THE EFFECTS OF CARBON MONOXIDE ANOXEMIA ON THE FLOW AND COMPOSITION OF CERVICAL LYMPH

Abstract

Expts. are reported in which exposure of dogs and cats to 0.5% CO resulted without exception in increased production of cervical lymph. The avg. increase in flow was 2.42 times the control flow, the range being from 1.43-7.5 times the control flow. The increase in lymph production began when the avg. O2 saturation was 61%, which compares closely with results obtained during exposure to air deficient in O2, and would confirm the belief that CO is of itself non-toxic, acting only through its ability to reduce O2-carrying capacity. Treatment with 100% O2 resulted in restoration of arterial blood pressure and blood gases to normal levels, and was accompanied in part by the return to normal of lymph production.