Abstract
Guinea pigs were exposed to 15% CO 2 for periods up to 7 days. Methemoglobin concentration increased from 2.7% (controls) to 8.7% at 1 day and returned to 6.4 % at 3 days and 6.2% at 7 days. The level of reduced glutathione and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in red cells did not show this biphasic change but decreased only at 7 days. The biphasic change in methemoglobin concentration, characterizing the uncompensated and compensated phases of respiratory acidosis, is correlated with biphasic changes in red cell pH; P 50 and “n” values of oxygen dissociation curves; and with the NAD + NADH ratio in red cells. The results explain the decreased oxygen capacity of guinea pig blood during hypercapnia reported by schaefer, messier and morgan (1970). Exposure to 3% CO 2 for periods up to 7 days produced a mild acidosis but did not result inmethemoglobin formation.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call