Blood Gas Transport in Chinchillas.

Abstract

Summary The respiratory functions of the blood of chinchillas (Chinchilla laniger) has been studied. Measurements of hematocrit, number of erythrocytes, and hemoglobin concentration have been made. The position of the oxygen dissociation curve has been established. This is to the left of most other rodents of similar size indicating an adaptation to high altitudes. The Bohr effect and the Haldane effect are similar to other closely related mammals.