The John Sutton memorial lecture, 2009. Conductance systems: an integrative approach to the physiology of extreme conditions

Abstract

This presentation explores the value of mechanical, electrical, and mathematical analogues in understanding and evaluating a variety of closely integrated transport processes in human biology. Particular attention is directed to a major interest of John Sutton: the factors limiting transport of oxygen from the atmosphere to the working muscles when exercising in a variety of hostile environments. In most circumstances, the limiting term in a closely linked chain of conductances seems to be in the blood stream, and its magnitude can be estimated by measurements of maximal oxygen intake. Despite recent criticisms of this index by those who have proposed a feed-forward control of maximal aerobic effort, conductance theory suggests that the main limitation of oxygen transport is normally maximal cardiac output. Therefore, careful laboratory determinations of maximal oxygen intake continue to provide a convenient integrating assessment of an individual’s cardiorespiratory function, with many important applications in sports medicine and exercise science.