Metabolic And Hematologic Factors In Chronic Air Saturation At 2.5 Ata.

Abstract

Mature male rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain were pressurized in air at a pressure equivalent to 50 feet of sea water, 2.5 ATA, for varying times up to 60 days. The internal environment was maintained at: O2 = 51%, CO2 = 42% (sea level equivalent), balance N2. No consistent alterations in lactic and pyruvic acid or ATP levels as well as lactate-pyruvate ratio were noted at any time during the two-month experiment. Platelet and platelet aggregate counts were also unaltered. Red cell mass exhibited a steady decline for the first 4-6 weeks attaining and maintaining a new hematological steady-state for the remainder of the saturation period. Diminution of red cell mass is consistent with chronic exposure to hyperoxia. Several hyperfibrinogenemic episodes provided evidence for repeated stress. (Author)