Old questions-new pictures: advances in aestivation research with NMR


Contact
Christian.Bock [ at ] awi.de

Abstract

Recently, minimal and non-invasive tools for organismic physiology like MR imaging and spectroscopy (NMR) became more and more available in zoological physiology. These techniques have opened a broad window of applications in comparative physiology. For example, we could show that in vivo MR imaging and spectroscopy techniques adequately monitor the effects of long-term anoxia (up to 11 days) on circulatory performance, cellular energy metabolism and acid-base regulation in freshwater turtles (Trachemys scripta). In another project, tissue oxygenation and blood flow were studied together with energy metabolism and acid-base regulation in ground squirrels during hibernatation and arousal. African lungfishes (Protopterus spp.) undergo aestivation during dry periods. Recently, P. spp. were successfully brought into aestivation after building a dried mucous cocoon inside a plastic container (Chew et al. 2004). This set-up was used to investigate aestivating lungfish under normoxia and hypoxia in a MRI scanner by monitoring high-energy phosphates and intracellular pH through in vivo 31P-NMR spectroscopy over a time period of 12 days. Large changes occurred in phosphodiester concentrations during transition to aestivation, indicating dramatic changes in cellular membrane properties.Chew et al. (2004). J. Exp. Biol. 207, 777-786.



Item Type
Conference (Invited talk)
Authors
Divisions
Programs
Publication Status
Published
Event Details
Comparative biochemistry and physiology a, 148, A.
Eprint ID
17359
DOI 10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.06.313

Cite as
Bock, C. , Loong, A. M. , Ip, Y. K. , Bridges, C. R. and Pörtner, H. O. (2007): Old questions-new pictures: advances in aestivation research with NMR , Comparative biochemistry and physiology a, 148, A . doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.06.313


Share
Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email


Citation

Research Platforms
N/A

Campaigns
N/A


Actions
Edit Item Edit Item