THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE RAT IN EXTREME ANOXIA

Abstract

The rat, because of its great resistance to anoxia, is an excellent animal in which to study adaptations to high altitude. A number of respiratory and circulatory functions were com- pared at 5,280 ft., (Bar. 630 mm.) and at a simulated altitude of 40,000 ft. (Bar. 140 mm.). The results obtained follow; first figure, 5,280 ft., second figure. 40,000 ft. Q2 Consumption, (Unanesth.): 26.3 mg./kg./min., 11.3 mg./kg./min. (Anesth.): 22.6 mg./kg./min., 11.2 mg./kg./min. R. Qu.: 0.76,1.39. Respiratory Rate: 55, 53. Pulmonary Ventilation 114 ml./min., 218 ml./min. Alveolar CO2: 40.2 mm., 11.7 mm. Alveolar O2: 73.8 mm., 10.2 mm. Arterial C02: 37.2 v.p.c, 17.8 v.p.c. Arterial O2: 18.6 v.p.c, 4.2 v.p.c. Venus CO2: 47.3 v.p.c, 27.6 v.p.c. Venous O2: 9.4 v.p.c, 1.2 v.p.c. Blood R.Q.: 1.19,2.86. Coefficient of Utilization: 49%, 70%. Systolic B.P.: 144 mm., 122 mm. Heart Rate: 310, 222. Body Temp. (unanesthetized): 37.3[degree], 34.1[degree]. Anesthetized: 32.7[degree], 31.2[degree].