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Effects of Ammonia Inhalation on Respiration Rate of Rabbits¹

University of Missouri, Columbia 65201

Abstract

The effect of ammonia inhalation on respiration rate was studied in 16 New Zealand White rabbits held under controlled environmental conditions. Exposure to 50 ppm and 100 ppm ammonia for 2.5 to 3 hr. significantly decreased (P<.01) respiration rate 34.0% and 32.3%, respectively, compared to control conditions. The periodicity of relative changes in respiratory volume was not significantly affected by ammonia exposure; however, apparent depth of respiration increased during this period. In determinations on five animals, blood urea nitrogen was increased from 19.4 to 24.6 mg/100 ml (P<.005) and blood CO₂ increased from 14.3 to 18.9 meq/liter plasma (P<.07) as a result of animal exposure to 100 ppm ammonia. Blood pH was not significantly affected. Postmortem examination revealed no pathological changes in lungs, liver, spleen or kidneys which could be attributed to the effects of short period exposures to ammonia.

¹ Contribution from Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. Journal Series No. 6105. Approved by the Director.

² Department of Dairy Husbandry and Space Science Research Center.