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Journal of Experimental Biology 109,265-279 (1984)
Published by Company of Biologists 1984

Antarctic Fish Blood: Respiratory Properties and the Effects Of Thermal Acclimation

VILHELM TETENS ¹, RUFUS M. G. WELLS ¹, and ARTHUR L. DEVRIES ²

¹ Department of Zoology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
² Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, U.S.A.

Present address and address for correspondence: Department of Zoophysiology, University of Aarhus, DK- 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

1. The effects of thermal acclimation on whole blood oxygen affinity were examined in the antarctic fish Pagothenia borchgrevinki.

2. 4.5°C-acclimated fish had a P₅₀ value of 26.7 mmHg at pH 8.1, compared to 20.7 mmHg for -1.5°C-acclimated fish. The apparent heat of oxygenation, H = -26.7 kJ mol^-1, is comparable to values for temperate species.

3. Warm-acclimation was followed by an increased ATP: Hb₄ molar ratio, resulting in an augmentation of the thermal effect on oxy-haemoglobin affinity. This may be considered adaptive in a constantly well oxygenated environment, where oxygen loading at the gills is secured. Unloading to the tissues is thereby enhanced, supporting an elevated rate of aerobic metabolism at higher temperatures.

4. In vivo blood pH was high, between 8.10 and 8.25 at -1.5°C. Astrup titration revealed arterial CO₂ tensions of less than 0.8 mmHg, indicating relative hyperventilation and low oxygen extraction efficiency in antarctic fish.

5. Blood oxygen affinities of four antarctic nototheniid species were low (P₅₀ between 11.9 and 20.7 mmHg at pH 8.1 and --1.5°C) in comparison with the temperate species Notothenia angustata (P₅₀ = 10.8 mmHg). The zoarcid Rhigophila dearborni had a high blood oxygen affinity (P₅₀ = 4.3 mmHg). Blood oxygen-binding properties are discussed in relation to the polar environment, mode of life, and the concept of cold adaptation.

Key words: Antarctic fish, blood O₂ transport, thermal acclimation

Accepted on October 17, 1983

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