A mathematical model of ventilation response to inhaled carbon monoxide.

A comprehensive mathematical model, describing the respiration, circulation, oxygen metabolism, and ventilatory control, is assembled for the purpose of predicting acute ventilation changes from exposure to carbon monoxide in both humans and animals. This Dynamic Physiological Model is based on previously published work, reformulated, extended, and combined into a single model. Model parameters are determined from literature values, fitted to experimental data, or allometrically scaled between species. The model predictions are compared with ventilation-time history data collected in goats exposed to carbon monoxide, with quantitatively good agreement. The model reaffirms the role of brain hypoxia on hyperventilation during carbon monoxide exposures. Improvement in the estimation of total ventilation, through a more complete knowledge of ventilation control mechanisms and validated by animal data, will increase the accuracy of inhalation toxicology estimates.