Effect of decreased O₂ supply to tissue on the lactate:pyruvate ratio in blood

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Abstract

Experiments were performed with trained conscious dogs with permanently implanted intravascular catheters. With the dogs in a basal resting state, the concentrations of lactate (L) and pyruvate (P) in arterial blood fluctuated widely from day to day, whereas their concentration ratio (L/P) remained relatively constant. By contrast, decrease in tissue O2 supply induced by severe chronic anemia increased the arterial blood L/P, specifically, with only random accompanying changes in the lactate or pyruvate concentrations themselves.

Authors

William A. Neill, Peter E. Jensen, Gerald B. Rich, John D. Werschkul