Faculty Publications

Blood Viscosity and Hematology American Bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) at Low Temperature

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Bullfrog, Hematology, Hemorheology, Hibernation, Optimal hematocrit

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Thermal Biology

Volume

28

Issue

4

First Page

271

Last Page

277

Abstract

(1) The purpose of this study was to evaluate hematological properties and blood viscosity in bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) submerged and exposed to prolonged low temperature. (2) Blood was collected from bullfrogs submerged in aerated water for 0, 20 or 50 days at 5°C, and those kept at 25°C. (3) No significant differences were found in hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cell count (RBCC), mean cell volume, apparent viscosity, plasma viscosity, or relative viscosity. (4) Plasma osmolality significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in 5°C groups relative to the 25°C group. (5) Bullfrogs maintained a constant hematocrit, RBCC, and hemoglobin concentrations despite potential hemodilution, suggesting that bullfrogs could maintain a constant hematocrit during hibernation. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Department

Department of Biology

Original Publication Date

1-1-2003

DOI of published version

10.1016/S0306-4565(03)00002-0

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