Hazard, Edward Starr,2013-08-162013-08-161981http://hdl.handle.net/11244/4928Enzymatic, colorimetric and/or ion-exchange chromatographic analyses of amphibian erythrocytic organic phosphates (EOPs) were performed to: (1) explore interspecific diversity, (2) determine the intraspecific effects of temperature, photoperiod and body-size, and (3) correlate interspecific EOP similarities with the behavioral and physiological capabilities. The types and concentrations of EOPs ranged from reptilian to mammalian in character and responded weakly to temperature and photoperiod. Inositol polyphosphate was detected in 5 species but never exceeded 5% of the total acid-soluble phosphate. 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) was the major EOP in 18 species and was present in all species examined. DPG:hemoglobin (Hb) molar ratios ranged from 0.07 to 1.9. Nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) was the major EOP in 12 species. The NTP:Hb molar ratios ranged from 0.32 to 1.8. Analysis of similarity among species based on body mass, {Hb}, hematocrit, {NTP} and {DPG} revealed three clusters of amphibians. The EOP:Hb molar ratios of 1.0 or larger in bufonids and Scaphiopus correlated with high dependence on aerobic activity metabolism. The EOP:Hb molar ratios less than one in ranids correlated with a decrease on anaerobic activity metabolism. The second portion of the dissertation is an assessment of the physiological role of EOPs of the anuran, Xenopus laevis in gas delivery. Manipulation of O(, 2) transport requirements was accomplished by forced exercise, altered acclimation and simulated altitude. Both short- and long-term experiments were performed and equal numbers of males and females were included for each experiment. Sex differences were not observed for any variable. Daily 20 min. exercise for 1 and 6 weeks had no effect on the levels of DPG, the major EOP of Xenopus. Acclimation temperature significantly altered pH and EOP levels but did not alter the overall oxygenation enthalpy of blood (-5.7 kcal m('-1)). The changes in pH and EOP levels acted to reduce the effect of temperature on the P(, 50) of blood. A simulated altitude of 6096m was not a significant hypoxic stress. Significant elevations of {DPG} (30%) and P(, 50) (23%) occurred after 4 days at 9144m. Whole blood pH may control long-term changes in {EOP} while short-term control may be due to a combination of pH and other factors. The observed changes in {EOP} are consistent with the strongly developed diving physiology of Xenopus.vi, 99 leaves :Biology, Zoology.Thesis