Abstract 2758 Take a Deep Breath: The Regulation of Carbon Monoxide in Elephant Seal Myoglobin

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, gaseous byproduct of cellular respiration which builds up in the bloodstream and muscle tissues. It is present in all animals in low concentrations, but some animals, such as deep-diving northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), have unusually high concentrations of carbon monoxide in their myoglobin in comparison to most other aquatic mammals. CO has been found to reduce inflammation and other negative effects of reperfusion during resurfacing like blood clots and ischemia, benefiting the elephant seals in their deep dives.