Abstract
A Krogh-type model for oxygen transport is used to predict maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) of human skeletal muscle under hypoxic conditions. Assumed values of capillary density, blood flow, and hemoglobin concentration are based on measurements under normoxic and hypoxic exercise conditions. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen is assumed to decrease with reductions in inspired partial pressure of oxygen (P IO 2), as observed experimentally. As a result of limitations of convective and diffusive oxygen delivery, predicted V̇O2max values decline gradually as P IO 2 is reduced from 150 mmHg to about 80 mmHg, and more rapidly as P IO 2 is further reduced. At very low levels of P IO 2, V̇O2max is limited primarily by convective oxygen supply. Experimentally observed values of V̇O2max in hypoxia show significant dispersion, with some values close to predicted levels and others substantially lower. These results suggest that maximal oxygen consumption rates in hypoxia are not necessarily determined by oxygen transport limitations and may instead reflect reduced muscle oxygen demand.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 87-97 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Respiratory Physiology and Neurobiology |
Volume | 143 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 12 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Hypoxia
- Krogh cylinder model
- Maximal oxygen consumption
- Oxygen transport
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)
- Physiology
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine