Solubility of inert gases in biological fluids and tissues: a review

Abstract

Data have been tabulated from more than 150 references on the solubility of inert gases in fluids and tissues of biological interest. Thirty-two gases have been studied in blood with measured solubility ranging from 0.005 to 16 ml of gas at 37 degrees C per ml of blood per ATA (Ostwald coefficient). For most gases, solubility in other tissues such as muscle or brain is between 60percent and 300percent of blood solubility. Measured solubilities in biological tissues do not correspond well to solubility in water and oil. Most gases decrease in solubility by 1percent-6percent for each degree C rise in temperature. The effect of pressure on solubility has not been well studied, and only crude estimates can be obtained by using methods of chemical thermodynamics. Human *Noble Gases/blood Organ Specificity Pressure Solubility Temperature