Effect of CO2 on peripheral flow and central hemodynamics.

A variable pattern of organ flow distribution was observed during experimental hypo- and hypercarbia. Mainly two patterns of organ flow changes emerged in that hepatic, renal and skeletal muscle flow showed a decreasing tendency during hypercarbia while gastrointestinal, myocardial and cerebral flow increased during hypercarbia and decreased during hypocarbia. These changes were accompanied by typical central hemodynamic changes including a decrease in systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance during both hypocarbia and hypercarbia which was also accompanied by decreased myocardial contractility.