tokens: During normoxic exercise , at a mean O2 uptake ( VO2 ) of 4 . 0 l / min , almitrine increased arterial PO2 ( PaO2 ) ( P < 0 . 05 ) , SaO2 ( P < 0 . 01 ) , and VE ( P < 0 . 05 ) and decreased arterial PCO2 ( P < 0 . 01 ) , without affecting pulmonary hemodynamics or ventilation - perfusion distributions .