Synopsis
The oxygen transport characteristics and the acid-base status of carp blood was studied in vitro by equilibration of blood samples with and without addition of 5mmol l−1 of nitrite for 30 min at various Po2 values in combination with Pco2 of 1.5 and 5.7mmHg (0.2 and 0.76kPa). After equilibration pH, Po2, Pco2, and Co2 as well as methaemoglobin and HCO3 − concentration were determined and oxygen dissociation curves established. At Pco2 of 1.5mmHg (0.2kPa) oxygen affinity, expressed by a normal P50 of 3.3mmHg (0.44kPa) was unaffected by nitrite exposure, whereas at Pco2 5.7 (0.76kPa), nitrite exposure shifted P50 from 7.59mmHg (1.01kPa) to 21.9mmHg (2.92kPa). Methaemoglobin formation was greater at the higher Pco2 and increased with falling Po2. Erythrocyte shrinkage and rising plasma [HC03 −] during nitrite exposure indicated that the erythrocyte osmoregulation was significantly affected. The present results indicate significantly reduced oxygen affinity upon exposure of carp blood to nitrite. This result contrasts with findings in mammalian blood, where oxygen affinity is greatly enhanced.
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Williams, E.M., Glass, M.L. & Heisler, N. Effects of nitrite-induced methaemoglobinaemia on oxygen affinity of carp blood. Environ Biol Fish 37, 407–413 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00005209
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00005209