Non-Specific Factors in Resistance

[摘要] A method is described for judging functional efficiency (through observation of the respiratory response to inhaled 5 per cent CO2) which gives indications of correlated resistive efficiency consistent with the record for subsequently observed incidence of common cold.The resting subject is connected with an apparatus recording the rate and depth of breathing. Rest is continued until the ventilation per minute has declined to the estimated basal level (BVR). Air containing 5 per cent CO2 is then given for 1 to 2 minutes. The quotient (VQ) of the ventilation rate during the first minute of CO2-stimulation, by the BVR, is compared with the VQ 1.29 representing optimum and reported in terms of percentile divergence from that optimum.Minimal incidence of common cold appeared to be associated with VQs within 5 per cent of 1.29 and heightened incidence with VQs more than 5 per cent divergent from 1.29, in persons free of allergy. A tendency toward hyper-reaction to inhaled CO2, possibly derived from an underlying hyper-responsiveness to stimulus such as predisposes to histamine shock, in the rabbit, and not associated with heightened susceptibility to common cold, was observed in a small group of persons with untreated, non-acute, non-infectious allergic dermatitis. The more usual type of hyper-reaction to CO2, associated with heightened susceptibility to common cold and possibly derived from an underlying shrinkage in circulating blood volume, was observed in non-allergic dermatitis and in diabetes. Unusual local effects on pain and limitation to movement were observed following CO2-inhalation in rheumatoid arthritis. Evidence is considered to the effect that CO2 may be a determinant, as well as an indicator, of capacity for sustaining circulation, function and resistance.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）