Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 44, Issue 6 914-917, Copyright © 1978 by American Physiological Society
Isobaric inert gas supersaturation: observations, theory, and predictions
J. M. Collins
An isobaric inert gas supersaturation model incorporating both diffusion
and perfusion properties of biological tissue is presented in a form which
allows ready comparison with experimental observations. This model requires
only measurement of inert gas flux and blood gas solubility in order to
evaluate "counterdiffusion potential". Inert gas flux across the skin of
Yorkshire piglets anesthetized with pentobarbital was measured for He, Ne,
CH4, C2H4, N2O, and SF6. Model predictions based upon these data compare
favorably with published reports of isobaric inert gas supersaturation, as
well as several previously unpublished observations. The possibility of
supersaturation resulting from the use of hydrogen as a breathing gas in a
helium environment is also discussed, and extensive animal testing is
recommended before potentially dangerous human exposure occurs.
