Effect of Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibition on Respiration

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Diamox, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, was administered intravenously and orally at varying doses to anesthetized dogs and normal human subjects to evaluate its effect on respiration. Studies are reported utilizing air and a low O2 mixture. A state of acidosis was rapidly produced following the intravenous administration of the drug characterized by a decrease in the arterial pH and an increase in urinary pH. In the anesthetized dog an increase in tidal volume, minute ventilation, alveolar Po2, arterial Po2, and urinary pH was noted. A decrease in alveolar PCo2, plasma pH, plasma CO2, and whole blood CO2 content was also noted;'' In 2 human subjects re-ceiving 25 mg/kg orally, the degree of carbonic anhydrase activity was less complete and no significant respiratory changes were observed although urinary pH rose and eosinophils dropped markedly. In the anesthetized animals the data obtained was consistent with an impair-ment of CO2 transport from the blood to the alveoli.