Alveolar capillary temperature compared with aortic and bronchial wedge temperatures

Abstract

Temperature for gas exchange in the alveolar capillaries was determined by the helium-argon method in nine dogs over a range of body temperatures from 37–42 C. The experiments were much more prolonged than those previously carried out in man. Results were compared with simultaneous measurements in the aortic arch, right ventricle, gastrointestinal tract, and bronchial tree. There was no significant difference between alveolar capillary temperatures and those in the right and left heart and bronchial wedge position, even when body temperature was changing. Deep rectal temperatures gave a reasonable estimate of alveolar temperature provided the body temperature was steady, but esophageal and gastric measurements were not reliable, the reading increasing as the stomach was approached. The results support the validity of the helium-argon method and indicate that accurate estimates of alveolar capillary temperature may be obtained by direct measurements in the central circulation or bronchial wedge position. Note: With the Technical Assistance of Judith Laurie alveolar gas exchange; intravascular temperatures; inert gases; solubility of gases; esophageal temperature; gastric temperature Submitted on December 16, 1963