They found mammals could breathe through the anus in an emergency | the Chronicle

Researchers from the Medical and Dental University of Tokyo, Japan, they discovered a strange way of breathing in mammals when they are in dangerous situations. Scientists also claim that Human being They could use this new modality in the event of breathing difficulties.

It is absorb oxygen through the anus. For some animals, breathing involves inhalation oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide through the lungs or gills. However, some mammals have developed alternative ventilation mechanisms.

Sea creatures such as brotoles, catfish, sea cucumbers, and web spiders use their hindgut (rectum) to absorb oxygen and survive any emergency. This method is called enteral ventilation through the anus or VAS, by its acronym in English.

The main author of the study, Ryo Okabe, explained that the rectum of these marine animals has “a mesh of fine blood vessels just below the surface of its mucous membrane”, which indicates that “Medicines delivered through the anus are easily absorbed into the bloodstream.”

This peculiarity was interesting for the research team who began to study whether it is possible for oxygen to enter through the anus. For this, they carried out experiments in hoofed mammals like pigsThey also added rats and mice.

The scientist Takanori takebe assured that patients with “Respiratory distress can be supported by your supply of oxygen with this method to reduce the negative effects “ in his absence.

The results of this research were published this Friday in the scientific journal MED.