Temperature modulation of oxygen transport in a diving mammal (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)

• Main Authors: Brix, O, Bardgard, A, Giardina, B., CONDO', SAVERIO GIOVANNI, TAVAZZI, BARBARA
• Other Authors: Condo', Sg, Tavazzi, B, Giardina, B
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 1990
• Subjects: Animal; Thermodynamic; Diving; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Biological Transport; Diphosphoglyceric Acid; Temperature; Lactic Acid; Oxygen; 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate; Hemoglobin; Lactate; Whale; Carbon Dioxide; Settore BIO/10 - BIOCHIMICA; Rorqual; Balaenoptera acutorostrata
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2108/54793

The functional properties of haemoglobin from the Lesser Rorqual whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) have been characterized as a function of the heterotropic effector concentrations and temperature. The results obtained suggest the existence of sophisticated modulation mechanisms based on the interplay of organic phosphates, carbon dioxide, lactate and temperature. These, together with the very small apparent heat of oxygenation (delta H) of oxygen binding, have been physiologically interpreted on the basis of the specific metabolic needs of this diving mammal.