Inhibition of Carbonic Anhydrase: Effect on Tissue Gas Tensions in the Rat

Summary 1. Venous and tissue gas tensions in the rat have been estimated by use of artificially constructed subcutaneous gas pocket. Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase by acetazolamide results in a rise in venous and tissue CO2 tension independent of change of oxygen tension. This effect is associated with hyperventilation and an increase in arterial CO2 content. 2. These findings are interpreted as direct evidence of CO2 retention resulting from interference in CO2 transport by carbonic anhydrase inhibition.