Membrane inlet ion trap mass spectrometry for the direct measurement of dissolved gases in ecological samples

The use of an ion trap mass spectrometer with three different membrane inlet probes is described. Two methods of removing water from the sample are compared. One is the use of a PTFE-silicone rubber double membrane, PTFE is relatively impermeable to water and so reduces the amount entering with the gas sample (Probe A). The second is the use of a silicone rubber membrane covered long probe, which condenses water out of the sample (Probe B). Response times (100%) for dissolved N2O, O2, Ar and CO2 without He in the chamber vary from between 158 and 684 s with Probe A. For the same probe with He, the response times were between 283 and 551 s. In the gas phase response times were between 99 and 153 s with He and 117 and 122 s without He. Probe B had 100% response of between 122 and 152 s for dissolved gases. Further extension of the probe by 2 m slowed response times as did increasing the ionisation time. Response times for Probe B increased to between 99 and 340 s when ionisation time increased from 1000 to 24,930 microseconds. Plots of output against concentration showed the steepest line of response for the short single membrane covered probe with 1000 microseconds ionisation time. Increasing the ionisation time, extending the probe and the use of a double membrane all reduced the gradient of output against concentration for every gas tested. In an intact sediment core, concentrations of O2, N2O and CO2 rose at the start and the concentration of N2 fell. As the disturbed sediment settled, this was reversed. The initial increase in O2 concentration stimulated respiration and inhibited the final pathway in dentrification producing higher concentrations of N2O and reducing the concentration of N2.     

In vitro development of preimplantation porcine nuclear transfer embryos cultured in different media and gas atmospheres

This study investigated the effect of culture media and gas atmospheres on the development of porcine nuclear transfer embryos. Oocytes derived from a local abattoir were matured for 42-44 h and enucleated. Fetal fibroblasts were prepared from a Day 35 porcine fetus. Confluent stage fetal fibroblasts were introduced into the perivitelline space of enucleated oocytes. Fusion and activation were induced simultaneously with two direct current (1.2 kV/cm for 30 micros) in 0.3 M mannitol medium. For parthenogenetic activation, the same pulses were used. In Experiment 1, parthenogenetically activated oocytes were cultured in North Carolina State University-23 (NCSU-23), Porcine Zygote Medium-3 (PZM-3), or Beltsville Embryo Culture Medium-3 (BECM-3). Parthenogenetically activated oocytes cultured in PZM-3 had a higher (P < 0.05) developmental rate to the blastocyst stage (15.2% versus 3.7-9.6%) as compared to BECM-3 or NCSU-23. The number of nuclei in Day 6 blastocysts was higher (P < 0.05) in PZM-3 (23.6) and NCSU-23 (21.4) than BECM-3 (14.2). In Experiment 2, parthenogenetically activated oocytes were cultured in NCSU-23 under a gas atmosphere of 5% CO(2) in air for 6 days (T1), 5% CO(2), 5% O(2), 90% N(2) for 6 days (T2), 5% CO(2) in air for 3 days, then 5% CO(2), 5% O(2), 90% N(2) for 3 days (T3), or 5% CO(2), 5% O(2), 90% N(2) for 3 days, then 5% CO(2) in air for 3 days (T4). Blastocyst formation rates were not different among treatments (12.9 =/-3.6 %, 13.5 +/- 4.2%, 10.8+/-2.4%, and 12.6+/-2.7%, respectively). However, T2 (36.7+/-2.9) and T3 (33.8+/-3.0) resulted in more nuclei per blastocyst than T1 (23.2+/-2.1) or T4 (26.0+/-2.1 ). In Experiment 3, reconstructed porcine nuclear transfer (NT) embryos were cultured in NCSU-23 or PZM-3 under a gas atmosphere of 5% CO(2) in air or 5% CO(2), 5% O(2), 90% N(2). Developmental rates to blastocyst stage for porcine NT embryos cultured in NCSU-23 under a gas atmosphere of 5% CO(2) in air or 5% CO(2), 5% O(2), 90% N(2) were 7.2+/-1.4% and 12.3+/-1.4%, and the number of nuclei was 12.2=/-0.8% and 19.4+/-1.0, respectively. NT embryos cultured in PZM-3 under a gas atmosphere of 5% CO(2) in air or 5% CO(2), 5% O(2), 90% N(2) had developmental rates to blastocyst stage of 18.8+/-1.9 %, and 17.8+/-3.8% the nuclei number was 20.9 +/- 1.9 and 21.9+/-3.3, respectively. NT embryos cultured in NCSU-23 had a higher developmental rate to the blastocyst stage in 5% CO(2), 5% O(2), 90% N(2) than in 5% CO(2) in air (P < 0.05). Regardless of gas atmospheres, NT embryos cultured in PZM-3 had a higher developmental rate (18.3 =/- 1.7% versus 16.9 +/- 1.2%) and nuclei number (21.4 +/-1.8 versus 16.9 +/- 1.2) than in NCSU-23 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a gas atmosphere of 5% CO(2), 5% O(2), 90% N(2) supported a higher development rate of porcine NT embryos than 5% CO(2) in air when the porcine NT embryos were cultured in NCSU-23. Furthermore, regardless of atmosphere, PZM-3 supported a higher development rate of porcine nuclear transfer embryos than NCSU-23.     

Effect of moderate hypoxemia on atrial natriuretic factor and arginine vasopressin in normal man

The object of this study was to assess the effect of moderate acute hypoxemia on plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), arginine vasopressin (AVP), plasma renin activity (PRA) and urinary excretion of prostaglandin E2 (UPGE2V). Eight volunteers were exposed for 2 hours to a gas mixture containing 10% O2, 4.5% CO2 and 85.5% N2. Hypoxia increased diastolic blood pressure and free water clearance. Hypoxia did not change the AVP, PRA or UPG2V, although increased ANF from 17.7 +/- 3.4 pg/mL to 27.2 +/- 1.7 pg/mL (p less than 0.005) at 120 minutes. ANF changes were closely associated with the rise in blood pressure.     

Underwater photosynthesis and respiration in leaves of submerged wetland plants: gas films improve CO2 and O2 exchange.

Many wetland plants have gas films on submerged leaf surfaces. We tested the hypotheses that leaf gas films enhance CO(2) uptake for net photosynthesis (P(N)) during light periods, and enhance O(2) uptake for respiration during dark periods. Leaves of four wetland species that form gas films, and two species that do not, were used. Gas films were also experimentally removed by brushing with 0.05% (v/v) Triton X. Net O(2) production in light, or O(2) consumption in darkness, was measured at various CO(2) and O(2) concentrations. When gas films were removed, O(2) uptake in darkness was already diffusion-limited at 20.6 kPa (critical O(2) pressure for respiration, COP(R)>/= 284 mmol O(2) m(-3)), whereas for some leaves with gas films, O(2) uptake declined only at approx. 4 kPa (COP(R) 54 mmol O(2) m(-3)). Gas films also improved CO(2) uptake so that, during light periods, underwater P(N) was enhanced up to sixfold. Gas films on submerged leaves enable continued gas exchange via stomata and thus bypassing of cuticle resistance, enhancing exchange of O(2) and CO(2) with the surrounding water, and therefore underwater P(N) and respiration.     

Measurement of respiratory gas exchange during artificial respiration

This paper reports a new system for the continuous measurements of respiratory gas exchange in ventilated subjects. It involves mixing some of the inspired gas with all of the expired gas and withdrawing the mixture at a constant rate through a dry gas meter that measures the flow. The inspired gas and expired gas mixtures are sampled and O2 and CO2 concentrations measured with a paramagnetic gas analyzer and a capnograph, respectively, to an accuracy of 0.01%. Evidence is presented to confirm the necessary stability and sensitivity of these instruments. It is possible to use the system with high inspired O2 concentrations, with ventilators where there is incomplete separation of inspired and expired gas, and in the presence of intermittent mandatory ventilation, positive end-expiratory pressure, and continuous airway pressure. The system was compared with the N2-dilution method and with the collection of expired gas in a Douglas bag in dog experiments and with patients in the intensive therapy unit. Excellent correlation between these methods was found in all circumstances.     

Effect of respiratory acidosis on metabolism in exercise

Five healthy males took part in two separate studies. In one study subjects breathed air (control, C) and in the other 5% CO2 in 21% O2 (respiratory acidosis, RA). Measurements were made at rest, during exercise at 30 and 60% maximal O2 uptake (VO2 max), (20 min each) and in recovery. RA was associated with higher arterial CO2 partial pressure (PCO2) and bicarbonate and lower pH than C. The increase with exercise in plasma lactate (mmol . l-1) was less in RA than C from 1.0 +/- 0.15 (SE) (C = 1.1 +/- 0.17) at rest to 5.3 +/- 1.25 (C = 6.8 +/- 0.98) at 60% VO2 max (P less than 0.10). Plasma pyruvate, alanine, and glycerol concentrations increased with exercise; free fatty acids did not change. There were no significant differences between RA and C in any of these metabolites. Norepinephrine concentrations were similar at rest but increased to a greater extent during exercise in RA than C (P less than 0.02). Epinephrine levels were also higher in RA than C at 60% VO2 max (NS); the two subjects in whom lactate was not lower with RA showed the greatest increase in epinephrine. Exercise in RA was associated with higher heart rates (P less than 0.05), blood pressures (NS), and ventilation (P less than 0.01). In hypercapnia the metabolic effects of acidosis are modified by increased levels of circulating catecholamines.     

Mass spectrometry for monitoring respiratory and anesthetic gas waveforms in rats

A method is presented for real-time monitoring of airway gas concentration waveforms in rats and other small animals. Gas is drawn from the tracheal tube, analyzed by a mass spectrometer, and presented as concentration vs. time waveforms simultaneously for CO2, halothane, and other respiratory gases and anesthetics. By use of a respiratory simulation device, the accuracy of mass spectrometric end-tidal CO2 analysis was compared with both the actual gas composition and infrared spectrophotometry. The effects of various ventilator rates and inspiration-to-expiration ratios on sampling accuracy were also examined. The technique was validated in male Sprague-Dawley rats being ventilated mechanically. The difference between the arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) and the end-tidal PCO2 (PETCO2) was not significantly different from zero, and the correlation between PETCO2 and PaCO2 was strong (r = 0.97, P less than 0.0001). Continuous gas sampling for periods up to 5 min did not affect PaCO2, PETCO2, or airway pressures. By use of this new method for measuring end-tidal halothane concentrations in rats approximately 6.5 mo of age, the minimum alveolar concentration of halothane that prevented reflex movement in response to tail clamping was 0.97 +/- 0.04% atmospheric (n = 14). This mass spectrometric technique can be used in small laboratory animals, such as rats, weighing as little as 250 g. Gas monitoring did not distort either PETCO2 or PaCO2. Under the defined conditions of this study, accurate and simultaneous measurements of phasic respiratory concentrations of anesthetic and respiratory gases can be achieved.     

Combination of constant-flow and continuous positive-pressure ventilation in canine pulmonary edema

Constant-flow ventilation (CFV) maintains alveolar ventilation without tidal excursion in dogs with normal lungs, but this ventilatory mode requires high CFV and bronchoscopic guidance for effective subcarinal placement of two inflow catheters. We designed a circuit that combines CFV with continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV; CFV-CPPV), which negates the need for bronchoscopic positioning of CFV cannula, and tested this system in seven dogs having oleic acid-induced pulmonary edema. Addition of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP, 10 cmH2O) reduced venous admixture from 44 +/- 17 to 10.4 +/- 5.4% and kept arterial CO2 tension (PaCO2) normal. With the innovative CFV-CPPV circuit at the same PEEP and respiratory rate (RR), we were able to reduce tidal volume (VT) from 437 +/- 28 to 184 +/- 18 ml (P less than 0.001) and elastic end-inspiratory pressures (PEI) from 25.6 +/- 4.6 to 17.7 +/- 2.8 cmH2O (P less than 0.001) without adverse effects on cardiac output or pulmonary exchange of O2 or CO2; indeed, PaCO2 remained at 35 +/- 4 Torr even though CFV was delivered above the carina and at lower (1.6 l.kg-1.min-1) flows than usually required to maintain eucapnia during CFV alone. At the same PEEP and RR, reduction of VT in the CPPV mode without CFV resulted in CO2 retention (PaCO2 59 +/- 8 Torr). We conclude that CFV-CPPV allows CFV to effectively mix alveolar and dead spaces by a small bulk flow bypassing the zone of increased resistance to gas mixing, thereby allowing reduction of the CFV rate, VT, and PEI for adequate gas exchange.     

Rapid, automated analysis of 13C and 18O of CO2 in gas samples by continuous-flow, isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

A rapid automated method for isotopic analysis of 13C and 18O in CO2 has been developed. A variety of gas samples containing CO2 can be swept from serological tubes into a helium carrier flow; impurities are separated on a GC column so that a pure pulse of CO2 in He flows into the mass spectrometer. Isotopic ratio determinations are carried out as the pulse passes through the mass spectrometer, allowing a sample to be measured approximately every 4 min. A double, concentric needle-probe is used to flush the sample from the tube so that 100% sample recovery is achieved, maximizing sensitivity and preventing the possibility of fractionation. The precision of the technique, sigma(m-1), is better than 0.2% (0.0002 atom per cent excess) for 13C and 0.4% (0.83 p.p.m.) for 18O for 10 micromol of CO2 at natural abundance. Samples containing only atmospheric concentrations of CO2 can also be analyzed.     

Effects of airway anesthesia on ventilatory responses to graded dead spaces and CO2

Ventilatory response to graded external dead space (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 2.5 liters) with hyperoxia and CO2 steady-state inhalation (3, 5, 7, and 8% CO2 in O2) was studied before and after 4% lidocaine aerosol inhalation in nine healthy males. The mean ventilatory response (delta VE/delta PETCO2, where VE is minute ventilation and PETCO2 is end-tidal PCO2) to graded dead space before airway anesthesia was 10.2 +/- 4.6 (SD) l.min-1.Torr-1, which was significantly greater than the steady-state CO2 response (1.4 +/- 0.6 l.min-1.Torr-1, P less than 0.001). Dead-space loading produced greater oscillation in airway PCO2 than did CO2 gas loading. After airway anesthesia, ventilatory response to graded dead space decreased significantly, to 2.1 +/- 0.6 l.min-1.Torr-1 (P less than 0.01) but was still greater than that to CO2. The response to CO2 did not significantly differ (1.3 +/- 0.5 l.min-1.Torr-1). Tidal volume, mean inspiratory flow, respiratory frequency, inspiratory time, and expiratory time during dead-space breathing were also depressed after airway anesthesia, particularly during large dead-space loading. On the other hand, during CO2 inhalation, these respiratory variables did not significantly differ before and after airway anesthesia. These results suggest that in conscious humans vagal airway receptors play a role in the ventilatory response to graded dead space and control of the breathing pattern during dead-space loading by detecting the oscillation in airway PCO2. These receptors do not appear to contribute to the ventilatory response to inhaled CO2.     

Effect of elastic loading on ventilatory pattern during progressive exercise

Ventilatory responses to progressive exercise, with and without an inspiratory elastic load (14.0 cmH2O/l), were measured in eight healthy subjects. Mean values for unloaded ventilatory responses were 24.41 +/- 1.35 (SE) l/l CO2 and 22.17 +/- 1.07 l/l O2 and for loaded responses were 24.15 +/- 1.93 l/l CO2 and 20.41 +/- 1.66 l/l O2 (P greater than 0.10, loaded vs. unloaded). At levels of exercise up to 80% of maximum O2 consumption (VO2max), minute ventilation (VE) during inspiratory elastic loading was associated with smaller tidal volume (mean change = 0.74 +/- 0.06 ml; P less than 0.05) and higher breathing frequency (mean increase = 10.2 +/- 0.98 breaths/min; P less than 0.05). At levels of exercise greater than 80% of VO2max and at exhaustion, VE was decreased significantly by the elastic load (P less than 0.05). Increases in respiratory rate at these levels of exercise were inadequate to maintain VE at control levels. The reduction in VE at exhaustion was accompanied by significant decreases in O2 consumption and CO2 production. The changes in ventilatory pattern during extrinsic elastic loading support the notion that, in patients with fibrotic lung disease, mechanical factors may play a role in determining ventilatory pattern.     

Pulmonary gas exchange in humans during normobaric hypoxic exercise

Previous studies (J. Appl. Physiol. 58: 978-988 and 989-995, 1985) have shown both worsening ventilation-perfusion (VA/Q) relationships and the development of diffusion limitation during heavy exercise at sea level and during hypobaric hypoxia in a chamber [fractional inspired O2 concentration (FIO2) = 0.21, minimum barometric pressure (PB) = 429 Torr, inspired O2 partial pressure (PIO2) = 80 Torr]. We used the multiple inert gas elimination technique to compare gas exchange during exercise under normobaric hypoxia (FIO2 = 0.11, PB = 760 Torr, PIO2 = 80 Torr) with earlier hypobaric measurements. Mixed expired and arterial respiratory and inert gas tensions, cardiac output, heart rate (HR), minute ventilation, respiratory rate (RR), and blood temperature were recorded at rest and during steady-state exercise in 10 normal subjects in the following order: rest, air; rest, 11% O2; light exercise (75 W), 11% O2; intermediate exercise (150 W), 11% O2; heavy exercise (greater than 200 W), 11% O2; heavy exercise, 100% O2 and then air; and rest 20 minutes postexercise, air. VA/Q inequality increased significantly during hypoxic exercise [mean log standard deviation of perfusion (logSDQ) = 0.42 +/- 0.03 (rest) and 0.67 +/- 0.09 (at 2.3 l/min O2 consumption), P less than 0.01]. VA/Q inequality was improved by relief of hypoxia (logSDQ = 0.51 +/- 0.04 and 0.48 +/- 0.02 for 100% O2 and air breathing, respectively). Diffusion limitation for O2 was evident at all exercise levels while breathing 11% O2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Response of the bronchial circulation to acute hypoxemia and hypercarbia in the dog

We have examined the effect of acute hypoxemia and hypercarbia on bronchial blood flow (Qbr) in 10 anesthetized, ventilated, open-chest dogs using a modification of the radioactive microsphere technique. After surgery, dogs were divided into two groups of five. Group 1 was ventilated for 30 min with each of the following gas mixtures: 1) room air; 2) 15% O2-85% N2; 3) 10% O2-90% N2, and group 2 with 1) room air; 2) 5% CO2-30% O2-65% N2; 3) 10% CO2-30% O2-60% N2. Measurements of pulmonary arterial, left atrial and aortic pressures, cardiac output, and blood gases were made before injection of 46Sc-, 153Gd-, and 103Ru-labeled microspheres into the left atrium as a marker of Qbr. After the final measurements, dogs were killed and the lungs removed and the parenchyma stripped off the large and small airways of the left lung. Knowing the radioactivity in the trachea, bronchi, parenchyma, and in the blood from the reference-flow sample and also the aortic and left atrial pressures, total and regional Qbr, and bronchovascular resistance (BVR) were calculated. Results showed that acute hypoxemia (10% O2) caused a significant (P less than 0.05) decrease in Qbr and increase in BVR and acute hypercarbia (10% CO2) caused a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in Qbr and decrease in BVR.     

Effects of CO2 rebreathing on pulmonary mechanics in premature infants

The effects of hypercapnia produced by CO2 rebreathing on total pulmonary, supraglottic, and lower airway (larynx and lungs) resistance were determined in eight premature infants [gestational age at birth 32 +/- 3 (SE) wk, weight at study 1,950 +/- 150 g]. Nasal airflow was measured with a mask pneumotachograph, and pressures in the esophagus and oropharynx were measured with a fluid-filled or 5-Fr Millar pressure catheter. Trials of hyperoxic (40% inspired O2 fraction) CO2 rebreathing were performed during quiet sleep. Total pulmonary resistance decreased progressively as end-tidal PCO2 (PETCO2) increased from 63 +/- 23 to 23 +/- 15 cmH2O.l-1.s in inspiration and from 115 +/- 82 to 42 +/- 27 cmH2O.l-1.s in expiration between room air (PETCO2 37 Torr) and PETCO2 of 55 Torr (P less than 0.05). Lower airway resistance (larynx and lungs) also decreased from 52 +/- 22 to 18 +/- 14 cmH2O.l-1.s in inspiration and from 88 +/- 45 to 30 +/- 22 cmH2O.l-1.s in expiration between PETCO2 of 37 and 55 Torr, respectively (P less than 0.05). Resistance of the supraglottic airway also decreased during inspiration from 7.2 +/- 2.5 to 3.6 +/- 2.5 cmH2O.l-1.s and in expiration from 7.6 +/- 3.3 to 5.3 +/- 4.7 cmH2O.l-1.s at PETCO2 of 37 and 55 Torr (P less than 0.05). The decrease in resistance that occurs within the airway in response to inhaled CO2 may permit greater airflow at any level of respiratory drive, thereby improving the infant's response to CO2.     

Contribution of gas exchange to slope of phase III of the single-breath nitrogen test

To study the influence of gas exchanges on the slope of phase III, single-breath nitrogen tests (SB-N2) and reversed tests (SB-R) were performed with 10 normal volunteers at expiratory flows of 100 ml.s-1, 500 ml.s-1,11.s-1, and 21.s-1. During the prolonged expiration required for the SB-N2 test, more O2 is consumed that CO2 eliminated. This factor could contribute to the rising slope of phase III. However, if one obtains a reversed slope of phase III (by having O2 as the residual gas and room air as the inspired gas), factors increasing N2 concentration with time of expiration should decrease the steepness of this reversed slope. Our data show that, at an expiratory flow of 100 ml.s-1, the slope of phase III was steeper in SB-N2 than in SB-R by 0.92 +/- 0.31% N2 1-1 (mean +/- SD, p less than 0.01). As the expiratory flow was increased to 500 ml.s-1, this difference decreased to 0.33 +/- 0.19% N2 1-1, and both slopes became similar in magnitude but opposite in direction at an expiratory flow of 1 1.s-1. These data suggest that active gas exchange has a significant influence on the slope of phase III of the SB-N2 test.     

Effects of oxygen concentration and oviductal epithelial tissue on the development of in vitro matured and fertilized bovine oocytes cultured in protein-free medium

Examination was made of the effects of oxygen concentration and supplementation of bovine oviductal epithelial tissue (BOET) on the development of bovine in vitro matured and fertilized (IVM/IVF) oocytes in a protein-free medium. The IVM/IVF embryos were cultured in protein-free tissue culture medium 199 supplemented with or without BOET under 5% CO(2) in air (20% O(2)) or 5% CO(2), 5% O(2) and 90% N(2) (5% O(2)). We found that blastocyst development without BOET at 5% O(2) was the same as that with BOET at 20% O(2) (30 vs 33%); BOET suppressed blastocyst development at 5% O(2) (4%). Blastocysts cultured without BOET at 5% O(2) developed into normal fetuses after transfer to recipient heifers. Examination was also made of oxygen pressure in the medium cultured with or without BOET at 20% O(2) or 5% O(2) by a blood gas analyzer. Oxygen pressure in the medium cultured with BOET at 20% O(2) was lower than that without BOET (111.0 +/- 13.3 vs 149.2 +/- 1.3 mmHg). These results indicate that bovine IVM/IVF embryos can develop to the blastocyst stage in a protein-free medium without somatic cell support at low oxygen concentration (5%) and that the beneficial role of BOET for embryonic development may be to reduce oxygen concentration in the medium.     

Effect of CO2 concentrations on acoustic inferences of airway area

To determine the effect of gas composition on the accuracy of measurements of airway area and distance using an acoustic reflection technique, we employed glass-tube models to simulate pharyngeal (Phar-model), laryngeal (Lar-model), and tracheal (Trach-model) regions of upper and central airways. We made repeated measurements of area-distance functions using gas mixtures containing 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% CO2, 80% He, and balance O2. The actual area of the model was calculated from the roentgenographic data and compared favorably with an area measured by acoustic reflections using a gas mixture containing 0% CO2. With the different gas mixtures, calculated area was overestimated only at the highest levels of CO2, with Phar-model area increasing from (mean +/- SD) 4.66 +/- 0.03 cm2 measured with 0% CO2 to 4.93 +/- 0.05 cm2 (P less than 0.05) measured with CO2 concentration of 10%. To assess the effect of CO2 concentration on measurements of distance, we isolated two discrete points located in the Phar-model and Lar-model regions. When measurements were performed using 10% CO2 mixture, Phar-model point was shifted by 1.02 +/- 0.03 cm and Lar-model point was shifted by 2.16 +/- 0.09 cm away from the microphone compared with their axial position determined, using 0% CO2 mixture (P less than 0.05). Differences in area-distance calculations at the higher levels of CO2 did not exceed the within-run variability of the technique (10 +/- 4%). We conclude that CO2 absorbers are not required during measurements of airway area by acoustic reflections, provided CO2 concentration does not exceed 10%.     

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction does not affect hydrostatic pulmonary edema formation

We studied the effects of regional hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) on lobar flow diversion in the presence of hydrostatic pulmonary edema. Ten anesthetized dogs with the left lower lobe (LLL) suspended in a net for continuous weighing were ventilated with a bronchial divider so the LLL could be ventilated with either 100% O2 or a hypoxic gas mixture (90% N2-5% CO2-5% O2). A balloon was inflated in the left atrium until hydrostatic pulmonary edema occurred, as evidenced by a continuous increase in LLL weight. Left lower lobe flow (QLLL) was measured by electromagnetic flow meter and cardiac output (QT) by thermal dilution. At a left atrial pressure of 30 +/- 5 mmHg, ventilation of the LLL with the hypoxic gas mixture caused QLLL/QT to decrease from 17 +/- 4 to 11 +/- 3% (P less than 0.05), pulmonary arterial pressure to increase from 35 +/- 5 to 37 +/- 6 mmHg (P less than 0.05), and no significant change in rate of LLL weight gain. Gravimetric confirmation of our results was provided by experiments in four animals where the LLL was ventilated with an hypoxic gas mixture for 2 h while the right lung was ventilated with 100% O2. In these animals there was no difference in bloodless lung water between the LLL and right lower lobe. We conclude that in the presence of left atrial pressures high enough to cause hydrostatic pulmonary edema, HPV causes significant flow diversion from an hypoxic lobe but the decrease in flow does not affect edema formation.     

A respiratory sensory reflex in response to CO2 inhibits breathing in preterm infants.

Traditionally, the increase in ventilation occurring after approximately 4 s of CO2 inhalation in preterm infants has been attributed to an action at the peripheral chemoreceptors. However, on a few occasions, we have observed a short apnea (2-3 s) in response to 3-5% CO2 in these infants. To test the hypothesis that this apnea reflects a respiratory sensory reflex to CO2, we gave nine preterm infants [birth wt 1.5 +/- 0.1 (SE) kg, gestational age 31 +/- 1 wk] 7-8% CO2 while they breathed 21% O2. To study the dose-response relationship, we also gave 2, 4, 6, and 8% CO2 to another group of seven preterm infants (birth wt 1.5 +/- 0.1 kg, gestational age 31 +/- 1 wk). In the first group of infants, minute ventilation during 21% O2 breathing (0.232 +/- 0.022 l.min-1.kg-1) decreased after CO2 administration (0.140 +/- 0.022, P < 0.01) and increased with CO2 removal (0.380 +/- 0.054, P < 0.05). This decrease in ventilation was related to an apnea (12 +/- 2.6 s) occurring 7.7 +/- 0.8 s after the beginning of CO2 inhalation. There was no significant change in tidal volume. In the second group of infants, minute ventilation increased during administration of 2, 4, and 6% CO2 but decreased during 8% CO2 because of the presence of an apnea. These findings suggest that inhalation of a high concentration of CO2 (> 6%) inhibits breathing through a respiratory sensory reflex, as described in adult cats (H. A. Boushey and P. S. Richardson. J. Physiol. Lond. 228: 181-191, 1973).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

O2 and CO2 concentrations in burrows of euthermic and hibernating golden hamsters

O2 and CO2 concentrations were measured in burrows of golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus, W.) simultaneously with body temperature. In sealed burrows of euthermic golden hamsters daily mean concentrations of 15.1 +/- 1.2% O2 and 5.7 +/- 1.2% CO2 were measured, the extreme values amounting to 10.0% O2 and 10.8% CO2. The gas composition showed a daily rhythm. During hibernation, the gas composition of the burrow changed significantly to 20.0 +/- 0.5% O2 and 1.8 +/- 0.8% CO2.