Variations in Gaseous Content and Acid-Base Equilibrium of Arterial Blood at 1.85 Km Altitude

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Abstract
O2 and CO2 contents, O2 capacity, pH, alkali reserve, and lactic acid amt. of arterial blood in 7 healthy male subjects (21- to 29-yr.-old) were detd. during a sojourn of 10 days of Uludag (1850 m.). These values are compared with those obtained at sea level prior to ascent and following descent. From the values for O2 content and O2 capacity, percentage O2 saturation was computed and from those for O2 capacity, hemoglobin concn. O2 capacity increased 10.1% over sea level value by the end of the expedition. Hemoglobin concn. increased about the same magnitude. The mean percentage O2 saturation in arterial blood was diminished about 3% below the sea level avg. during both data collection periods at Uludag. From the O2 dissociation curve of Bock et al., this diminution corresponded to a reduction of about 24 mm. Hg in pO2. This finding as well as the augmented lactic acid content at mid-altitude was interpreted as indicating a state of partial anoxia in the tissues and as offering sufficient evidence of an accelerating effect on erythropoiesis by H-ions accumulated in the bone marrow. The increase in lactic acid content also partially explained the diminution in alkali reserve in both venous and arterial bloods. The reduction in alkali reserve was accompained by a decrease in CO2 content, while the pH remained constant. All values tended to return to normal within 9-10 days.

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