THE TRANSPORT OF CARBON DIOXIDE BY ERYTHROCYTES AND PLASMA IN DOGFISH BLOOD

¹ From the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, and the Department of Physiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

The CO₂ dissociation curves of dogfish blood (Mustelus canis) are in most respects like those of other vertebrates, Log Pco₂ plotted against Log [CO₂] gives a straight line.

The CO₂ capacity is not affected by the degree of oxygenation of the hemoglobin.

The oxygen capacities in different specimens varied from 2 to 7 v.p.c.

The tension of CO₂ is estimated, to vary, in arterial bloods from 2 to 6 mm. Hg; in venous bloods from 4 to 12 mm. Hg with the CO₂ contents ranging from 6 to 12 v.p.c.

The concentration of CO₂ in the erythrocytes is usually greater than in the surrounding plasma. Reasons are given for supposing the "extra" CO₂ in the red cells not to be carbhemoglobin. Two other possible explanations for the extra CO₂ are discussed.

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