Abstract
Maximal O2 consumption increases with increasing O2 partial pressure in inspired air (Bannister & Cunningham, 1954; Fagraeus, Karlsson, Linnarsson & Saltin, 1973; Kaijser, 1970; Margaria, Camporesi, Aghemo & Sassi, 1972; Margaria, Cerretelli, Marchi & Rossi, 1961 ; Nielsen & Hansen, 1937 ; Welch & Pedersen, 1981) and following the transfusion of red blood cells (Buick et al. 1980 ; Ekblom, Goldbarg & Gullbring, 1972; Ekblom, Wilson & Åstrand, 1976); it decreases in hypoxia (both acute and chronic) (see Cerretelli, 1981 for review), following CO inhalation (Ekblom & Huot, 1972; Ekblom, Huot, Stein & Sthorstenson, 1975; Pirnay, Dujardin, Deroanne & Petit, 1971; Raven et al. 1974; Vogel & Gleser, 1972) and after acute anaemia (Woodson, Wills & Lenfant, 1978).