Zapol W M, Liggins G C, Schneider R C, Qvist J, Snider M T, Creasy R K, Hochachka P W
J Appl Physiol Respir Environ Exerc Physiol. 1979 Nov;47(5):968-73. doi: 10.1152/jappl.1979.47.5.968.
Changes in regional blood flow during simulated normobaric diving were studied in the conscious Antarctic Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddelli) by injecting 25-microns radioactive microspheres into the left ventricle. Injections were performed before and 8--12 min after submersion of the head in iced seawater. Diving was associated with a fall in cardiac output from a mean control value of 39.8 +/- 10.2 to 5.6 +/- 3.4 l/min (mean +/- SD) and in heart rate from 52 +/- 15 to 15 +/- 4 beats/min. Blood flow to the splanchnic and peripheral vascular bed was reduced by more than 90%, cerebral blood flow was unchanged, right and left ventricular blood flow decreased by 85%, and adrenal blood flow decreased by 39%. The pulmonary fraction of the injected microsphere dose increased from 7.9 to 29.9% during diving. This may signify a large increase of peripheral arteriovenous shunting during the dive and/or increased bronchial artery blood flow. It is concluded that blood flow during diving is directed to organs and tissues according to their metabolic requirements.
