Abstract
THE diving reflex described for many species of animals involves a reduction in heart rate and the redistribution of blood flow to various tissues. Available evidence1,2 indicates that cardiac output decreases and that arterial pressure increases only modestly or remains unchanged during a dive. Flow measurements using restrained animals have tended to show cessation of flow to the kidney3,4 with diving. But it is well accepted that differences in these responses will exist with restrained and frightened animals as opposed to trained or free ranging animals. We investigated peripheral blood flow in a trained sea lion (Zalophus californiaus) by measuring the renal flow response to face immersion in water. Several months before surgery, the female sea lion was trained to place her head into a bucket, either empty or filled with water, and to remain in that position until otherwise commanded. During training, the animal wore a harness to which the necessary electronics were later attached.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Murdaugh, Jun., H. V., Robin, E. D., Miller, J. E., Drewry, W. F., and Weiss, E., Amer. J. Physiol., 210, 176 (1966).
Elsner, R. W., Franklin, D. L., and Van Citters, R. L., Nature, 202, 809 (1964).
Murdaugh, Jun., H. V., Schmidt-Nielsen, B., Ward, J. W., and Mitchell, W. L., J. Cell Comp. Physiol., 58, 261 (1961).
Bron, K. M., et al., Science, 152, 540 (1966).
Franklin, D. L., Schlegel, W. A., and Rushner, R. F., Science, 134, 564 (1961).
Johansen, K., Acta Physiol. Scand., 62, 1 (1964).
Pomeranz, B. H., Birtch, A. G., and Barger, A. C., Amer. J. Physiol., 215, 1067 (1968).
Hollenberg, N. K., Epstein, M., Guttman, R. D., Conroy, M., Basch, R. I., and Merrill, J. P., J. Appl. Physiol., 28, 312 (1970).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
STONE, H., GRAY, K., STABE, R. et al. Renal Blood Flow in a Diving Trained Sea Lion. Nature 242, 530–531 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/242530a0
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/242530a0
This article is cited by
-
The marine mammal dive response is exercise modulated to maximize aerobic dive duration
Journal of Comparative Physiology A (2012)
-
Environment and feeding change the ability of heart rate to predict metabolism in resting Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus)
Journal of Comparative Physiology B (2011)
-
Effects of anoxia and low pH on organic ion transport and electrolyte distribution in harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) kidney slices
Journal of Comparative Physiology ? B (1982)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.