The influence of the post-pulmonary septum and submersion on the pulmonary mechanics of Trachemys scripta (Cryptodira: Emydidae)

Abstract

The respiratory system of chelonians needs to function within a mostly solid carapace, with ventilation depending on movements of the flanks. When submerged, inspiration has to work against a hydrostatic pressure and we examined breathing mechanics in Trachemys scripta while underwater. Furthermore, the respiratory system of T. scripta possesses a well-developed post-pulmonary septum (PPS), and we investigated its role on breathing mechanics of lungs with and without their PPS attached. Static compliance was significantly increased in submerged animals and in animals with and without their PPS, while the removal of the PPS did not result in a significantly different static compliance. Dynamic compliance was significantly affected by changes in volume and frequency in every treatment, with submergence significantly decreasing dynamic compliance. The presence of the PPS significantly increased dynamic compliance. Submersion did not alter significantly work per ventilation, but caused minute work of breathing to be much greater at any frequency and ventilation level analyzed. Lungs with or without their PPS did not show significantly different work per ventilation when compared to intact animal. Our results demonstrate that submersion results in significantly altered breathing mechanics, increasing minute work of breathing greatly. The PPS was shown to maintain a constant volume within the animal's body cavity, wherein the lungs can be ventilated more easily, highlighting the importance of this coelomic subdivision in the chelonian body cavity.

The metabolic cost of turning right side up in the Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca)

“…Coupled with the increased mass of the viscera, predominantly the stomach that along with the liver is directly connected via inter-organ connections to the ventral side of the lungs 31 , being inverted likely constricts the ability of the lung to inflate thereby reducing lung volume or at the very least decreases pulmonary compliance. Submersion in aquatic species has an analogous effect in reducing lung volume and ultimately increases the work of breathing 32 . Any increases in the work of breathing would contribute to the metabolic cost of self-righting.…”