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A fetal-maternal shift of blood oxygen affinity in an Australian viviparous lizard,Sphenomorphus quoyii (Reptilia, scincidae)

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Summary

Compared to adults, the oxygen affinity of blood from fetalSphenomorphus quoyii is very much higher:P 50 is approximately 70 Torr in adults and 30 Torr in nearly full term embryos\((P_{CO_2 } = 17 Torr, T = 34 ^\circ C)\). Following birth, oxygen affinity decreases gradually and adult values are approached after about 15 weeks, with the onset of winter retreat. Electrophoresis revealed a multiple hemoglobin system in both adults and embryos, but there were no apparent differences between them.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zoology A08, University of Sydney, 2006, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia

    Gordon C. Grigg & Peter Harlow

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  1. Gordon C. Grigg
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  2. Peter Harlow
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Grigg, G.C., Harlow, P. A fetal-maternal shift of blood oxygen affinity in an Australian viviparous lizard,Sphenomorphus quoyii (Reptilia, scincidae). J Comp Physiol B 142, 495–499 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00688981

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00688981

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