Summary
1. Carp, when subjected to air stress in vivo, developed a hypoxaemia associated with an acidosis due to elevation of PCO2 and arterial lactate content. Adrenaline and noradrenaline levels rose markedly, and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC in mmol Hb l-1 red blood cells) decreased, indicating swelling of the erythrocytes. 2. No effect of adrenaline could be observed in vitro after equilibration at normal pH and oxygenation level. 3. Simulation of air stress in vitro, by using hypercapnic hypoxia together with adrenaline, caused appreciable swelling of the red cells. The effect of adrenaline could be blocked by propranolol and was reversible when the blood gases were readjusted to normal values. Swelling due to hypercapnic hypoxia was not affected by propranolol. 4. At normal PO2, lowering pH by increasing PCO2 or adding HCl to the blood at PCO2 = 3.5 mmHg (1 mmHg = 133.3 Pa) both led to swelling of red cells; further swelling occurred when adrenaline was added. 5. At normal or even elevated intracellular pH, hypoxia led to red cell swelling; further swelling occurred when adrenaline was added. 6. The swelling of red cells under hypoxic and/or acidotic conditions (induced by either added HCl or increased PCO2) was associated with an increase in the intracellular K+, Na+ and Cl- levels, together with an increase in the Donnan distribution ratio of Cl-, rCl. delta K+:delta Na+ was 4:1. The swelling associated with the addition of adrenaline was also accompanied by an increase in K+, Na+, Cl- and rCl. In this case the ratio delta K+:delta Na+ was 1:2.4. 7. There was a correlation between the Donnan ratio, rCl, and the change in MCHC, even in those cases where extracellular and intracellular pH were above normal. In addition to pH and oxygen saturation, rCl should therefore be considered as a possible triggering factor for the action of adrenaline. 8. In addition to the increased catecholamine levels, stress during sampling may be inferred if low values of MCHC and high values of intraerythrocytic chloride and a high chloride distribution ratio, rCl, are found in whole blood.
- © 1988 by Company of Biologists
Article navigation
Related articles
Cited by...
More in this TOC section
Similar articles
Other journals from The Company of Biologists
Meet the Editors at SICB Virtual 2021
Reserve your place to join some of the journal editors, including Editor-in-Chief Craig Franklin, at our Meet the Editor session on 17 February at 2pm (EST). Don’t forget to view our SICB Subject Collection, featuring relevant JEB papers relating to some of the symposia sessions.
2020 at The Company of Biologists
Despite 2020's challenges, we were able to bring a number of long-term projects and new ventures to fruition. As we enter a new year, join us as we reflect on the triumphs of the last 12 months.
Critical temperature window sends migratory black-headed buntings on their travels
The spring rise in temperature at black-headed bunting overwintering sites is essential for triggering the physical changes that they undergo before embarking on their spring migration – read more.
Developmental and reproductive physiology of small mammals at high altitude
Cayleih Robertson and Kathryn Wilsterman focus on high-altitude populations of the North American deer mouse in their review of the challenges and evolutionary innovations of pregnant and nursing small mammals at high altitude.
Read & Publish participation extends worldwide
“Being able to publish Open Access articles free of charge means that my article gets maximum exposure and has maximum impact, and that all my peers can read it regardless of the agreements that their universities have with publishers.”
Professor Roi Holzman (Tel Aviv University) shares his experience of publishing Open Access as part of our growing Read & Publish initiative. We now have over 60 institutions in 12 countries taking part – find out more and view our full list of participating institutions.