Oxygen Dissociation in Human Erythrocytes: Its Response to Hyperbaric Environments

Abstract

Hyperbaric nitrogen at a pressure of 100 atmospheres increases significantly the affinity of erythrocytic hemoglobin for oxygen. This results in oxygen dissociation curves which are shifted to lower than normal oxygen partial pressures. The pressure effect is completely reversible and can therefore be observed only during exposure of the blood cells to the hyperbaric gas.