RESPIRATORY ADJUSTMENTS TO OXYGEN-LACK IN THE PRESENCE OF CARBON DIOXIDE

Abstract

The regulation of respiration and the properties of the blood were studied in 2 young men exposed to atmospheres deficient in O and containing various concs. of CO2. There were minor individual differences. Adding CO2 renders a given low partial pressure of O2 more tolerable by raising arterial saturation and by reducing acid-base disturbances. Within the range of the expts. a given increment in CO2 conc. in inspired air raised arterial saturation less than an equal increment in O2.