Changes in regional blood flow distribution and oxygen supply during hypoxia in conscious rats

The effects of acute hypoxia on central hemodynamics, regional blood flow, and regional oxygen supply (blood flow x arterial O2 concentration) were studied in conscious resting rats. Regional blood flow was determined by the radiolabeled microsphere technique. Blood pressure, heart rate; and aortic blood flow increased and total peripheral resistance decreased significantly during hypoxia. Blood flow to brain, respiratory muscles, and liver increased both in absolute value and as a fraction of the aortic blood flow. Fractional blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, spleen, pancreas, skin, fat, and hindlimb bones decreased during hypoxia; blood flow decreased in absolute values only in stomach and fat. Oxygen supply to brain, respiratory muscles, and liver increased during hypoxia, whereas it decreased in the remaining organs investigated.