Changes in respiration during acclimatization in the interior of Antarctica

Abstract

Observations were made at the Soviet antarctic station, “Vostok”. Tachypnea and considerable hyperventitation were observed during the first days after arrival at the station. With acclimatization, the frequency of respiration restored to the normal, pulmonary ventilation decreased, reaching the lowest level during the polar night period (however, even during that period it is 1 1/2 times greater than the normal value); the depth of respiration increased considerably. During the whole period of stay in Antarctica every individual had Cheyne-Stokes respiration, especially during sleep. Dyspnea increased considerably, even during slight physical strain. Composition of alveolar an became stabilized at a new level corresponding to a partial oxygen pressure of 53–56 mm Hg and to CO2 pressure of 26–29 mm Hg. The blood oxygenation during quiet respiration was 80–87%, increasing with voluntary hyperventilation to 85–94%. Hypoxemia rose considerably with voluntary breath holding and physical strain.