The effect of temperature on the oxygen dissociation curves of whole blood of larval and adult lampreys (Geotria australis).

1. Oxygen dissociation curves of the whole blood of larvae and adults of the Southern Hemisphere lamprey Geotria australis have been determined between pH 6.8 and 8.2 at 5, 15 and 25 degrees C. 2. The P50's at temperatures of 5, 15 and 25 degrees C and a pH of 7.75 were respectively 0.57, 0.92 and 1.19 mmHg in larvae and 6.9, 10.3 and 19.0 mmHg in adults. 3. The relatively very high affinity of larval blood for oxygen may reflect an adaptation to low environmental oxygen tensions. 4. The Bohr shift was not significantly affected by either temperature or life-cycle stage. 5. The slope (n) in Hill plots increased with temperature and oxygen saturation, and was greater in adults than in larvae.