Survival of Mice in Absence of Inert Gas. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1) Mice were maintained for 51 days in an atmosphere of oxygen at total pressure of 197 mm Hg. This provides a normal inspired O₂ tension. CO₂ and N₂ pressures in the ambient atmosphere did not exceed 5 mm Hg for either gas. 2) Under these conditions animals usually did not encounter any difficulties. Several litters were born and in one case young were conceived, born and raised in virtual absence of inert gas. However, in several cases animals died within 48 hours after being subjected to this environment. Once past this period Only mechanical failure of the apparatus terminated these experiments. It is suggested that pulmonary atelectasis was responsible for these early deaths.