Acid-base equilibrium during acute long-lasting experiments in artificially ventilated cats.

Experiments were carried out to study blood acid-base equilibrium in the cat during experiments with artificial ventilation. Blood acid-base equilibrium was examined in the arterial and venous blood by analyzing pH, carbon dioxide and oxygen partial pressure, and plasma bicarbonates. Artificial ventilation was regulated on the basis of this analysis; CO2 concentration in expired air was monitored throughout the experiment. An attempt was made to verify if artificial ventilation could be regulated indirectly only on the basis of CO2 concentration in expired air. The most appropriate acid-base equilibrium was maintained when CO2 concentration in expired air was kept within the range of 3.9-4.1%.