Biophysical Journal 8: 879-896 (1968)
© 1968 the Biophysical Society

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Pennock, B. Articles by Attinger, E. O. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Pennock, B. Articles by Attinger, E. O.

Optimization of the Oxygen Transport System

ABSTRACT

Emphasizing the over-all performance of the O₂ transport system, as well as the interactions between its various subsystems, a method for a parametric performance analysis has been developed. The purpose of such an analysis is three-fold: 1. It permits an evaluation of those parameters which are critical for the performance of the system under conditions of stress. 2. It leads to an assessment of the ranking of individual members within the hierarchy of biological control systems. 3. It permits an objective assessment of the severity and prognosis of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and of the degree of disability resulting therefrom. Starting with the principle of conservation of mass, two equations are derived which express the balance of oxygen in terms of supply, consumption, and waste. These equations are then developed in terms of the parameters of the system; namely, ventilation, inspired O₂ concentration, cardiac output, O₂ capacity of the blood, energy requirements of the two pumps, fractional extraction of O₂ from alveolar air (ventilation-perfusion ratio), and the oxygen utilization fraction in the periphery. The results indicate that the normal system attempts to maximize the oxygen utilization fraction while minimizing ventilatory and cardiac energy requirements. Changes in the ventilation-perfusion ratio are relatively less important. Possible extensions of the model are discussed.