Effect of induced respiratory acidosis on the circulating blood volume in normal dogs

Abstract

1. 1. The effect on the circulating blood volume of an acute increase in the fractional concentration of inspired carbon dioxide (respiratory acidosis) without a concomitant decrease of inspired concentration of oxygen was studied in anesthetized dogs. 2. 2. A gas mixture containing 5 per cent carbon dioxide and 21 to 23 per cent oxygen was administered to anesthetized dogs for four hours. Red blood cell volume, large vessel hematocrit, arterial pH, carbon dioxide pressure, oxygen pressure, and serum electrolytes were measured. 3. 3. Our results indicate that moderate to severe respiratory acidosis in the presence of normal oxygenation does not alter circulating blood volume significantly in anesthetized mongrel dogs.