O2 diffusion in lung of the anesthetized cat

Abstract

In cats under chloralose anesthesia, the mean diffusing capacity for O2 (Do2) was 0.91 (S.D. ± 0.29). The mean Do2/m2 body surface was 3.26 (S.D. ± 1.30). Under the experimental conditions described, the Do2 was linearly related to the O2 consumption/body weight or surface area of the animal. The Do2 was reduced by bronchial occlusion in approximate proportion to the blocked area. Cooling the animal also reduced the Do2. Epinephrine and 5-hydroxytryptamine given by constant intravenous infusion had slight effects on the Do2. Dissociation curves for cats' blood are reported. Submitted on December 5, 1958