Physiology Commons^™

Effects Of Dehydration On Hemoglobin Oxygen Affinity And Blood Cell Volume In Two Anurans, Andrew Christopher Zygmunt

Dissertations and Theses

Two aspects of possible adaptation in cardiovascular performance caused by increased plasma electrolytes were examined. Cells in anisotonic plasma may either act as osmometers or volume regulate. Blood flow rate is dependent upon cell viscosity, which in turn is a consequence of cell volume and membrane deform-ability. Cell volume changes which increase membrane deform-ability will thus potentially extend the limits of dehydration tolerance. It was found in R. catesbeiana and B. marinus that red blood cell is maintain constant volume during dehydration. Cells in vitro initially lose water, but then sodium, potassium and water move into the cell. Cell viscosity …