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Hemodynamics in the leech: blood flow in two hearts switching between two constriction patterns

Angela Wenning1, Eric P Meyer

  • 1Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. awennin@emory.edu

The Journal of Experimental Biology
|July 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Medicinal leeches use two distinct heart constriction patterns to circulate blood. Switching between peristaltic and synchronous pumping modes optimizes nutrient delivery to the leech

Area of Science:

  • Zoology
  • Comparative Physiology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Medicinal leeches possess a unique dual-heart system with alternating constriction patterns.
  • Understanding the hemodynamic differences between these patterns is crucial for comprehending leech circulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hemodynamic properties of individual heart segments in medicinal leeches.
  • To determine how alternating constriction patterns (peristaltic vs. synchronous) influence blood flow dynamics and distribution.
  • To elucidate the role of the heart sphincter in directing blood flow during different pumping modes.

Main Methods:

  • Optical recordings from intact leeches to analyze cardiac cycle dynamics.
  • Measurement of total vessel capacity using corrosion casts.
  • Quantification of blood volume within individual heart segments of dissected leeches.

Main Results:

  • The peristaltic heart mode generates propulsive force for both forward and rearward blood flow, supplying peripheral circulation.
  • The synchronous heart mode pumps less blood, with a greater proportion directed into the segmental circulation.
  • The heart sphincter actively directs blood flow, preventing backflow in peristaltic mode and promoting segmental flow in synchronous mode.
  • Blood is shunted from the dorsal intestinal vessel to the peristaltic heart in posterior segments via latero-dorsal arches.

Conclusions:

  • Alternating between peristaltic and synchronous heart contractions allows for differential blood distribution and efficient nutrient supply to various vascular beds.
  • The specialized function of the heart sphincter is key to regulating flow directionality in each pumping mode.
  • This study provides novel insights into the functional morphology and circulatory control mechanisms in leeches.

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