Abstract
Summary
When man breathes ambient air at high altitudes an hypoxic stimulus causes a rapid increase in pulmonary ventilation. The full effect of this hypoxic stimulus is counteracted, however, by concomitant hypo-capnia. With the addition of carbon dioxide to inspired air a more effective response to the hypoxic stimulus is manifested. It is concluded that hypoxia and hypercapnia are separate stimulating factors and additive in their effects and that regulation of respiration at altitude depends upon the manner of their interaction.
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