Elevation of tissue PO2 with improvement of tissue perfusion by topically applied CO2.

Local absorption of CO2 was examined, by tissue gas analysis with medical mass spectrometry, in rabbits placed in a bath. The results obtained clearly showed that (1) Elevation of subcutaneous tissue PO2 was followed by elevation of PCO2 in the subcutaneous tissue. (2) Local absorption of CO2 through skin was confirmed by elevation of the levels of subcutaneous PO2 and PCO2 at the site exposed to CO2. (3) Tissue perfusion during the CO2 bath was moderately higher than that observed with tap water bathing. The mechanism of oxygen release into the tissue by CO2 bathing is thought to involve increased [H+] and PCO2 in the red blood cells, which shifts the hemoglobin dissociation curve to the right, thus facilitating oxygen release at the tissue level. There is, therefore a good possibility, that the improved tissue perfusion together with the increased oxygen in the tissue will favourably affect wound healing and chronic degenerative disorders, thus facilitating rehabilitation.