Effects of hyperventilation on pulmonary blood flow and recirculation time of humans

We used direct invasive techniques to measure the effects of hyperventilation on the pulmonary blood flow (Q) and on recirculation time of helium and of carbon dioxide in humans. The subjects hyperventilated with a tidal volume of 1.5 liters (BTPS) and a frequency of 20 or 30 breaths/min. There was no significant change in Q from control at either level of hyperventilation. Helium first appeared in the pulmonary artery within 12 s from the onset of hyperventilation and increased by approximately 0.7% of its equilibrium arterial value per second at both levels of hyperventilation. In contrast, the PVCO2 remained at base-line level until 43 s from the onset of hyperventilation. We conclude that hyperventilation at 30 or 45 l/min with constant tidal volume does not significantly affect the value of Q and that the amount of recirculation of the two gases does not result in underestimation of Q when this variable is measured by indirect respiratory rebreathing techniques.