CO 2 Retention in Anesthetized Dogs after Inhibition of Carbonic Anhydrase. ∗

Abstract

Summary

CO₂ elimination of anesthetized dogs was temporarily reduced after injection of carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Reduction was greater for dogs in which ventilation was held constant than for dogs ventilating spontaneously. Results indicate that increased gradient for Pco₂ from tissues to the alveolar gas is essential for reestablishing a steady state of CO₂ elimination when carbonic anhydrase is inhibited. The required increase in this gradient can be produced by means of augmented ventilation, by increased tissue Pco₂, or by combination of these 2 factors.