Abstract
Considerable theoretical significance attaches to the interaction of oxygen and CO2 in blood. That variations of CO2 tension influence the capacity for oxygen is generally accepted. There has not been, however, universal agreement among observers as to the influence of variations in oxygen tension upon CO2 capacity.
Our experience has led us to believe that the quality of exhibiting this reaction depends upon the previous treatment of the blood. Thus in our hands freshly drawn dog's blood shows it when defibrinated, but not when oxalated. The following is typical of our results.
Experiments are under way to determine whether the influence of CO2 upon oxygen capacity is likewise lacking in oxalated normal blood.
Variations within the body in respect to the capacity of the blood for interaction of the two gases would afford a possible ground for reconciling some otherwise difficult discrepancies.
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