title: Ligation of the left aorta in alligators affects acid-base balance: a role for the R→L shunt.
abstract: This study investigated the effects of preventing bulk flow from the right ventricle to the body via the left aorta (LAo; right to left shunt, R→L) on acid-base status in alligators following feeding, during long-term fasting and a cold temperature exposure. Post-feeding pHv and [Formula: see text] were not significantly different between S and C. Post-feeding pHv increased in both groups of alligators, but not significantly. During fasting, all acid-base variables were similar between the two groups of alligators. A 10 °C reduction in environmental temperature resulted in a significant difference in pHv and HCO3- between S and C. Both pHv and HCO3- were significantly higher in C animals. PV(CO2) significantly decreased in both groups during the cold exposure. Preventing the R→L shunt via the LAo had significant effects on acid-base balance in alligators indicating incomplete compensation for its loss and a role for the LAo in metabolic homeostasis.
authors.affiliation: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Department of Life Sciences, College of Science and Technology, 6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5800, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA. Manuela.Gardner@tamucc.edu
authors.forename: Manuela N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Gardner
authors.forename: Blair
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sterba-Boatwright
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium / Q000502:physiology; D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles; D000818:Animals; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D003080:Cold Temperature; D005215:Fasting / Q000097:blood; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D008026:Ligation