The Effect of Inhalation of Low Oxygen Concentration (10.5% 02 in N2) over a Period of 33 Minutes on Respiration, Pulse Rate, Arterial Oxygen Saturation (Oximeter) and Oxygen Uptake

摘要

The work is part of a stuy to determine oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide excretion at different partial pressure of oxygen, undertaken to better the understanding of oxygen toxicity. Results provide an answer to the long-discussed question as to (1) whether oxygen consumption is decreased at low partial pressures, and if so, (2) whether the decrease is commensurate with the decrease of partial pressure. There was found a transient initial decrease in oxygen uptake correlated with the decreased partial pressure of oxygen (altitude), following which there was observed either an increase in oxygen consumption, in the case of a group of sedentary technicians, or development of a large oxygen debt among a group of 'skin divers'. Data revealed two distinct patterns of response to low oxygen: a high ventilation response in sedentary workers and a low ventilation response in 'skin divers'. On the basis of observed varying reactions to low oxygen, contrary reports in the literature can be explained. (Author)