Intraperitoneal oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions in experimental adhesion disease and peritonitis.

Intraperitoneal oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions were studied in rats during silica-induced adhesion formation or fecal peritonitis. Measurements of PO2 and PCO2 in the abdominal cavity were performed by means of an implanted Silastic tonometer. During active adhesion formation one to three weeks after administration of silica, the intra-abdominal PO2 decreased by 50 per cent from normal whereas the intra-abdominal PCO2 and the rate of oxygen consumption in the peritoneum were elevated. Progressing peritonitis also resulted in decreased intraperitoneal PO2 and increased accumulation of carbon dioxide in the peritoneal cavity. In rats with peritonitis the rate of oxygen consumption in the peritoneal exudate clearly exceeded that in the peritoneal membrane.