In a groundbreaking study, scientists from the University of Tokyo have discovered that mammals, including humans, can absorb oxygen through their rectum. The researchers conducted experiments on mice in an environment with extremely low oxygen levels, where none of the control group survived for more than eleven minutes. However, when the mice were supplied with oxygen through a specially developed rectal ventilation system, three-quarters of them were able to survive for up to 50 minutes. The study also found that a liquid oxygen supply system using the chemical substance Perflunafen was effective in improving oxygen levels in mice and pigs.
The researchers believe that this discovery could have significant implications for the treatment of respiratory failure, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the need for more ventilators and artificial lungs. However, there are still some concerns about the potential impact of sudden oxygen supply on the microorganisms in the gut, as well as the applicability of the study’s findings to humans with COVID-19-related inflammation. Nevertheless, the researchers are eager to conduct clinical trials with humans as soon as possible.
While the idea of rectal ventilation may seem unusual, the study’s findings could offer a potential solution to the shortage of ventilators and other respiratory support equipment. The researchers hope that their work will inspire further research into this area and ultimately lead to new treatments for respiratory failure.
