At the gas gland, lactic acid is secreted, reducing the pH in the blood in the vicinity of the gland. Due to the Root effect, the ability of hemoglobin to bind O2 is reduced, and the excess O2 moves into solution and eventually diffuses into the spaces in the swimbladder. The Root effect reduces the solubility of O2 in the blood, while simultaneously allowing for a great increase in blood PO2. The rete as a whole acts as a countercurrent multiplier.