Stresses in the micro-environment of the respiratory systems and initiation of aging

ABSTRACT

Hydration of carbon dioxide and dehydration of carbonic acid constitute the equilibria occurring in the respiratory system. They have been examined in the light of the Dehydration Theory of Aging. It has been argued that water, carbon dioxide and oxyhaemoglobin formed as the products of respiratory reactions combine to form the bicarbonate ion and release haemoglobin along with molecular oxygen. This reaction provides the main driving force for the respiratory system and if reversed constitutes the oxidative dehydration process which is the mechanism that governs the aging process. The reversal. However, takes place only partially to the extent of 0.15% since the ratio of concentration of bicarbonate ion to dissolved carbon dioxide is 20 to 1. The aging process is accordingly very slow. The demand of oxygen as a result of body activity is suggested to be governed by Le Chatelier's principle. The thickening of alveolar and capillary interface as well as attenuation of surface area for diffusion take place by the oxidative dehydration through formation of cross links due to pressure required for the transfer of gases to meet the demaned. The formation of cross links is, however, retarded by antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and as such the process of aging is not rapid. Stress created by smoking of tobacco on the respiratory system has been taken as an example to elucidate the effects of oxidative dehydration in the mirco-environment