Chronic CO2 Toxicity: Species Difference in Physiological and Histopathological Effects

Abstract

Guinea pigs were found to have a much higher susceptibility to carbon dioxide than rats. During exposure to CO2 concentrations ranging from 1-50% CO2, marked species differences were observed in mortality, growth curves, organ/body weight ratios and serum enzyme responses. The difference in tolerance to CO2 between guinea pigs and rats has been related to their differing buffer capacity. Guinea pigs showed higher levels of hydrogen ion concentrations for every exposure. No evidence of tissue necrosis in heart, liver, and other organs was obtained in guinea pigs or rats exposed for prolonged periods to 15% CO2. The increased levels of serum enzymes (GPT, GOT, LDH) observed in guinea pigs under these conditions were interpreted as signs of increased permeability caused by hypercapnia. An organ specific pattern of fat accumulation was observed in chronic hypercapnia.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 04, 1971
Accession Number
AD0752968

Entities

People

  • A. Messier
  • E. Heyder
  • H. Niemoeller
  • J. Spencer
  • Karl E. Schaefer

Organizations

  • Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acinar Cells
  • Blood
  • Body Weight
  • Brain
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Cells
  • Cellular Structures
  • Central Nervous System
  • Glycogen
  • Inhibition
  • Medical Personnel
  • Metabolism
  • Navy
  • Nervous System
  • Protons
  • Respiration
  • Rodents

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology