[Biological significance of physiologic hypoxemia]

Preliminary inhalation of oxygen in conscious rabbits prevents increased respiratory muscle activity caused by airway occlusion. This is accounted for by hyperoxia that removes physiological hypoxemia and therefore depresses the sensitivity of the respiratory center which is needed to perform the reflex caused by airway occlusion. This also explains that hyperoxia prevents respiratory discomfort caused by temporary stoppage of artificial respiration in persons with respiratory paralysis.