Circulatory and Pulmonary Effects of Acute Central Vascular Engorgement in Normal Subjects

¹ Duke University School of Medicine., Senior Assistant Resident, Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
² Duke University School of Medicine., Chairman, Department of Medicine, University of Indiana Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana.

1. Brief, acute central vascular and pulmonary engorgement has been produced in normal subjects by inflation of an aviator's g-suit and by submersion in water while breathing against atmospheric pressure.

2. G-suit inflation (2 psi) produced an increase in central venous pressure of 26.8-7.8 cm H₂O and a decrease in pulmonary compliance from .217-.048 to .093-.136 L per cm H₂O. A similar compliance change occurred with submersion. [SEE CHART III IN SOURCE PDF]

3. On maintaining g-suit pressure or submersion for two minutes, central venous pressure and compliance showed a progressive but incomplete return toward control levels.

4. Infusion of norepinephrine or immersion of an arm in ice water during g-suit inflation prevented the return of central venous pressure and pulmonary compliance toward control levels.

5. It is suggested that the compliance changes induced by these procedures depend partially on the degree of central vascular engorgement and that under the experimental conditions this in turn is partially dependent on peripheral venous tone.