Abstract

AbstractThere is a postexercise acidosis in the coconut crab, Birgus latro, which is initially due to an elevation in the hemolymph P, and a metabolic acidosis which is only partially due to lactic acid. Hyperventilation following exercise causes a respiratory alkalosis that helps to restore acid‐base balance. The ventilatory receptors appear to be internally located, and ventilation is stimulated by a drop in the hemolymph pH or [HCO], but not by P or P. Amelioration of the metabolic acidosis in normal crabs occurs in 1 hour despite elevated lactate levels. Crabs with their gills removed showed only a transient lag in both respiratory and metabolic recovery from acidosis, indicating the dominance of the branchial lung of Birgus in gas exchange. The data suggest that intra‐ and extracellular transfers may be significant in acid‐base regulation.

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