Correlation of enzymatic activity, muscle myoglobin concentration and lung morphology with activity metabolism in snakes.

In vitro activity of the anaerobic enzymes phosphofructokinase and lactic dehydrogenase from axial muscle tissue of Coluber constrictor, Crotalus viridis and Lichanura roseofusca was shown to correlate with levels of lactate production during activity by these snakes. Additionally, gross and histological lung structure and axial muscle myoglobin concentration were investigated in these species. Coluber was shown to have the most complex lung structure and highest muscle myoglobin content. These are interpreted to be correlated with high aerobic scope in Coluber. Finally, the ophidian saccular lung is postulated to assist in maintenance of high tidal volume.