Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology
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J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol · Jan 1995
Effect of accumulation of CO2 on the survival of immature pigs in a confined atmosphere. B: Blood gas exchange.
As part of a study for developing survival strategy for humans in a confined space, we used immature pigs to assess the applicability of findings in rats and to evaluate the effect of body size. The cannulated unanesthetized animal was placed in a sealed chamber and depleted the oxygen until hypoxic collapse. Three groups were: no accumulation of CO2, CO2 maintained at 5%, and maximal accumulation of CO2. ⋯ Oxygen extraction increased and oxygen transport decreased in hypoxia in the presence of CO2. Similarity in the P50 of the oxygen dissociation curve may explain the similar terminal PIO2 in the pig and the rat. There was a positive correlation between terminal PIO2 and terminal venous pH.