Carbon Dioxide Titration Curve of Normal Man

Abstract

ALTHOUGH it has long been recognized that defense of pH during acute hypercapnia is dependent on the generation of bicarbonate by body buffers,1 , 2 the quantitative aspects of the response to graded increases in carbon dioxide tension (pCO2) have not been defined in man. The characterization of such a "whole-body titration curve" § should serve the important function of providing a physiologic background against which complex acid–base disturbances in the patient with acute respiratory acidosis might be evaluated.The present study has employed a large environmental chamber to examine the acid–base response of unanesthetized man to progressive elevation of arterial . . .