Summary
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1)
Variations of respiratory gas partial pressures, as well as ventilation inequalities in different regions of the lungs of unanaesthetized, unrestrainedPseudemys scripta, Testudo graeca andTestudo hermanni have been examined. Both direct cannulation of the lungs and indirect methods involving instantaneous monitoring of expired gases have been used.
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Respiratory gas pressures vary between lateral chambers of the lungs by less than 3–4 mmHg. The data indicate that ventilation and perfusion in undisturbed animals are normally matched to a similar extent throughout a large portion of the lung. No pulmonary ventilation inequalities normally occur.
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In contrast, distressedPseudemys show marked ventilation inequalities, presumably induced by postural changes including head and limb withdrawal into the carapace.
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Burggren, W.W., Glass, M.L. & Johansen, K. Intrapulmonary variation of gas partial pressures and ventilation inequalities in chelonian reptiles. J Comp Physiol B 126, 203–209 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00688929
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00688929