Aerobic glycolysis in the retina of the crab Ocypode ryderi

Our experiments on the isolated and superfused crab retina reveal that pronounced gradients for PO2 and pH exist in this tissue. The PgO2 profiles and a delayed recovery of the PgO2 after hypoxia seem to be a consequence of the oxygen consumption inside the tissue, as much as both characteristics can be abolished by impairment of electron transport in the respiratory chain after application of antimycin A. The pH profile is obviously created by a production and steady release of lactate, which could be measured in the superfusate. As this lactate release is occurring inspite of a sufficient oxygen supply and consumption, it can be concluded that this tissue performs aerobic glycolysis.