Design of the mammalian respiratory system. V. Scaling morphometric pulmonary diffusing capacity to body mass: Wild and domestic mammals

Gehr, P; Mwangi, DK; Ammann, A; Maloiy, GMO; Taylor, CR; Weibel, ER

HERO ID

684896

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1981

Language

English

PMID

7232887

HERO ID 684896
In Press No
Year 1981
Title Design of the mammalian respiratory system. V. Scaling morphometric pulmonary diffusing capacity to body mass: Wild and domestic mammals
Authors Gehr, P; Mwangi, DK; Ammann, A; Maloiy, GMO; Taylor, CR; Weibel, ER
Journal Respiration Physiology
Volume 44
Issue 1
Page Numbers 61-86
Abstract This paper utilizes a comparative approach to establish the relationship between morphometric diffusing capacity for oxygen (DLo2) and maximal oxygen consumption (Vo2max). DLo2 and Vo2max were determined on the same 21 individuals in African mammals spanning a range in body mass from 0.4 to 240kg. We confirmed earlier findings that Dlo2 was proportional to Mb0.99 while Vo2max was proportional to Mb0.79. Thus, the ratio of Dlo2/Vo2 is approximately proportional to Mb0.20. We conclude that large animals require a larger pulmonary diffusing capacity to transfer oxygen at the same rate from air to blood.
Doi 10.1016/0034-5687(81)90077-3
Pmid 7232887
Wosid WOS:A1981LS40500005
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword African mammals; lung morphology; allometry; oxygen consumption; alveolar surface area; pulmonary diffusing capacity