Changes in caridac output and hemolymph flow during hypoxic exposure in the gravid grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio.

The cardiovascular response of decapod crustaceans to hypoxic exposure is well documented; however, information is limited concerning the influence of reproductive state on cardiovascular demands during hypoxic exposure. Given the additional metabolic demand of reproduction, we investigated the cardiovascular adjustments employed by gravid grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio to maintain oxygen delivery during hypoxic stress. Cardiac output values were elevated in gravid compared to nongravid grass shrimp. Gravid grass shrimp were exposed to hypoxia and the stroke volume, heart rate, cardiac output and hemolymph flow were determined using video-microscopy and dimensional analysis. Oxygen consumption rates were determined using respirometry. There where no changes in the cardiac output values of gravid females until reaching 6.8 kPa O2, with a significant redistribution of hemolymph flow at 13.7 kPa O2. Flow was significantly decreased to the anterior lateral arteries that supply the ovaries and hepatopancreas, the anterior aorta and the posterior aorta. The redistribution of hemolymph flow away from these vessels results in an enhanced hemolymph flow to the sternal artery that supplies the ventral segmental system, the gills, the buccal apparatus and the ventral nerve cord. The data suggest that during hypoxic stress, gravid females place a priority on survival.