AJP - Heart and Circulatory Physiology, Vol 232, Issue 1 79-H84, Copyright © 1977 by American Physiological Society
Physiologic effects of normal-or low-oxygen-affinity red cells in hypoxic baboons
J. I. Spector, C. G. Zaroulis, L. E. Pivacek, C. P. Emerson and C. R. Valeri
Baboons were bled one-third their red cell mass and were given homologous
transfusions of red blood cells to restore the red cell volume. One group
of baboons received red blood cells with a normal 2,3-diphosphoglycerate
2,3-DPG) level and normal affinity for oxygen, and in this group the
2,3-DPG level after transfusion was normal. The other group received red
blood cells with a 160% of normal 2,3-DPG level and decreased affinity for
oxygen, and in this group the 2,3-DPG level after transfusion was 125% of
normal. In both groups of baboons, the inspired oxygen concentration was
lowered and arterial PO2 tension was maintained at 55-60 mmHg for 2 h after
transfusion. During the hypoxic state, systemic oxygen extraction was
similar in the two groups, whereas oxygen saturation was lower in the high
2,3-DPG group than in the control animals. Cardiac output was significantly
reduced 30 min after the arterial PO2 was restored to normal. These data
indicate that red blood cells with decreased affinity for oxygen maintained
satisfactory oxygen delivery to tissue during hypoxia.
