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Cardiovascular responses of snakes to hypergravity
H B Lillywhite1, R E Ballard, A R Hargens
1Department of Zoology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-8525, USA.
Gravitational and Space Biology Bulletin : Publication of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Snakes
Area of Science:
- Comparative Physiology
- Gravitational Biology
Background:
- Snakes serve as unique vertebrate models for studying circulatory adaptation to gravity due to their body shape and diverse evolutionary histories.
- Understanding cardiovascular responses to hypergravic forces is crucial for comprehending physiological limits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardiovascular tolerance of various snake species to hypergravic acceleration (+Gz).
- To determine the correlation between ecological/behavioral adaptations and Gz tolerance in snakes.
- To examine the acclimation plasticity in semi-arboreal rat snakes subjected to sustained Gz stress.
Main Methods:
- Snakes were subjected to acute head-to-tail (+Gz) acceleration on a short-arm centrifuge.
- Carotid blood flow was measured as an indicator of cardiovascular performance.
- Multiple regression analysis was used to correlate Gz tolerance with ecological factors and body length.
Main Results:
- Gz tolerance varied significantly among species, correlating with gravitational habitat rather than body length.
- Arboreal and scansorial species demonstrated higher Gz tolerance (+2 to +3.5 Gz) compared to aquatic and non-climbing species.
- Acclimated rat snakes showed enhanced cardiovascular responses, including increased heart rate and arterial pressure regulation, compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Ecological niche is a key determinant of snake Gz tolerance.
- Acclimation enhances Gz tolerance through both central and local vascular mechanisms.
- Snake models offer valuable insights into vertebrate cardiovascular adaptation to gravitational stress.
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