Arterial oxygen tension threshold range for the onset of arousal and breathing in fetal sheep.

Mechanisms for the control of episodic fetal breathing movements or the onset of continuous breathing at birth remain unknown. Lung distension with 100% O2 at a continuous positive airway pressure of 30 cm H2O may induce arousal and continuous breathing. To investigate 1) the threshold range of arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) for the onset of arousal and breathing and 2) the graded response of breathing to various levels of PaO2, we studied 10 fetal sheep between 135 and 142 d of gestation (term = 147 +/- 2 d). Each fetus was instrumented to record sleep states, diaphragmatic electromyogram, arterial pH, and blood gas tensions. PaO2 threshold was determined through an indwelling O2 sensor catheter. Fetal lungs were distended at a continuous positive airway pressure of 40 cm H2O with 100% N2 or with O2 ranging from 40 to 100% via an in situ endotracheal tube. At the onset of arousal (n = 10), PaO2, arterial carbon dioxide tension, and Hb O2 saturation increased from control values of 21.7 +/- 0.75 torr (2.9 +/- 0.09 kPa), 41.8 +/- 1.1 torr (5.47 +/- 0.15 kPa), and 52.9 +/- 2.6% to 65.6 +/- 9.6 torr (8.74 +/- 1.28 kPa), 46.9 +/- 1.3 torr (6.25 +/- 0.17 kPa), and 92.9 +/- 2.06%, respectively, whereas the pH decreased from 7.31 +/- 0.006 to 7.27 +/- 0.009 (mean +/- SEM; p = 0.001, 0.04, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively). Seven of 10 fetuses breathed continuously. In these fetuses, PaO2 and arterial carbon dioxide tension further increased and pH decreased; however, no further significant increase in Hb O2 saturation was observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)