Haematological variables were measured during aerobic swimming (45–55% of Ucrit) and at critical swimming velocity (Ucrit) in acutely splenectomized and sham-operated rainbow trout. There was no correlation between haematocrit (Hct) and Ucrit in either group of fish. The control values for the haematological variables did not differ significantly between the two groups of fish. Some haematological variables changed during aerobic swimming and at Ucrit, but there were no significant differences between the two groups for any of the variables. Arterial blood oxygen tension was significantly reduced at Ucrit. Arterial blood oxygen content (CaOO2) was maintained in sham-operated fish because the Hct increased significantly. However, in the splenectomized animals, CaOO2 decreased (compared to control values) during aerobic swimming and at Ucrit because the Hct did not change. Plasma concentrations of lactate and catecholamines were elevated only at Ucrit. We provide evidence of a graded spleen contraction during aerobic swimming.
Applications open for Workshop on vertebrate gut physiology
(update)-GutWorkshop2.jpg?versionId=4191)
Applications are now open for Inside Out: New Frontiers in the Comparative Physiology of the Vertebrate Gut, a Workshop organised by Carol Bucking and Chris M. Wood that will examine the function of the vertebrate gastro-intestinal tract. Funded places are available for early-career researchers.
In the field: an interview with Chris Wood
-Conversation.png?versionId=4191)
Professor Chris Wood talks about his experiences on the legendary R/V Alpha Helix expedition to the Amazon in 1976, his development of the Tusker Chamber in Kenya and more recent adventures on Vancouver Island, Canada.
Docile raccoons are likely trash can criminal masterminds
-Raccoons.jpg?versionId=4191)
Raccoons are notoriously adaptable to city dwelling, but it's not the bold proactive animals that you need to be wary of; it's the docile animals which are the best learners and likely trash can raiding criminal masterminds.
Finding the right thermal limit
-Review.png?versionId=4191)
In this Review, Michael Ørsted, Lisa Bjerregaard Jørgensen and Johannes Overgaard present a framework to reconcile methodological measurements and mechanisms related to the physiology of heat stress tolerance limits, thermal injury and repair in ectotherms.
Resources for early-career researchers
Social media
