CO concentration-dependent changes in pulmonary diffusing capacity in humans

Steady-state CO pulmonary diffusing capacity (DLCO) was measured at different inspired CO concentrations in seven males and one female during light treadmill exercise. As the CO level is increased. DLCO increases, reaches a maximum at an end-tidal CO concentration of approximately 100 ppm, and then decreases. The maximum DLCO is up to twice as large as the DLCO measured at an inspired CO concentration of approximately 1,780 ppm. These results are consistent with the presence of saturation kinetics, one of the basic properties of carrier-mediated transport systems. A similar relationship between DLCO and CO concentration was found in previous studies of mechanically ventilated dogs. Thus there is evidence for carrier-mediated transport of CO in the lungs of both humans and dogs.