Plasma pH,CO 2 Content of the Blood and “Tissue Gas” Tensions During Hibernation

Summary

During hibernation arterial blood CO₂ content increases to an average of 85.7 vol. % compared to an average normal of 45.5 vol. %. The plasma pH changes from an average of 7.43 to 7.10. The tensions of CO₂ and O₂ in the peritoneal gas pocket decrease significantly.

The authors wish to thank Drs. A. B. Hastings and N. W. Shock for helpful advice during this study.