MODEL OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN O-2 AND CO2 EXCHANGE AND CARDIOPULMONARY CONTROL IN THE DUCK

A simple model was used to predict resting blood gases and ventilation of ducks at sea level and at altitude. Unique features of the gas exchange model were the use of (1) empirical hyperbolic equations to predict the CO2 content of blood and plasma, (2) plasma CO2 content and PCO to predict the pH-dependent hemoglobin affinity for O2 and (3) gas contents in the mass balance equations. We utilized literature data to describe ventilatory sensitivity to blood gases and the relation of arterial-venous oxygen content differences to blood flow. The model predicted values within 4% of observations. © 1979.