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Ionic exchanges of turtle shell in vitro and their relevance to shell function in the anoxic turtle
1Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA. Donald_Jackson@brown. edu.
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|February 4, 1999
Summary
The turtle shell releases buffering ions and CO2 in acidic conditions and stores lactate, acting as a crucial buffer and lactate reservoir during anoxia.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Comparative Physiology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Prolonged anoxia leads to lactic acid buildup in turtles.
- The turtle shell's role in buffering this acid is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the turtle shell's in vitro buffering capacity for lactic acid.
- To determine ion and CO2 exchange between the shell and simulated extracellular fluid.
Main Methods:
- Incubating powdered turtle shell in electrolyte solutions at various pH levels.
- Measuring ion (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, phosphate, lactate) and CO2 concentrations.
- Assessing CO2 production and lactate exchange with the shell.
Main Results:
- Shell released calcium and magnesium with CO2, increasing in acidic conditions.
- Buffering capacity and CO2 release correlated with solution acidity.
- Shell absorbed lactate in acidic conditions and released it in alkaline conditions.
Conclusions:
- Turtle shell acts as a significant buffer by releasing ions and carbonate.
- The shell serves as a lactate storage site, aiding in acid-base balance during anoxia.