Inspiratory resistive load detection in conscious dogs.

The physiological mechanisms mediating the detection of mechanical loads are unknown. This is, in part, due to the lack of an animal model of load detection that could be used to investigate specific sensory systems. We used American Foxhounds with tracheal stomata to behaviorally condition the detection of inspiratory occlusion and graded resistive loads. The resistive loads were presented with a loading manifold connected to the inspiratory port of a non-rebreathing valve. The dogs signaled detection of the load by lifting their front paw off a lever. Inspiratory occlusion was used as the initial training stimulus, and the dogs could reliably respond within the first or second inspiratory effort to 100% of the occlusion presentations after 13 trials. Graded resistances that spanned the 50% detection threshold were then presented. The detection threshold resistances (delta R50) were 0.96 and 1.70 cmH2O.l-1.s. Ratios of delta R50 to background resistance were 0.15 and 0.30. The near-threshold resistive loads did not significantly change expired PCO2 or breathing patterns. These results demonstrate that dogs can be conditioned to reliably and specifically signal the detection of graded inspiratory mechanical loads. Inspiration through the tracheal stoma excludes afferents in the upper extrathoracic trachea, larynx, pharynx, nasal passages, and mouth from mediating load detection in these dogs. It is unknown which remaining afferents (vagal or respiratory muscle) are responsible for load detection.

The transduction properties of diaphragmatic mechanoreceptors.

The transduction properties of diaphragmatic mechanoreceptors were studied using an isolated organ preparation. Following localization of their receptive field and receptor characterization, controlled diaphragmatic stretch in 2 mm increments was performed while recording the steady-state firing frequency of these afferents. Of 31 receptors recorded, 14 could be categorized into one of 3 types: (1) muscle spindles, (2) Golgi tendon organs, and (3) pressure-sensitive mechanoreceptors. These receptors were also found to be widely distributed in the diaphragm. Four of the muscle spindles examined were shown to possess a length sensitivity of 4-8 mm with a wide range of maximal discharge. The results of this study suggest that the diaphragm contains mechanoreceptors that transduce muscle length and projects this information regarding respiratory proprioception to the CNS.

High-frequency ventilation-induced apnea: interaction of frequency, volume, FRC, and CO2.

Apnea is often observed during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). This study on anesthetized dogs varied the oscillator frequency (f) and determined the stroke volume (SV) at which apnea occurred. Relaxation functional residual capacity (FRC) and the eupneic breathing end-tidal CO2 level were held constant. Airway pressure and CO2 were measured from a side port of the tracheostomy cannula. An arterial cannula was inserted for blood gas analysis. Diaphragm electromyogram (EMG) was recorded with bipolar electrodes. Apnea was defined as the absence of phasic diaphragm EMG activity for a minimum of 60 s. During HFOV, SV was increased at each f (5-40 Hz) until apnea occurred. The apnea inducing SV decreased as f increased. SV was minimal at 25-30 Hz. Frequencies greater than 30 Hz required increased SV to produce apnea. The f-SV curve was defined as the apneic threshold. Increased FRC resulted in a downward shift (less SV at the same f) in the apneic threshold. Elevated CO2 caused an upward shift (more SV at the same f) in the apneic threshold. These results demonstrate that the apnea elicited by HFOV is dependent on the interaction of oscillator f and SV, the FRC, and CO2.