Premium
Lung volume and pulmonary compliance in the alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis )
Author(s) -
Hedrick Michael S,
Kohl Zachary F,
Khan Mohammad,
Eme John,
Dzialowski Edward M,
Crossley Dane A
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.1149.14
Subject(s) - alligator , pulmonary compliance , compliance (psychology) , lung , lung volumes , american alligator , anesthesia , medicine , cardiology , chemistry , biology , ecology , psychology , social psychology
Crocodilians have a suite of unique ventilatory features that differ from other reptiles. We examined mechanical aspects of the alligator ventilatory system including maximal lung volume, total static and dynamic pulmonary compliance (lung and body wall) and pressure‐volume hysteresis in juvenile alligators (58 g to 254 g) raised in normoxic environments. Alligators were deeply anesthetized with pentobarbital, decapitated and intubated through the trachea. Lung inflation/deflation cycles were done with an infusion pump; lung pressure was measured with a differential pressure transducer. Lung volume at 15 cm H 2 O was 257 ml kg −1 which is comparable to other reptiles and amphibians. Maximal static compliance with inflation was 41 ml cm H 2 O −1 kg −1 and increased to 53 ml cm H 2 O −1 kg −1 with maximal dynamic compliance. Maximal static and dynamic compliance were greater during deflation (ca. 90 ml cm H 2 O −1 kg −1 ). Dynamic compliance was also associated with a six‐fold increase in the hysteresis index compared with static compliance. These data indicate that maximal total compliance in the juvenile alligator is comparable to other terrestrial ectotherms, but significantly greater than mammals. The relatively large lung volume and highly compliant pulmonary system may be important for lung inflation/deflation cycles following spontaneous apneic periods or prolonged dives. Supported by NSF CAREER IOS 0845741 (DAC).