Diffusion component of alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure difference in man

Adjustment of DLCO for varying COHb, and alveolar PO2 using a theoretical adjustment equation

The diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DL) is affected by changes in alveolar partial pressure of oxygen (PAO2), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), and carboxyhemoglobin concentration (COHb). A number of investigators have derived empiric adjustment equations to account for changes in these variables. We evaluated an adjustment of DL for changes in COHb and PAO2 using a single equation derived from Roughton and Forster's original definitions (J. Appl. Physiol., 1957). Unadjusted DL values declined significantly with rising COHb (-0.938%/percent COHb increase, P less than 0.0001) and rising PAO2 (-0.343%/mm Hg PAO2 increase, P less than 0.0001). Adjusted measured DL using the derived equation showed no significant change with changing COHb and PAO2 levels and provides an acceptable method for adjustment of DL for the effects of varying COHb and PAO2 levels from the standard conditions of COHb% = 0, and PAO2 = 110 mm Hg. Since a similar equation has previously been used to adjust for changes in DL due to anemia, we propose to use a single equation which is theoretically derived and empirically verified to adjust DL measurements for changes in COHb, PAO2 and hemoglobin.

Alterations in distribution of blood flow to the lung's diffusion surfaces during exercise

We measured simultaneously, by single breath methods, pulmonary capillary blood flow (Q(c)), carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DL(CO)), and isotopic oxygen ((18)O(18)O) diffusing capacity (DL(18) (O2)) in five normal males during conditions of rest and moderate exercise at mixed venous O(2) tensions (PO(2) 33-44 mm Hg). During moderate exercise at a work load of 100 W. pulmonary capillary blood flow increased from 6.9+/-1.5 to 12.9+/-3.4 min(-1) and DL(18) (O2) increased from 25+/-4 to 43+/-3 ml.min(-1).mm Hg(-1), whereas DL(CO) showed no significant change (45+/-5 to 49+/-10 ml.min(-1).mm Hg(-1)). DL(18) (O2) increased proportionally to Q(c) (r = 0.74), where DL(CO) did not (r = 0.08). The greater increase in DL(18) (O2) during exercise can be explained by a more homogeneous diffusion/perfusion (DL(O2)/Q(c)) distribution in the individual respiratory exchange units during exercise. This improved distribution of DL(O2)/Q(c) acts to help prevent an increase in alveolar-arterial O(2) tension difference from developing despite the decrease in pulmonary erythrocyte transit times that occur during exercise. The insignificant rise in DL(CO) with exercise under these hypoxic breathholding conditions may result from pulmonary vasomotor responses to short-term hypoxia or from relative insensitivity of DL(CO) to moderate levels of exercise.