Action of a protein free extract from calf's blood on various parameters of the respiratory function in the mouse during hypoxia

Abstract

The effects of a protein-free extract obtained from the blood of calves on the following parameters of the respiratory function of the mouse were studied: Oxygen consumption, tissue partial oxygen tension and raise of plasma erythropoietin caused by exposure to acute hypoxia. We have also determined the effects of the treatment on the per cent of mortality caused by exposure to a severe degree of hypoxia (200 mm Hg) during a 60-minute period.

An increase of oxygen consumption and tissue partial oxygen tension was found either in normoxic or hypoxic conditions after 10 daily administration of the extract. The raise in plasma erythropoietin brought about by exposure lo low O2 ambient air (0.4 atmosphere) was also significantly lower in the treated group. The per cent of mortality drops from 83 % in normal unmanipulated animals to 45 % in the treated group.