Effect of CO2-induced hyperventilation on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) levels following acute CCl4 poisoning

To study under standardized experimental conditions the effect of a CO2-induced hyperventilation therapy on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) levels following acute CCl4 poisoning, rats received 2.5 ml CCl4/kg BW by gastric intubation and were subsequently either treated by CO2-induced hyperventilation or kept in an atmosphere containing air. Peak levels of CCl4 were observed in the fat, liver and blood 3-6 h after the intoxication and were found to be considerably lower in animals treated by CO2-induced hyperventilation compared to their respective controls. These data therefore strongly support the efficacy of the CO2-induced hyperventilation therapy for CCl4 intoxication.