Studies in Acute but Moderate CO‐Poisoning.

Abstract

Summary. The effect of, acute but moderate CO‐poisoning (25–32 pCt HbCO in the blood) is studied on two normal men. It is found, that the relative cell volume of the blood as well as the plasma protein concentration are augmented after inhalation of CO, suggesting a leaking‐out of fluid from the vessels, presumably due to peripheral vasodilatations. An increased rate of filtration could not be detected in the lower extremity. The amount of glucose and lactic acid in the blood is unaffected by this degree of CO‐intoxication so long as the subject remains quiet. In moderate work the amount of lactic acid increases, whereas the blood sugar still remains normal. The tolerance for glucose is unaffected by this degree of CO‐poisoning. In one of the two subjects the intestine lost its ability to absorb large quantities of water, presumably due to a compensatory vasoconstriction in the intestine. An attempt to demonstrate the effect of a shift of blood from the central (thoracic) vessels to the periphery on the vital capacity of the lungs, failed.