Mammals can breathe through anus in emergencies, say Japanese researchers
- Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University were able to prove that mice, rats and pigs can breathe through their intestines in emergencies
- Researchers say the finding might also apply to humans who are in respiratory distress when ventilators are not available or inadequate
A team of Japanese scientists has shown it is possible for mammals to absorb oxygen via the anus.
Intrigued by how certain sea creatures breathe through their intestines in emergencies, researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University were able to prove the same was true under experimental circumstances for mice, rats and pigs, publishing their findings in the journal Med on Friday.
They say the finding might also apply to humans who are in respiratory distress when ventilators are not available or inadequate.
For higher order animals, respiration involves breathing in oxygen and excreting carbon dioxide using lungs or gills.
Some species however have evolved alternate ventilatory mechanisms. Loaches, catfish, sea cucumbers and orb-weaving spiders can also use their hindgut to oxygenate to survive in emergencies. This is called enteral ventilation via anus, or EVA.
