The Effect of Hypoxia and Carbon Monoxide Exposure on Plasma Volume and Capillary Permeability to Albumin

Abstract

The effects on plasma volume and transcapillary escape rate for albumin of 3 to 5 hours' exposure to hypoxia or to carbon monoxide were studied in man. The transcapillary escape rate for albumin increased significantly during carbon monoxide exposure, but not during exposure to hypoxia. Since the investigation yields no evidence of a hemodynamic explanation of the findings, it is assumed that carbon monoxide exposure causes increased capillary permeability to protein. While the plasma volume decreased significantly during hypoxia, no change was found during carbon monoxide exposure. It is suggested that this discrepancy could be explained by hypoxia-induced hyperventilation.