Aerobic and anaerobic contributions to energy metabolism in perfused isolated sea raven (Hemitripterus americanus) hearts

Abstract

The relative contribution of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism to ATP production was assessed in sea raven (Hemitripterus americanus) hearts. The problem was approached by measuring the rates of oxygen consumption and lactate production by perfused isolated hearts performing mechanical work. In the experimental preparation aerobic metabolism could account for essentially all of the ATP synthesized; as such, the organization of metabolism in this fish heart appears similar to reptilian and mammalian hearts under conditions of adequate oxygen availability.