The effect of progressive hypoxia on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems of the pigeon and duck.

1. During the initial stages of progressive hypoxia in ducks and pigeons (P(a, O2) 100 --> 60 mm Hg) there were no significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure or oxygen uptake, but respiratory frequency increased.2. As hypoxia became more profound (P(a, O2) 60 --> 30 mm Hg), there was a significant tachycardia, and blood pressure fell slightly in both animals. Respiratory frequency continued to increase in both species, and ducks were able to maintain their oxygen uptake at control levels at a lower P(a, O2) than pigeons.3. The response to progressive hypoxia of pigeons and ducks was compared with that of the domestic fowl. The former two birds could maintain control of their cardiovascular system at a lower environmental oxygen concentration than the latter. Arterial P(O2) followed a similar course in all three birds in relation to environmental oxygen content. Pigeons and ducks were therefore able to endure a lower arterial P(O2) than chickens.