Metabolic recovery from exhaustive activity by a large lizard.

Gas exchange (VO2 and VCO2) and blood lactate concentration were measured in the lizard Amblyrhynchus cristatus at 25 and 35 degrees C during resting, running, and recovery after exhaustion (less than or equal to 180 min) to analyze the temperature dependency of metabolic recovery in this lizard. Amblyrhynchus exhausted twice as fast (4.2 vs. 8.8 min) at 25 degrees C than when running at the same speed at 35 degrees C. At both temperatures, VO2 and VCO2 increased rapidly during activity and declined toward resting levels during recovery in a manner similar to other vertebrates. Respiratory quotients (R, where R = VCO2/VO2) exceeded 2.0 after exhaustion at both temperatures. Extensive lactate production occurred during activity; blood lactate concentrations ranged from 1.0 to 1.7 mg lactate/ml blood after activity. Net lactate removal exhibited a temperature dependence. Blood lactate concentrations remained elevated hours after VO2 returned to normal. Endurance was reduced in lizards that had recovered aerobically but still possessed high lactate concentrations. The temporal separation of the excess oxygen consumption and lactate removal suggests that the concept of the lactacid oxygen debt is not applicable to this animal. The temperature dependence of total metabolic recovery suggests a benefit for Amblyrhynchus that select warm basking temperatures following strenuous activity.