THE EQUILIBRIUM TIME OF THE GASEOUS NITROGEN IN THE DOG'S BODY FOLLOWING CHANGES OF NITROGEN TENSION IN THE LUNGS

Abstract

A method for measuring the N content of the body and its rate of elimination is descr. The exps. were on dogs. Under conditions of equilibrium at pressures up to 4 atm. absolute, the N content of the body is proportional to the partial pressure of N in the lungs, and the rate of N elimination is the same at all pressures. The rate of N elimination from the completely saturated body, i.e., under conditions of equilibrium, is the same as the rate of elimination from the partially saturated body. The saturation time is the same as the desaturation time. Evidence is given showing that N is held by the blood and tissue fluids in a state of supersaturation to a high degree.