Cardiorespiratory patterns of male South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) resting on land

Abstract

The goal of this study was to characterize the cardiorespiratory patterns of male South American sea lions (SASLs, Otaria flavescens) resting on land. We recorded respiratory and heart rate (n = 360 individuals studied) by observing the nostrils, chest movements and the impact of the heart on the thoracic wall. The sea lions breathe apneustically with a pause on inspiration, representing 74% of the respiratory cycle. The mean breathing frequency was 3.2 ± 1.0 breaths min− 1, with a breathing cycle presenting periods of bradypneas, tachypneas, and long-term post-inspiratory pauses. The normal heart rate (nHR) was 73.4 ± 14.5 beats min−1 and no significant differences were observed between age classes. All animals showed variability in HR in relation to respiratory phases (Inspiration: 101.2 ± 18.4 beats min−1; post-inspiratory pause: 73.4 ± 14.5 beats min−1; expiration: 64.6 ± 17.7 beats min−1), consistent with respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). The mean HR (measured during all respiratory phases) was 79.9 ± 22.7 beats min−1, and was significantly different between age classes. The total duration of respiratory cycle, and duration of both inspiration and expiration, decreased with an increment in ambient temperature, withno variation in the pause duration. Heart rate during pause and expiration was significantly higher during high temperatures. Similar changes in cardiorespiratory patterns have been reported in other pinnipeds. Our results showed ontogenetic differences in development and typical variations with environmental and behavioral variables.