Electrolyte Changes with Chronic Passive Hyperventilation in Man

Abstract

Eight, young healthy men were hyperventilated in a body type respirator; 5, for 24 hrs. and 3, for 8 hrs. During the hyperventilation there was an increase in the volume of urine excreted, an increase in the excretion of urinary Na and K, and a reduction in the excretion of phosphates. Little change in excretion of chloride was observed. Comparison of the intake of Na, K, chloride and phosphates with urinary excretion indicates an overall loss of Na and a retention of phosphates during prolonged hyperventilation. Of the plasma electrolytes measured, only bicarobnate and inorganic phosphates showed a consistent change with prolonged passive hyperventilation. Inorganic phosphate level fell rapidly with onset of overventilation. Plasma Na concns. regularly fell during the first hr. of hyperventilation, but later changes were random. The fall in CO2 content and capacity accompanying 8 or 24 hrs. of passive hyperventilation had not been completely repaired in the 24 hrs. after termination of the hyperventilation.