Erythrocytic phosphates and flying activity in birds.

1. The intraerythrocitary organic phosphates in different avian species (Sturnus vulgaris, Apus apus, Gallus gallus domesticus, Coturnix coturnix japonica and Columba livia) were analyzed by ionic exchange chromatography. The chromatograms of these species revealed the presence of ADP, ATP, GTP, IPP and inorganic phosphate. 2. The main organic phosphates (ATP and IPP) and the inorganic phosphate were also evaluated, directly, in other specimens. The IPP levels were very similar in all species; however, for ATP, there were great differences, with the lowest value in chickens (1.53 mumol/ml) and the highest value in starlings (5.58 mumol/ml). 3. A progressive training program for homing pigeons with flights from 80 to 760 km did not cause significant variations in IPP levels. Nevertheless, the ATP concentration values showed significant changes. 4. A specific relationship between the flying habits in different species of birds or the training exercise for pigeons and the erythrocyte organic phosphates, was not evident. 5. Hematocrit and hemoglobin values showed significant changes during the progressive training program.