THE REGULATION OF RESPIRATION

Abstract

Intravenous injection of NaHCO3 decreased the p H of the lymph and blood in the dog. The decrease in concentration as measured by the MnO2 electrode was approximately the same for both. Administration of CO2 by respired air increased the acidity of the lymph and blood. With readministration of room air the Ph''s returned to their initial values. Administration of NaHCO3 and CO2 augmented the flow of lymph. Mechanical asphyxia had the same results. The decreased p H of the lymph on administration of Na-HCO3 was explained by the free passage of salts through the highly permeable capillaries of the liver and gastrointestinal tract. These results are contrasted with the changes in acidity produced in the cerebrospinal fluid. The increased pH of the lymph produced by the administration of CO2 was explained by the free movement of CO2 from the blood. These results agree with those obtained on the cerebrospinal fluid.