Detailed Reference Information

Oxygen equilibrium curves were generated using fresh hemolymph samples from three burrowing invertebrate species found in sulphide rich environments: the thalassinids Callianassa californiensis and Upogebia pugettensis, and the bivalve Solemya reidi.For comparison, 3 pandalid shrimps species were examined.High O sub(2) affinity at physiologically relevant temperatures, a temperature effect at higher temperatures, a specific L-lactate effect and moderate Bohr shifts were found for the hemocyanin (Hc) of the thalassinids and Solemya.The Hc from the pandalids had lower O sub(2) affinity, less pronounced temperature effects, a large effect of L-lactate and large Bohr shifts.Thiosulphate caused a change in the Hc-O sub(2) affinity of some species.Animals kept hypoxic, and with H sub(2)S added, had increased hemolymph L-lactate, Data are discussed in relation to the eco-physiology of the animals.