Distribution of acid-soluble phosphates in the erythrocytes of selected species of amphibians

Abstract

1. 1. Enzymatic, 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. 2. 2. The types and concentrations of EOPs ranged from reptilian to mammalian in character, and responded weakly to temperature and photoperiod. 3. 3. Inositol polyphosphate was detected in five 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. NTP: Hb molar ratios ranged from 0.32 to 1.8. 4. 4. Analysis of similarity among species based on body mass, [Hb], hematocrit, [NTP] and [DPG] revealed three clusters of amphibians. EOP: Hb molar ratios of 1.0 or larger in bufonids and Scaphiopus correlated with a high dependence on aerobic activity metabolism. EOP: Hb molar ratios less than one in ranids correlated with a dependence on anaerobic activity metabolism.