Anaerobic metabolism of the respiratory muscles.

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Abstract
Changes in blood lactate and lactate/pyruvate ratio were determined in human subjects during 15% O2 breathing alone, during increased ventilation induced by a large dead space, and during increased ventilation with a large added in-spiratory workload while breathing air or 15% O2. No increased in blood lactate concentrations and lactate/pyruvate ratio occurred under 1st 3 conditions, but did occur in the group of subjects with increased ventilation and added workload when 15% O2 was inspired. It is concluded that the increased lactate and lactate/pyruvate ratio were due to augmented anaerobic metabolism of the respiratory muscles. However, the relatively small absolute increases in blood lactate indicate that respiratory muscles are not a major source of lactate even during markedly increased breathing worK. There was no relationship between the lactate level or lactate/pyruvate ratio and the sensation of dyspnea.