"Paradoxical" effect of carbon dioxide on common carotid artery blood flow in rabbits during hypothermia and hyperthermia.

The relative effects of temperature and CO2 on the blood flow in the common carotid artery (CCBF) were investigated in vagotomized, paralyzed rabbits under urethane-chloralose general anaesthesia with artificial ventilation. During hypothermia a 52% fall of CCBF was observed in rabbits ventilated by the classic method. Administration of a hyperkapnic mixture for breathing caused a further 16% CCBF fall, with a simultaneous rise in PaCO2 by 23%. During ventilation with a respirator triggered by phrenic nerve activity hypothermia caused a 30% CCBF fall without changes in PaCO2 value. Administration of the hyperkapnic mixture for breathing caused, in these circumstances, a 9% CCBF fall with a 7% PaCO2 increase. Hyperthermia caused during ventilation by the classic method a 42% rise in CCBF and a 22% PaCO2 rise. The hyperkapnic mixture given for breathing decreased the CCBF by 9% and increased the PaCO2 by 15%. On the other hand, during ventilation with the respirator triggered by phrenic nerve activity no changes were observed in these parameters. This suggests that the thermic stimulus exerts a direct effect on the regulation of the blood flow to the brain, and during hypothermia it prevails over the stimulus produced by CO2.