Some factors affecting tissue Po2 in the carotid body

In the carotid body (CB) of the anesthetized cat tissue Po2 (Pto2) measured with a micro O2 electrode averaged about 65 mmHg at normal arterial pressure (mean = 96 mmHg). Pto2 correlated significantly with the hematocrit of the arterial blood but not with % saturation. When arterial pressure was reduced (mean = 58 mmHg) by bleeding Pto2 fell significantly. Phentolamine injection (1 mg/kg iv) at the reduced pressure caused Pto2 to rise significantly. At normal arterial pressure blowing moistened O2 over the CB did not affect Pto2 if the electrode tip was about 90 mum into the CB. At a reduced pressure (and blood flow) the sensitive depth increased to about 301 mum, and to about 600 mum when flow was stopped. We concluded that a) the increased chemoceptor discharge usually seen with hemorrhage is due to reduced Pto2; b) the reduction in Pto2 is probably due to reduced blood flow which is, in turn, caused partly, at least, by sympathetic nervous system activity; c) O2 content, rather than Po2, may determine chemoreceptor discharge rate; and d) there are no barriers in the CB which are impermeable to O2.