N Sanders's scientific contributions

Routine oxygen consumption of Leptograpsus variegatus in air (MO2=6.12 mass (g)0.854 µmol h-1) was elevated from three to six times (depending on body size) following exhausting exercise (MO2= 42.8 mass0.608 µmol h-1). In addition, considerable capacity for anaerobic exercise was apparent and total body L-lactate rose 4.8 times during the exercise period (25-g crab). The respiratory pigment (haemocyanin) had a low affinity under normoxic resting conditions (P50=25 Torr, where 1 Torr = 101 325/760 Pa) but showed a large Bohr effect (Bohr factor = -0.78), a marked temperature sensitivity (ΔH= 67.4 kJ mol-1), and a large potentiating effect by L-lactate (lactate coefficient = - 0.205). These features are more characteristic of the haemocyanin of aquatic crustaceans than those of terrestrial crustaceans. The affinity of the haemocyanin of L. variegatus was also decreased by elevated PCO2. Haemocyanin was responsible for 92% of oxygen transport in both resting and exercised crabs. These features are discussed in relation to the degree of adaptation of L. variegatus to a terrestrial lifestyle.