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Title: Biological effects of short-term, high-concentration exposure to methyl isocyanate. IV. Influence on the oxygen binding properties of guinea pig blood

Journal Article · · Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.877235· OSTI ID:6061099

Whole blood oxygen equilibrium curves (O/sub 2/ECs), blood buffer lines, and several hematologic properties were determined for adult guinea pigs exposed to 700 ppm methyl isocyanate (MIC) for 15 min. MIC inhalation effected a significant reduction of blood O/sub 2/ affinity; the half-saturation pressure (P/sub 50/) at 38/sup 0/C increased from the control (untreated) level of 22.8 +/- 0.1 mm Hg to values ranging from 28.5 to 43.7 mm Hg for experimental animals. MIC exposure had no apparent influence on O/sub 2/ EC shape or CO/sub 2/ Bohr effect. Erythrocyte volume, (metHb), O/sub 2/ binding capacity, and combined red cell organic phosphate concentration (DPG + ATP) were not affected by MIC treatment. However, experimental animals experienced a severe metabolic acid-base disturbance; blood lactate concentration ranged from 8.6 to 24.0 mmole/L. Results indicate that lactic acidosis was solely responsible for increased blood P/sub 50/ of MIC-treated animals. No direct effects of MIC on hemoglobin function were observed. Reduced Hb-O/sub 2/ affinity, in conjunction with severe hypoxemia, compromised the guinea pigs' capacity for pulmonary O/sub 2/ loading; at PaO/sub 2/ of 30 mm Hg, Hb-O/sub 2/ saturation (S) decreased from 66% S for controls to 42% S for MIC-treated animals.

Research Organization:
Brown Univ., Providence, RI
OSTI ID:
6061099
Journal Information:
Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States), Vol. 72
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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