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Gravitational haemodynamics and oedema prevention in the giraffeThe question of how giraffes avoid pooling of blood and tissue fluid (edema) in dependent tissues of their extremities is addressed. As monitored by radiotelemetry, the blood and tissue fluid pressures that govern transcapillary exchange vary greatly with exercise. These pressures, combined with a tight skin layer, move fluid upward against gravity. The skin thus functions like a natural antigravity suit. Other mechanisms that prevent edema include precapillary vasoconstriction and low permeability of capillaries to plasma proteins.
Document ID
19880023661
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Hargens, Alan R.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field; USVA, Medical Center; California, University, San Diego, United States)
Millard, Ronald W.
(Cincinnati, University OH, United States)
Pettersson, Knut
(AB Haasle Molndal, Sweden)
Johansen, Kjell
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
September 3, 1987
Publication Information
Publication: Nature
Volume: 329
ISSN: 0028-0836
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Accession Number
88A10888
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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