The Rate of Uptake of Nitrous Oxide in Man1

Abstract

The rate of absorption of 80% N2O and 20% O2 during anesthesia was measured by continually adding these gases to a closed rebreathing system (spirometer) to keep both end expiratory volume and inspired concentration constant. Seven and one half to 30 1 of N2O were absorbed in 1-2. 5 hours. After 1. 5 hours, 100-150 ml continued to be absorbed per minute. Both the solubility and the rate of uptake of N2O are 30 times that of N. A formula describing the rate of uptake of 80% N2O in man is: Rate = 1000 t -0.5 ml per minute.