EFFECT OS OXYGEN INHALATION ON RESPONSES TO COLD EXPOSURE.
Abstract
In studies designed to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of oxygen inhalation during cold exposure the effect of oxygen inhalation on cutaneous thresholds for cold sensation was determined by exposing a 50 sq cm area on the chest to a radiant cold source for 2 second intervals in 9 healthy 21 to 26 year old nude subjects at two environmental temperatures. In the relatively cool environment (22.4 to 26.5 C) oxygen breathing increased the cold threshold from 209 ! 90 microcal/sq cm/sec. to 296 ! 110 microcal/ sq cm/sec. The mean difference, by paired analysis, of 87 ! 88 microcal/ sq cm/sec. is significant at the 2% level. A similar significant increase was obtained at warm (36.6 - 39.3 C) environmental temperatures. Raising the pO2 of the external environment to 400 mm. Hg while the subjects breathed air produced no detectable change in cutaneous cold thresholds nor were responses to cold exposure altered. Arterial and mixed venous pCO2, H+, and lactate levels all increased when oxygen was substituted for air in anesthetized dogs artificially ventilated at a constant rate. The effect was greatest in arterial blood. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0284279
Entities
People
- D. M. Maccanon
Organizations
- University of Chicago