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The evolution of asphyxial defense

B A Gooden1

  • 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Queen's Medical Centre, Universtiy of Nottingham, U.K.

Integrative Physiological and Behavioral Science : the Official Journal of the Pavlovian Society
|October 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Animals have evolved diverse strategies to survive acute asphyxia, a life-threatening condition involving hypoxia, hypercapnia, and acidosis. These defenses, ranging from anaerobiosis to advanced cardiovascular adjustments, showcase evolutionary adaptations for survival.

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Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Comparative Biology

Background:

  • Animals rely on molecular oxygen for energy, making them vulnerable to acute asphyxia (hypoxia, hypercapnia, acidosis).
  • Environmental transitions, such as between air and water, are common triggers for acute asphyxia.
  • Extensive research across diverse organisms reveals sophisticated protective mechanisms against asphyxia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the evolutionary context of asphyxial defense mechanisms in animals.
  • To trace the paleophysiological thread of asphyxial defense across millions of years of evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing studies on metabolic and cardiovascular-respiratory protective mechanisms against acute asphyxia.
  • Comparative analysis of defense strategies across single-celled organisms, gill-bearing animals, lung-bearing animals, and mammals.

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  • Evolutionary contextualization of observed asphyxial defense mechanisms.

    • Main Results:

    • Single-celled organisms primarily use anaerobiosis and hypometabolism.
    • More complex animals employ passive (e.g., oxygen storage) and dynamic (e.g., bradycardia, selective ischemia) cardiovascular-respiratory adjustments.
    • These mechanisms optimize oxygen use to protect vital organs like the heart and brain.

    Conclusions:

    • Asphyxial defense mechanisms are ancient, with a paleophysiological basis evident throughout animal evolution.
    • Specific defense strategies are accentuated or muted based on species-specific needs and environmental pressures.
    • Understanding these evolutionary adaptations provides insight into physiological resilience and survival strategies.