The carotenoid crocetin enhances pulmonary oxygenation.

Rabbits anesthesized with urethan and subjected to mild hypoxia (60-70 Torr arterial PO2) through a reduction of the minute volume were injected with a carotenoid compound, crocetin, or saline. The increased PO2 in the arterial blood seen subsequently with crocetin is attributed to increased diffusion through plasma. Blood flow rates remained constant and were unaffected by crocetin.