Vampire Blood: Respiratory Physiology of the Vampire Squid (Cephalopoda: Vampyromorpha) in Relation to the Oxygen Minimum Layer

Brad A. Seibel, Fabienne Chausson, Francois H. Lallier, Franck Zal, James J. Childress

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The functional properties of the haemocyanin of Vampyroteuthis infernalis (Cephalopoda: Vampyromorpha), measured at 5 °C, are reported and discussed in relation to hypoxia. The oxygen affinity of this haemocyanin ( P 50=0.47−0.55 kPa) is higher than any previously measured for a cephalopod. The high cooperativity ( n 50=2.20−2.23) and Bohr coefficient (−0.22) suggest a true transport function for this haemocyanin. This high-affinity haemocyanin, in conjunction with moderate gill diffusion capacity, provides a sufficient oxygen gradient from the environment to the blood to support the low routine oxygen consumption rate of V. infernalis

Original languageAmerican English
JournalExperimental Biology Online
Volume4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1999
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Deep sea
  • Haemocyanin
  • Hypoxia

Disciplines

  • Life Sciences

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