Regulation of Coronary Blood Flow in Ringed Seals: The Histochemical Evidence
- Authors: T. Ostholm and R. Elsner
- Pub. no.: RP-00-01
- Year: 1999
- Price: Single copies free
Description
Oscillations of the seal's coronary blood flow, especially noted during dives, suggest a neurally mediated vasoconstriction that may subsequently be relieved by relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle resulting from local accumulation of metabolic products. The frequent and large changes in the seal's coronary blood flow may have a beneficial effect of providing a means for switching between oxidative and anaerobic metabolic energy sources, thus providing effective utilization of both reserves. Marine Mammal Science 15:1365-1370.
