Summary
Respiratory response to inspired CO2 and hematological properties are compared for a semi-fossorial murid,Pseudomys albocinereus, and a surface-dwelling murid,Pseudomys shortridgei.
The respiratory response to inspired CO2 is similar for both species and greater than that of a permanently fossorial rodent. This relates to the maintenance of bloodpCO2 within narrow limits at CO2 concentrations of less than 5 per cent, and would facilitate O2 transport during periods of activity.
Hemoglobin content, hematocrit and red cell count ofP. albocinereus are higher than forP. shortridgei, though values of both are typical for mammals of comparable body weight. Hemoglobin ofP. albocinereus has a lower P50 thanP. shortridgei and this promotes O2 loading during hypoxia.
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Withers, P.C. A comparison of respiratory adaptations of a semi-fossorial and a surface-dwelling Australian rodent. J Comp Physiol B 98, 193–203 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00706131
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00706131