Metabolic and blood gas dependence on digestive state in the Savannah monitor lizard Varanus exanthematicus: an assessment of the alkaline tide

The Journal of Experimental Biology
Lynn K HartzlerJames W Hicks

Abstract

A large alkaline tide (up to 20 mmol l(-1) increase in bicarbonate concentration [HCO3-] with an accompanied increase in blood pH) has previously been reported for some carnivorous reptiles within 24 h after ingesting a large meal. This phenomenon has been attributed to the secretion of large amounts of H+ ions into the stomach, which is required for digestion of large prey items. To test the generality of this phenomenon in carnivorous reptiles, this study quantified the metabolic and acid-base status of the Savannah monitor lizard, Varanus exanthematicus, during digestion at 35 degrees C. Following a meal of approximately 10% of body mass, V(O2) and V(CO2) were measured continuously and arterial pH, blood gases and strong ions were measured every 8 h for 5 days. During peak digestion (24 h post feeding), V(O2) and V(CO2) increased to approximately threefold fasting values (V(O2), 0.95-2.57 ml min(-1) kg(-1); V(CO2) 0.53-1.63 ml min(-1) kg(-1)) while respiratory exchange ratio (R) remained constant (0.62-0.73). During digestion, arterial P(CO2) increased (from 4.6 kPa to 5.8 kPa), and [HCO3-] also increased (from 24.1 mmol l(-1) to 40.3 mmol l(-1)). In contrast to early studies on crocodilians, arterial pH in V. exanthematicus...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jul 4, 2008·Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology·Stephen M Secor
Dec 17, 2016·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Christian Lind MalteTobias Wang
Feb 23, 2019·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Justin L ConnerDane A Crossley
Nov 27, 2015·American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology·Oliver H WearingDane A Crossley
Mar 1, 2020·Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology·McKayla M SpencerC M Gienger
Sep 14, 2012·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Suzanne L Munns
Feb 11, 2012·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Suzanne L MunnsPeter B Frappell

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