Effect of the acute administration of sodium bicarbonate on respiration in the presence of hyperoxia.

The effects, on respiration, of the acute administration of sodium bicarbonate were studied in 10 normal subjects. Carbon dioxide responses curves and tidal volume v. PCO2 relationships were obtained under hyperoxic conditions using a closed-circuit breathing system. During alkalosis, a decrease in the slope, and a displacement of the response curves to the right, were observed. These findings indicate that metabolic alkalosis, induced acutely by the administration of sodium bicarbonate, alters the respiratory response to carbon dioxide and that sodium bicarbonate may have a depressant effect on respiration.