captive Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens). Serial blood collections were performed from a vessel on the ventral surface of the flukes during breath-hold. In total, 178 blood samples were taken from three dolphins for five trials in each animal. During a breath-hold, partial pressure of oxygen (Po₂) decreased from 152.5 to 21.8 mmHg and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Po₂) conversely increased from 31.8 to 83.6 mmHg. The range of pH was 7.54 to 7.25, suggesting drastic change from alkalemia to acidemia. These wide ranges of blood gas imply a considerable change of oxygen affinity caused by the Bohr effect during breath-hold, which enable effective uptake and distribution of oxygen to metabolizing tissues.
authors.affiliation: Enoshima Aquarium, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan. terasawa@enosui.com
authors.forename: Fumio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Terasawa
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ohizumi
authors.forename: Isao
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ohshita
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000097:blood; D004289:Dolphins / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D011187:Posture; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010100:Oxygen