Summary
Frequencies of scaphognathite (ventilatory,f sc) and heart (f h) pumping, oxygen consumption (\(\dot M_{O_2 }\)), and hemolymph oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH levels were measured in adult Dungeness crabs (Cancer magister) during 7–10 day periods of exposure to 7, 12, and 17°C seawater. Ventilation volume (\(\dot V_w\)) was calculated for individual animals fromf sc and a previously determined relationship between stroke volume and animal mass.
\(\dot M_{O_2 }\) increases (Q10=2.3) with temperature were associated with larger increases inf sc (Q10=3.3) and\(\dot V_w\) (Q10=3.5) and smaller increases inf h (Q10=1.5). The incidence of unilateral scaphognathite pumping and pausing decreased as temperature rose.
Postbranchial oxygen tension was maintained in vivo but hemolymph oxygen content decreased both in vivo and in vitro as temperature rose. Postbranchial carbon dioxide tension did not change significantly but relative alkalinity was maintained as temperature rose by loss of hemolymph bicarbonate. The effects of increased ventilation volume and potential mechanisms of bicarbonate regulation are discussed.
The responses of the essentially subtidalCancer magister are compared with those of subtidal, intertidal and terrestrial crabs demonstrating that the concepts of acid-base regulation developed for water and air breathing vertebrates are also applicable to water and air breathing crabs, and that intertidal crabs may exhibit transitional states.
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This work was supported by Grant No. A.5762 National Research Council of Canada
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McMahon, B., Sinclair, F., Hassall, C.D. et al. Ventilation and control of acid-base status during temperature acclimation in the crab,Cancer magister . J Comp Physiol B 128, 109–116 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00689474
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00689474