INFLUENCE OF THE EXTIRPATION OF BILATERAL CAROTID BODIES IN MAN UPON THE INHALATION OF THE GAS MIXTURE OF LOW OXYGEN CONTENT AND OF HIGH CARBON DIOXIDE CONTENT

Abstract

The inhalation tests of the gas mixture of low oxygen content and of high carbon dioxide content were made in man whose carotid bodies had been extirpated bilateraly.
The results obtained are as follows:
1) About three weeks after the extirpation of bilateral carotid bodies, the respiration volume of the normal air was diminished than before.
2) About three weeks after the extirpation, the respiration volume of the low oxygen gas mixture tended to be less than that of the normal air, and it was the more marked, the poorer the oxygen content of the inhalating gas mixture.
3) More than four months after the extirpation, the respiration volume was not increased when the arterial oxygen content reached about 15.6 vols per cent, but was increased instantly when the content showed 12.1 vols per cent being less than normal.
4) After the extirpation of bilateral carotid bodies, the respiration volume of the high carbon dioxide gas mixture also tended to be less than before, but it became normal relatively soon.