Cardiovascular adjustments to laboratory diving in beavers and nutria

Beavers (Castor canadensis) and nutria (Myocastor coypus) were anesthetized with halothane and catheters placed in the left ventricle, aorta and pulmonary artery, right ventricle or right atrium. The animals were strapped to a board and following recovery from anesthesia the following measurements were taken: regional distribution of blood flow, cardiac output, O2 consumption, arterial and venous blood gases, and pH. The animal was then immersed in 15-20 degrees C water for up to 2.75 min (nutria) or 4 min (beaver) and the measurements repeated. Heart rate and cardiac output decreased by 80 and 75%, respectively. Arterial and venous oxygen partial pressure and content fell as did pH whereas CO2 pressures rose during diving. Oxygen consumption at rest was 124 and 102% of that predicted on the basis of body mass for the beaver and nutria, respectively. Rate of decline of O2 stores during diving decreased by 93% in beavers and 89% in nutria compared to the predive value. Regional blood flow decreased to all organs except the adrenals, heart, and lungs. Blood flow to the brain increased during diving.